Relais Conte Di Cavour de Luxe

This boutique hotel is situated on the fourth floor of a somewhat battered looking 19th century building with a striking orange facade. Accessed via narrow elevator or a marble staircase, the small reception area is lined with distinctive contemporary art prints and warm parquet floors look sharp next to mottled gray walls. The breakfast area is directly adjacent the reception desk, and consists of four small, lucite tables and chairs and a counter that holds a vase of fresh flowers. Guests here are almost exclusively couples, though the occasional family passes through as well.

The hotel is located on a busy street in Rome’s central Esquilino District, a five-minute walk from Termini train station. A seven-minute walk leads to Piazza della Repubblica, and it's 20 minutes on foot to the Rome Opera House, the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Most attractions can also be reached by metro from Termini, and trips to the Colosseum and Spanish Steps should take about 10 minutes. The surrounding area is busy and full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. The proximity to the train station makes it easy and fast to reach Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in about 45 minutes; otherwise it takes around about half an hour by car.

There are only five rooms here, all of which have a similar elegant, Old World charm, accented by large crystal chandeliers suspended from high ceilings. Rooms have subtly checkered turquoise drapes that match bed runners and blue leather ottomans, plus handsome oak parquet floors and wood half-panels on the walls. Wall art isn't the most impressive (think faded art prints), and the vintage feel of the rooms verges on dated at times, but all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Larger rooms also have chic vintage cerulean tufted leather armchairs.  A couple of rooms look out on surrounding buildings and are relatively quiet, while those facing the street can be subject to traffic noise. Bathrooms are spacious and contemporary, featuring dark blue and brown tiling, bidets, heated towel racks, and large tile showers with rainfall showerheads and wall-mounted massage jets.

Like many bed-and-breakfasts, the features are thin here, and the hotel only offers reception during limited hours. A continental breakfast (pastries, cereal, coffee, etc.) is served every day and is included with most room rates, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout. The entire hotel is non-smoking and no pets are allowed. There is no parking available on-site and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.