Location: Superbly situated on iconic Via Sistina in the beating heart of the Eternal City, overlooking Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti, Hotel de la Ville is the ideal starting point for discovering Rome on foot.

First impressions: The greeting was friendly and the staff attentive. The hotel’s design and interiors capture the essence and traditions of the Grand Tour. Objects and works of art can be found throughout the lobby – reminiscent of when young aristocrats were sent to study, observe and open their eyes to different cultures.

The facts: After a two-and-a-half-year refurbishment, Hotel de la Ville joined Rocco Forte Hotels in 2019. First classified as a hotel in the 1920s, the building rose to prominence in the 18th century when European nobles voted it their favourite place in Italy. Today, the hotel has 89 rooms and 15 suites, all boasting views of the skyline or the property’s inner courtyard.

Original furnishings are complemented by more contemporary touches. Those wanting a tasty bite to eat can choose from the hotel’s two restaurants – Da Sistina, which mimics a typical neighbourhood trattoria in style, and Mosaico, which brings together culinary touches inspired by Africa, the Middle East and Europe. All dishes are locally inspired, drawing on Roman traditions.

Panzanella, tortelli with fava beans and pecorino, and pea soup with ricotta all celebrate elements of the renowned Roman ‘cucina povera’ (poor man’s cooking), while classics like cacio e pepe, la gricia, and veal saltimbocca have been given a contemporary twist. The stylish Julep Herbal & Vermouth Bar is open until 1am, serving creative cocktails inspired by the 13th-century Spice Route, which went from Venice across Europe to the Far East.

Explore: From Hotel de la Ville it’s a short hop to some of Rome’s most famous tourist attractions. Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are about 100 yards from the front door – from where it’s a brief walk into the city centre.

Ideal for: City slickers who want to be at the heart of the action in an outstanding hotel.

Wow: The rooftop Cielo terrace bar – on the sixth and seventh floors – offers views across the city and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun goes down. To unwind even further, a visit to the hotel’s Irene Forte Spa is highly recommended. Drawing inspiration from Sicily, the thermal area includes a Mediterranean salt bath, sauna, steam room, ice fountain, Kneipp bath, Jacuzzi, indoor pool and relaxation area with heated beds and infrared rays.

For guests seeking treatments, there are five single rooms as well as a double suite with a Rasul tub, perfect for Sicilian mud baths.

Book it: Rates start from €550 per night. roccofortehotels.com