A stylish 122 room luxury hotel from the Rocco Forte group conveniently located in the Piazza del Popolo near the Spanish Steps. The decor elegantly combines contemporary and traditional touches, and the health club and spa are highly desirable perks. And having a drink at the end of the day in the beautiful, peaceful garden is pure bliss.  The only downside is that some of the rooms can be very noisy so, if you sleep with open windows, it’s best to request a quiet location and not accept a room that faces the Piazza del Popolo.  Many of the rooms look into a central court yard but even here, the noise of the traffic on the main road above the hotel can be quite loud at times.  Although there isn’t a view, the rooms on the side are quiet.  Although the rates are high, there are attractive specials and promotions offered throughout the year.

We love this hotel for one particular reason – if you want to stay near the Spanish steps, the Junior Suite Deluxe has a large terrace adjoining the bedroom and facing the street.  In good weather, it’s glorious to sit outside in the fresh air and because of the terrace, the room is set back from the street, so you can leave the windows open at night and there is little noise.  The rooms are simply furnished but comfortable.  Breakfast is included with the room, but it leaves a lot to be desired.

This intimate 50-room hotel, part of the Relais and Chateaux group, is ideally located near Piazza Navona, Pantheon, the Ghetto and Trastevere.  The best rooms, executive and executive suites, are on the two floors recently renovated by noted architect Richard Meier; these contemporary rooms have a graceful simplicity and comfort with well equipped bathrooms (there large shower stalls for those who prefer a shower to a bath), free internet service, and beds that electrically move up and down at the head and foot of the bed.  There is a terrace with a wonderful view of Rome, the breakfast buffet is delicious, and the staff gracious and helpful though the Concierge staff while very personable isn’t always the most efficient.  Since we like sleeping with the windows open, we prefer to forego the view for  a room in the back where it’s quieter at night.  Check online for special rates and packages.

This 24-room boutique hotel in Trastevere is a real find.  Though rooms are quite small, rates are extremely reasonable, and the bathrooms are bright and airy.  There is a pretty roof-top bar, and the breakfast buffet, which is included, is generous and is served in a light-filled room.

This elegant and refined small boutique hotel, a property of the Ferragamo family with distinguished hotel properties in Florence as well, has 14 suites and studios situated in the midst of the well known international boutiques near the Spanish Steps. There is a beautiful rooftop terrace with wonderful views for dining and cocktails.  Each of the modern rooms is exquisitely furnished and equipped with a small kitchen with such amenities as a refrigerator, dishwasher,  and individual coffee maker.  Although there is a 24-hour reception and a concierge at the service of the guests, staying here feels more like living in an apartment than a hotel because it doesn’t have the usual bustling lobby and restaurants associated with a hotel.

A grand and opulent 121-room hotel located near the Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps.  In addition to its elegant rooms, it offers a fitness facility and restaurant with a glorious view of the city.  While the rates are high, the hotel offers specials and promotions throughout the year.  The downside to this lovely spot is that it’s a little out of the way, but if you don’t mind an extra 5 to 10 minute walk just to arrive at the Spanish Steps, that’s not a problem.