Sole al Pantheon

Noted as an inn since 1467, this distinguished hotel was the choice of Renaissance writer Ariosto. Facing the Pantheon, it has painted period decoration in many of the rooms and modern touches such as Jacuzzis and double-glazing.

• Piazza della Rotonda 63

• 06 678 0441

• www.hotelsolealpantheon.com

• €€€€€

Victoria

Round the corner from its extravagant neighbours (see Bastions of Luxury), this hotel provides a modest alternative if you want to be near Via Veneto. However, by no means is it without its charms. A terrace bar has spectacular views of the ancient Aurelian Wall and Villa Borghese. Service is excellent.

• Via Campania 41

• 06 423 701

• www.hotelvictoriaroma.com

• DA

• €€€

Scalinata di Spagna

With its coveted location in an 18th-century villa at the top of the Spanish Steps, this intimate jewel boasts marvellous views from many of its rooms and from the trellis-covered terrace. The rooms are not large but are beautifully appointed. Book well in advance.

• Piazza Trinità dei Monti 17

• 06 679 3006

• www.hotelscalinata.com

• DA

• €€€

Domus Aventina

A former 14th-century convent with a 17th-century façade, this serene hotel has large, softly coloured rooms. From the balconies and terrace there are great views, and prints, murals and Classical artifacts lend elegance.

• Via di Santa Prisca 11B

• 06 574 6135

• www.hoteldomusaventina.com

• €€€

Teatro di Pompeo

Have breakfast under the arches of the first theatre in Rome, built by Pompey the Great in 55 BC. Rooms have beamed ceilings, marble-topped furniture and some have great views. The style and many of the amenities of bigger hotels.

• Largo del Pallaro 8

• 06 687 2812

• www.hotelteatrodipompeo.it

• €€€

Sofitel Villa Borghese

Housed in a renovated Palazzo, this luxurious hotel has an elegant, modern interior and offers superb views of the park from its top floor terrace.

• Via Lombardia 47

• 06 478 021

• www.sofitel.com

• €€€€

Homs

On a quiet shopping street, this mid-size hotel is a bit plain, but antiques here and there give it a gracious feel. There are two roof terraces, one enclosed for year-round breakfasts, from which you can enjoy the panorama of Rome’s skyline.

• Via della Vite 71–2

• 06 679 2976

• www.hotelhoms.it

• €€€

Inn at the Spanish Steps

This up-market hotel is in a 17th-century building – once lived in by Hans Christian Andersen. It has great views of the Spanish Steps from its attractive rooftop garden. Well-equipped rooms include satellite TV and internet access.

• Via dei Condotti 85

• 06 699 25657

• www.atspanishsteps.com

• €€€€€

Albergo del Sole al Biscione

What some claim is Rome’s very first hotel. Its best feature is the roof terrace, affording the fine views. Rooms are basic, but the atmosphere is cosy. No breakfast.

• Via del Biscione 76

• 06 6880 6873

• www.solealbiscione.it

• No credit cards

• €€

Abruzzi

Old-fashioned pensione-style relic. The rooms are large and clean and each has its own washbasin. Ask for a room that opens onto the dazzling view.

• Piazza della Rotonda 69

• 06 679 2021

• www.hotelabruzzi.it

• No credit cards

• No en-suite bathrooms

• €€€