Hotel San Anselmo

IF YOU’D SOONER SAY ARRIVERDERCI ROMA when it comes to the Eternal city’s hustle-bustle, here’s a hideaway that’s close enough to the action but blissfully away from it all.

Hotel San Anselmo sits beside a pretty square on the leafy Aventine Hill, in a quiet residential area of parks, graceful villas and trees. The scent of bougainvillea  hangs in the air and you’re within striking distance of the Colosseum and other big attractions. It’s a great location for those after an appealing urban escape away from the crowds.

The tone at Hotel San Anselmo is lush and seductive.We loved this handsome 19th century Roman villa, with its lofty ceilings and tall shuttered windows. Splashes of Baroque and Italianate opulence mixed with stylish contemporary touches push up the glam factor. While rooms are not huge, the feel is decidedly self indulgent.

Walls of poetry

Moodily distressed walls in deep rose and old gold are the backdrop for Venetian glass chandeliers, canopy beds, ornate mirrors, prettily stencilled doors and (in some rooms) walls scrawled with poetry – so you might even find yourself reading Keats in Italian.

Shades of pale terracotta, coffee and cream make things pleasingly restful, while pristine, mosaic-tiled bathrooms come with jacuzzis, walk-in showers or huge roll top baths. The retro-chic feel continues downstairs in the lobby, with its velvet covered daybed and inset fireplace.

Outside, it’s a treat. Sit amid the orange trees and birdsong on a vine-covered terrace, flower-filled balcony or peaceful patio – perfect for breakfast, cocktails or simply some postcard-writing. There’s even a little pergola and fountains. San Anselmo also has a chic little bar.

You’re a 15-minute walk here from the Roman Forum and Colosseum, though you’ll need to stride out for around 30 minutes (or to reach the Spanish Steps and Trevi fountain. There’s a metro stop five minutes away if you'd sooner take the ride, and the nearby Testaccio neighbourhood has a few great trattorias as well as a Sunday market at Porta Portese.

San Anselmo’s friendly, can-do concierge team are the icing on the cake here. Romance in Rome? This place is spot on – and good value, too.

© Room for Romance