JK Place Roma

Florence and Capri aren’t exactly easy places to open a world-beating high-end boutique hotel. But by comparison, Rome is the big leagues. You can see why the minds behind JK Place wanted to wait until they could be assured of getting it right — and get it right they most certainly did.

Michele Bönan’s designs may be some of the most recognizable in the business, but they’re always tailored to the location — here they’re stunning as always, a little more sober than the nautically inspired JK Capri, and a bit more vibrant than the very restrained Florence edition.

With just thirty rooms and suites it’s definitely boutique-scaled, though within the rooms you’ll find comforts to rival the better luxury hotels — this means top-end materials and furnishings to back up the visual punch, and bathrooms that are worth writing home about.

The location, near the Spanish Steps, makes JK Place’s ultra-discreet service and posh boutique seclusion even more important. What it lacks, in comparison with the typical five-stars, is a comprehensive list of facilities — but many of us would happily miss out on a gym and spa if what we get in return is a stylish rooftop terrace bar and lounge, the perfect place from which to contemplate the prospect of a more permanent Roman holiday.