Villa Spalletti Trivelli — Luxury Rome boutique stay

Villa Spalletti Trivelli sits on Via Piacenza in Rome's Monti district, a quiet street between the Quirinale gardens and the city's old centre. The villa was built in the early 1900s for an aristocratic family, and it still keeps its private garden, frescoed salons and the feel of a grand townhouse rather than a hotel. There are only a handful of suites, so the place stays calm even when Rome outside is busy. You are close enough to walk to the major sights, yet far enough from the main tourist routes to sleep well.

Rooms are individually decorated with period furniture, high ceilings and large windows over the garden or street. Breakfast is included and served each morning as a buffet with eggs, cured meats, cakes and coffee. The villa has a spa with a Turkish bath, a small library and lounges where you can read or have a drink. Staff numbers are high for the size of the property, so service is personal. The rooftop terrace is open in warmer months for an evening aperitivo.

The Trevi Fountain is about a five minute walk, and Trajan's Forum and the Roman Forum are just beyond it. The Column of Antoninus Pius stands almost on the doorstep. Walk in one direction for the ancient ruins of the Forum; walk the other way for the Trevi and the shopping around Via del Tritone. The Capitoline Museums and Piazza Venezia are both within ten to fifteen minutes on foot, which makes a car unnecessary for most of a stay.

Couples and travellers who want a calm, private base in central Rome without a large hotel feel. Good for a short city break built around walking, food and the main historic sights.