Imperial Extravagance - Luxury Hotels in Rome

Some would say Rome began it all: Empire, luxury, decadence and pure aesthetic beauty. Despite the rise and fall of dynasties, today Rome retains its imperial status and remains one of the world's premiere cultural epicentres and luxury hotel destinations. Come for the art, the food or to stand in the St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Whatever you come for, Rome is sure to steal your heart and lure you back, especially if you happen to lose a few coins in the Trevi Fountain.

Where to stay

Residenza Napoleone III: walking through the grand wooden doors of this luxury hotel is like passing through a portal to Rome's luxurious past. Opulent historical furnishings fill every room, from antique paintings and sculptures to ancient columns and artefacts. Each of the three enormous guest rooms features original oil paintings, hand-stencilled walls, tapestries and silk linens. Guests are catered to throughout their stay with a range of services from private tour guides and chauffeurs to spa services on request.

Aldrovandi Palace: the perfect place to indulge in seclusion without leaving the heart of the city, this palatial, luxury hotel is tucked away into an upscale residential sector of Rome. The owners offer their guests an urban resort experience with extravagant amenities, including a private park and garden, tennis, golf and polo facilities and an haute cuisine restaurant headed by culinary genius Alfonso Iaccarino.

What to see

Vatican City: Vatican hill has a universal draw, not only for those of religious inclination but also for lovers of art, architecture, beauty and spirituality, all of which are present in throughout the city and in St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Housing some of the most valuable artistic treasures and religious artefacts throughout the ages, the Basilica, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Vatican City are well worth the hours in line you will surely be waiting.

The Trevi Fountain: while Rome is known as the city of seven hills, it is also, arguably, the city of fountains. From Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona to Ceccarini's fountain of Neptune in Piazza del Popolo, the Trevi is perhaps the greatest of these national treasures and is also the largest Baroque fountain in the city. This may be another obvious attraction, and it will certainly be swarming with tourists at any given time; but on a quick weekend away, once you've hit the Vatican and this masterpiece of liquid and marble, a mere Euro coin tossed over your shoulder can ensure your eventual return to take on the subtler nuances of this great city.

Tom Ingrams is a travel writer who specialises in the higher end of the market. On a recent trip to Rome, he stayed in some of the city's best luxury hotels.