"How did it strike you on arrival?The entrance to Villa Spalletti Trivelli is as grand as you’d expect, this being a villa after all. And what a villa it is, with a creamy sandstone exterior overlooking a garden of trimmed hedges and manicured lawns. Inside, you feel like you’ve stumbled into someone else’s home, rather than a hotel. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Couples, plus families on holidays looking for a peaceful place to stay in the center of Rome. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Villa Spalletti Trivelli feels more like a house than a hotel, with big, elegant lounge rooms for reading or drinks. The Romantic Double Rooms are the smallest of the villa’s abodes, but are nevertheless very lovely. It’s all quite classic: there are huge mahogany French windows just calling to be flung open, a small writing desk, and two armchairs, perfect for cozying up with a book. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The sheets are soft, the pillows and mattress so comfortable that you’re basically cradled to sleep. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The mini-bar is free, and well enough equipped for a vodka soda on ice. There’s a free bar in the drawing room, too—ideal for whipping up a gin and tonic, to be had in the garden, or in the lounge. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathroom is huge, and made from Italy's famed travertine marble. It’s all beige hues with silver taps, with a separate shower and bath. And the rich and creamy Occitane products in the bathroom do us just fine, thank you very much. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is excellent, and free. Room service: Worth it?Room service covers all your carb cravings, with a spinach and ricotta ravioli (€26), or penne with fresh pesto (€20) coming out tops. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The gym has enough equipment for a good workout, and there’s free private parking at the property, too, so you don’t have to navigate Rome’s rather confusing parking rules. In summer, guests can soak in the rooftop jacuzzi, then have a light meal on the roof terrace. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?As guests head to the terrace for breakfast and dinner the property gets a little livelier, but mostly this property exudes the kind of tranquillity Rome isn’t known for—making you feel like you’re in your own private hideaway, just a short walk from all the city’s main attractions. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This is a lovely hotel, packed with charm and pleasing quirks, like old family photos scattered throughout. Best of all, the staff and décor are so comforting that you feel like you can roam around the villa to your heart’s content, and pretend it’s your very own." - Maresa Manara
