The Inn at the Roman Forum

"A daringly renovated seventeenth-century building constructed over an ancient part of the city (on the ground floor is a fascinating vaulted passageway to Trajan’s Market), the Inn at the Roman Forum shows off a striking décor of walls covered in silk moiré, heavy bronze drapes, parquet floors, and sculptures and paintings of approving ancient aristocrats. There are still plenty of period touches, though, like the crumbling plaster walls in passageways, and the odd bust of a former Roman statesman perched on a table, to appropriately set the scene. The 12 rooms are outfitted with four-poster beds swathed in shimmering organza, fiery-orange satin pillows strewn on silk bedspreads, and oversized shaded lamps suspended from coffered wood ceilings. There’s a rooftop breakfast/cocktail terrace, and the fourth floor’s three intimate public rooms are the heart of the hotel. The only downside is that, as with many small, chic hotels, the entire staff seem to consist of the front desk person and a rarely-seen factotum."