Hotel Vilòn

The hotel is cosseted away on a quiet street not far from the Tiber and the bridge leading to Hadrian's Tomb. It's especially convenient for Rome's Via Condotti fashion district and the Spanish Steps. Other centro storico treasures, such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, are all only a 10-minute stroll away. Originally an annex of the Palazzo Borghese (not to be confused with Villa Borghese), the building provides amazing views of the palazzo's statue-strewn inner garden and loggia.

Architect Giampiero Panepinto worked with Roman set designer Paolo Bonfini to conjure a series of chic but whimsical spaces that have a borderline theatrical feel. Their work has brought an overall sense of vitality to a historic property, and cemented this relatively new hotel as one of Rome's most stylish spots. The pair drew on everything from the gilded glory of rococo to 20th-century modernity when designing the spaces. Photographic prints by Massimo Listri of classical and Old Master artworks dot walls throughout the hotel. An inner courtyard offers a peaceful spot for guests to indulge in a moment of pause.

General manager Martina Avitabile runs a tight ship. Though there is typically nobody at the main door to greet you, which is a bit jarring the first time you enter, everyone on staff, from the front desk to the restaurant, is attentive, welcoming and warm in the most professional way.

While the Hotel Vilòn doesn’t have a gym of its own, guests here can make use of the amenities – including wellness facilities and rooftop terraces – offered by newer sister properties in the Shedir Collection. These hotels include the Maalot, Umiltà 36 and Palazzo Roma, which are all about a 10-minute walk away down Via del Corso.

The 17 rooms and suites are sophisticated contemporary havens with art deco touches. Rooms are bright and filled with natural light but the windows are nicely double glazed to ensure a silent night. There are large televisions and minibars stocked with a modest range of complimentary snacks and drinks. The bathrooms are satisfyingly swanky, clad in contrasting black-and-white marble and separated by a thoughtful privacy door between the loo and the walk-in shower. Couples may want to consider upgrading to a junior suite, which have convenient double sinks and more room to spread out.

Three signature suites offer accommodation that is a little more special. They're named Vilòn, Melangolo and Borghese, and each has its own charms and features. Note that the Vilòn Suite does not have views over Palazzo Borghese, so if this will make or break your trip opt for one of the others. While the rooms and suites are beautiful, some of the furnishings are showing a bit of wear and tear and could do with a refresh. It would also be helpful to have USB ports or even accessible outlets next to the bed.

When it comes to food and drink, Vilòn does not disappoint. An indulgent and vast breakfast (guests can choose from an à la carte menu) is served in the bar and restaurant that occupies most of the ground floor and opens onto an outdoor terrace. This is where later in the day well-heeled guests clink classic negronis and more experimental concoctions. Breakfast includes fresh pastries and cakes from the buffet, while the chef prepares eggs, avocado toast, and other dishes to order – the "uovo al tegamino alla Sorrentina" (a poached egg in a basil-laced tomato sauce with buffalo mozzarella and parmesan) is a stand-out.

The Adelaide Restaurant, headed up by executive chef Gabriele Muro, focuses on refined seasonal Mediterranean dishes, but there are also a variety of Roman pastas such as rigatoni all’amatriciana done to absolute perfection. Il Nido, a little “nest” of a terrace overlooking the Borghese Gardens next door, provides another space that guests can book for private dinners or drinks.

Entry-level double rooms from €800 (£688) in low season; and from €1,000 (£860) in high. Breakfast included.

Yes, there’s one fully adapted wheelchair-accessible room on the first floor.

Yes. Cots and extra beds can be provided, and some of the rooms are twinnable. One of the suites can even be configured with the neighbouring rooms into a three-bedroom area that sleeps up to 10 for extended family groups. Gladiator School is one of the activities offered for children.