Inn at the Spanish Steps

The Inn at the Spanish Steps is old-world Rome at its finest — this rejuvenated seventeenth-century gem is right alongside the famed Caffé Greco, on Via dei Condotti, the famed shoppers' avenue, home to every boutique from Bulgari to Ferragamo. This is one of Rome's most famous districts, home to the Trevi fountain and (obviously) the Spanish Steps themselves, so if you are allergic to tourists, this may not be the neighborhood for you.

The hotel, though, is anything but a tourist trap — its discreet entrance is easily overshadowed by all the other eye candy nearby, ensuring that the Inn remains one of Rome's best-kept secrets. And inside is an elegant and exclusive hotel, decorated in an old-fashioned period style, with rich fabric wall coverings, antique furnishings, and parquet floors. The better rooms face Via Condotti, some with balconies, though the courtyard view rooms are a bit quieter. Other rooms feature frescoed or timbered ceilings, even fireplaces, and the only modern anachronisms are welcome ones — air conditioning, satellite TV, and wi-fi internet throughout.

The gardened rooftop terrace is delightful, with lemon and olive trees and a spectacular view, and is the perfect spot for breakfast or afternoon tea. A list of all the architectural and cultural attractions around the Inn would run to pages and pages — suffice it to say that if sightseeing is on the agenda, it would be hard to pick a more conveniently located hotel.

Please note: Depending on availability in the main building, you may be assigned to a room in one of the hotel’s two annex buildings, located several blocks away. All Studio Rooms are located in an annex and face an inner courtyard, while Classic Superior and Deluxe rooms are divided between an annex and the main building.