Villa Spalletti Trivelli

Step through the grand double doors and you're greeted by ancient mosaic marble floors built of fragments dating back to the Roman era. The drawing rooms are filled with family antiques, oil paintings and tapestries, while the wood-panelled library still houses the Count's original book collection. Outside, the private Italian garden offers blissful shade for alfresco breakfasts and lazy afternoons. But the real surprise is its rooftop terrace, which comes with hot tubs, a self-service bar and storybook views across Rome's rooftops (that are even better at sunset).

With only 14 rooms and suites (plus a couple of garden suites and apartments), the villa is intimate to say the least. Each room is individually furnished with plenty of family heirlooms and rich fabrics, whilst high ceilings and polished wood panelling add to the atmosphere. Views look out over the Quirinal Palace gardens or the villa's own grounds, and some suites have private patios for a quiet moment to yourself. There is air conditioning throughout, and the marble bathrooms are generous - and stocked with beautiful L'Occitane toiletries.

With Rome's greatest hits practically on the doorstep, you won't be short of things to do. The Trevi Fountain, Colosseum and Pantheon are all within easy walking distance, and the boutique-lined Via Condotti is a ten-minute stroll away. Back at the villa, the Caschera Spa offers Roman-inspired treatments including wine baths using grapes from the family's own estate – a brilliantly indulgent way to recover from a day on the cobblestones. Cooking classes, cocktail-making sessions and private Vatican tours can all be arranged through the hotel.