Portrait Roma

This upscale Roman hideaway is a chic and swish property that's more private townhouse than hotel. With just 14 rooms, the atmosphere is intimate and private and service is individually tailored to guests. Decor here is sleek and modern, with nods to the neighboring Ferragamo store (the family owns the building) subtly dotted about, like photographs of the shoe designer by the entrance and sketches adorning the staircase walls. There aren't many common spaces here apart from the chic lounge area with sophisticated black walls adorned with art and plush seating where guests can relax and enjoy some refreshments. Upstairs, the rooftop terrace delivers lovely views of Rome and a charming covered dining space awash in wood tones and greenery. Guests are mostly leisure travelers, both couples and families, and a considerable amount return for repeat visits.

The hotel occupies a prime location just around the corner from Via Condotti, one of the city's top luxury shopping destinations. The ground floor of the building is occupied by the flagship Ferragamo store, and Hermes is across the street. The Spanish Steps are a three-minute walk away, while the Trevi Fountain is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Several other top attractions are within walking distance, including the Pantheon (11-minute walk), Piazza Navona (15-minute walk), and the Castel Sant'Angelo (18-minute walk). The nearest metro station, Spagna, is a six-minute walk away. Roma Termini, the central train station, is about a 15-minute drive or 20 minutes via the metro. The Colosseum is about 13 minutes away via public transportation, while the Vatican is about 20 minutes away. Fiumicino Airport is around a 45-minute drive or about an hour by public transportation. Ciampino Airport is a 40-minute drive or a bit over an hour by public transit.

These chic and stylish suites are bright and spacious, clad in soft neutrals accented by black details like accent walls or furnishings. Large photos of Ferragamo shoe forms hang above beds, while triple-panel mirrors are another nod to the fashion influence. The spaces are fairly simple, but luxuriously so, with plush bedding and modern, clean-lined furniture. All units have desks and sitting areas with chic chairs and round wooden tables, plus many add sofas. High-end tech includes flat-screen TVs, DVD players, Bose bluetooth sound systems, Tivoli bluetooth radios, mini iPads, and free Wi-Fi. Kitchenettes quipped with Nespresso machines, electric kettles, microwaves, two-burner electric stoves, sinks, well stocked minibars, and dishware also come standard. Higher-category suites add extras like exercise bikes. The Via Condotti Suite has a separate living room, as does the Penthouse, which also adds a fitness area with a sauna as well as a large furnished balcony with lovely views over the city. Luxe white marble bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, illuminated magnifying mirrors, Ferragamo toiletries, and both hairdryers and flat irons. Higher-category rooms have both soaking tubs and separate showers, plus some have saunas.

The hotel puts a lot of focus on service, with a Lifestyle Team whose aim is to create personalized experiences and individually cater to guests. It's something that sets the hotel apart from competitors, and though the property lacks in features, especially for an upscale hotel, its impeccable standards of service have most guests raving. Dining-wise, though there's no restaurant but the hotel does offer room service. Breakfast is included in rates and can be served in-room or taken on the rooftop terrace, a charming spot with chic seating and lovely views over the nearby Spanish steps and Rome. It also serves cocktails and snacks in the evenings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.