The Rome Cavalieri Hilton, one of iTravel iShop’s favourite hotels, has just launched a Very Important Pet program for pampered pooches. Fido and Rex are whisked by dog taxi to "La Domus Aventina,” a six-acre doggy day spa located 15 minutes from the hotel, and get rid of their dog stress through green clay treatments and aloe vera massages. After a brisk run, guest pups are reunited with their owners, and lavished with a personalized cashmere sweaters and doggy bathrobes designed by Odilia Prisco. For dinner, dogs are treated to a four-course in-room menu, all served up in a red ceramic Gucci-designed dog bowl set atop a vermeil tray. The menu, beginning with soup, offers a full range of first and second course options and ends with a chocolate dessert, all doggy-safe.

Hot off the press, USWeekly reports that the media phenomenon known as TomKat has landed at Rome with entourage and baby Suri in tow, and immediately checked into the five star Hotel Hassler, right near the Spanish Steps. The hotel, where rooms start at 410 euros, also has three presidential suites and a penthouse. We doubt TomKat will be staying at the Hassler for long. The couple is planning to tie the knot on  November 18, and the venue is rumoured to be Castle Odescalchi just outside Rome.

When planning a visit to a city, there are two ways to approach it. Some people like to stay in the thick of things, and have dozens of restaurants, bars and shops at their doorstep. Other people prefer a more relaxed approach, and would sacrifice proximity for creature comforts like larger rooms and a pool. If you fall into that second category and are planning a visit to Rome, then book a stay at the Rome Cavalieri Hilton.