Review: Palazzo Manfredi Hotel

_Location: Right in the centre of what was once imperial Rome sits the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel, which has the city’s top attractions quite literally at its doorstep. The Colosseum, the Imperial Forum and the Domus Aurea make a spectacular backdrop to this luxurious but quirky five-star hotel.

_{First impressions:} There is nothing grand about the entrance to this boutique hotel – a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World – in fact it took me some time to find it, but once I entered I was happily impressed and knew I’d found a real gem here. The Manfredi family have pulled out all the stops to offer high-level elegance and modern comforts, alongsider numerous fun touches to ensure guests have an unforgettable stay.

_{The facts:} Built over the ruins of the training site of Roman gladiators, this property was once a 17th-century villa. Fast-forward to today and it’s now home to 18 rooms and suites, all uniquely designed and most boasting amazing views from their windows. Unfortunately, ours did not, so do check when you book. Fortunately, the plush bedding, flatscreen TV, Nespresso coffee machine, free Wi-Fi, Bose audio system and large bathrooms packed with Acqua di Parma products made for a very comfy stay. And if you want to splash a little cash during your stay, the concierge can arrange personal shoppers, luxury sports cars and private tours of the ruins.

_Explore: Strap on your gladiator sandals and head to the world’s largest amphitheatre, the Colosseum, only a couple of minutes from the hotel’s doorstep. But make sure you book a slot with the concierge beforehand to avoid the often-lengthy queues. Staying at the hotel makes you perfectly placed to also explore the Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus, Basilica di San Clemente and Oppian Hill Park, which are all within a seven-minute radius.

_Wow: The hotel’s Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant Aroma is home to the most romantic dinner table Rome has to offer, with jaw-dropping views of the property’s most famous neighbour. The food here will take you on a gastronomic journey, brought to you by one of Italy’s finest chefs Giuseppe Di Iorio, who focuses on using locally sourced, organic produce. Go for the tasting menu: the chocolate soufflé with a melt-in-the-middle fondant is so light it almost floated off my plate, but make sure you don’t eat for a while beforehand – you’ll need the space.

_{Book it:} Rooms start from €400, based on two adults sharing a Prestige room on a B&B basis.

palazzomanfredi.com