Villa Spalletti Trivelli, Rome

• You'll stay next door to the Palazzo del Quirinale, just east of the Centro Storico and within a 15-minute stroll from landmarks like the Pantheon and the Colosseum.
• Rooms are spacious and elegant, with original turn-of-the-century details, antique furnishings, embroidered Fiandra linens, and luxurious marble bathrooms.
• The kitchen serves simple, seasonal Italian cuisine inspired by family recipes and accompanied by wine and olive oil produced on the owners' Umbrian estate.
• Guests can head to the on-site spa for a deep-tissue massage or climb to the newly renovated roof terrace, complete with Jacuzzis, sun loungers, an open bar, and far-reaching Roman views.
• Those traveling by car will appreciate the free private on-site parking (a rarity in Rome).

• Though there's an elevator to the upper floors, many areas of the villa are accessed by steps, so this isn't a good fit for travelers with limited mobility.

Authenticity

This neoclassical sandstone villa was built in 1901 for the aristocratic widow and women's rights activist Countess Gabriella Rasponi Spalletti; in 2004, her great, great-grandchildren oversaw a careful renovation to turn the family home into a boutique hotel (though they prefer the term "boutique home"). The lovingly restored interiors preserve original details like marble fireplaces and mahogany paneling, and reception rooms are decorated with priceless heirlooms, including several works by Old Masters and a magnificent collection of Flemish tapestries. The family traditions continue at mealtimes, which feature recipes passed down by the countess' beloved cook. 

Location

The villa sits on the slopes of Quirinale, the tallest of Rome's ancient Seven Hills. It's a central location, just a 10-minute stroll west from the Trevi Fountain and Via del Corso, but the setting is surprisingly peaceful, surrounded by manicured gardens and neoclassical villas. Many rooms overlook the neighboring Palazzo del Quirinale (a former papal palace that's now the official presidential residence), and you're just a few blocks north of Monti, a hip neighborhood above the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Transport links are a breeze: a bus station around the corner takes you to the Termini station in under 10 minutes (where you can catch the express train to the airport), and there's free, private on-site parking (a rarity in Rome).

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are just 14 rooms in the main villa, each filled with turn-of-the-century details like high ceilings, mahogany-shuttered picture windows, and glossy parquet floors. Even the smallest Romantic units are relatively spacious; Prestige options add additional square footage, while suites include luxurious sitting rooms. Thoughtful modern touches are hidden throughout the rooms (including complimentary minibars and universal charging stations), and each travertine marble bathroom features an oversized shower, a deep bathtub, and L'Occitane toiletries. The hotel also offers five apartments in an adjacent property for longer stays and larger groups.

Amenities

Breakfast is included in the rate and includes a beautifully presented buffet as well as a selection of hot dishes to order. Simple lunch and dinner menus offer home-cooked dishes that highlight the family's Umbrian estate's wine and olive oil, and you can also order lighter fare (like salads, sandwiches, and gelato) on the roof terrace, where you'll find an open bar, sun loungers, and three Jacuzzis. For more relaxation, head to the recently renovated Caschera Spa to book massage and reflexology treatments or unwind in the Finnish sauna and Turkish bath.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome here, and the staff are known to go above and beyond for younger guests. Extra beds can't be added to rooms, so families should book a larger suite (with a king bed and sofa bed) or one of the adjacent apartments with two bedrooms and a kitchenette.