Check the reviews of these two hotels in the hotel review section of this forum to help make up your mind. The Hassler is considered probably the premier hotel in Rome for luxury. I don't think you have to crawl up the Spanish Steps to get in. There's a street up there, right in front of it.

The Grand Hotel de la Minerve is smack in the center of the historic area but has received some very mixed reviews here. I hope your visit will be wonderful, whatever you choose.

I stayed at the Minerva a few years ago and thought it was very nice and the location was great. The trip before that, we stayed at the Hotel Majestic and that was FANTASTIC!!! it is a Lovely 5 star hotel and the staff was wonderful. (It was the best overall experience to date.)

I have stayed at the Minerve a half dozen times and love it! The location, the combination of modern and traditional, the lovely rooms and a great staff make it a great choice.

I have visited the Hassler for drinks and it did not make me want to stay there. I preferred the friendlier vibe at the Minerve.

Some here have reported rooms at the Minerve are run-down and service not so great. I have never stayed there but it was on our short list.

Hi

We went to Rome in april, and stayed at Grand Hotel Minerva. Superb location, can't get any better. I loved the hotel. Beatiful lobby, very nice rooms.

I just have one thing on the negative side, the beds were a bit hard for my taste.

We had sunday-brunch at the Hassler, so I got to see that as well. Seemed very nice as well, but the location of the Grand Hotel Minerva makes it my prefered choice when I am going back to Rome, which probably will be in December.

PS: If You are in Rome on a Sunday, I would recomend the brunch at the rooftop restaurant at Hassler. Fantastic view of the city, as well as superb food.