Beautifully designed men’s and women’s clothing.  The men’s shirts are particularly worth noting.

This is where the rich and famous go to dine in Rome, and your experience there will be decided by whether you’re treated like an insider or a tourist by the head waiter.   Despite an occasional flash of attitude, the food remains quite good, and the pasta fagioli and fish are delicious.

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 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 very modern, chic concept shop stressing art and design which offers an appealing array of men’s and women’s clothing, flowers, furniture and items for the home.

This boutique on a charming side street near the Spanish Steps sells multi-colored striped clothing, purses, gloves, scarves, hats, tights and socks.  The socks and tights are the stand-outs here and make terrific gifts.

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.