Hotel Review: Portrait Roma, Rome

Situated off Via Condotti above the Ferragamo store in the heart of Rome's most fashionable fashion streets, the Spanish Steps are just a couple of two minutes' walk. The historic centre's largest park, the Villa Borghese, is about ten minutes away by foot, as are both Spagna and Barberini metro stops.

By plane: flights to Rome Leonardo da Vinci from London (2 hours 25 minutes) or Manchester (2 hours 40 minutes). The hotel is a 50-minute drive from the airport. Book flights to Rome.

There's a sophisticated, exclusive vibe and it doesn't really feel like a hotel at all - more like a private club. The décor is quite minimalist, with lots of white walls and splashes of pink and grey.

Being a small boutique hotel, there's not a huge range of facilities, but there is a rooftop terrace and although no restaurant (though they do serve breakfast), you are situated at the epicentre of many. Residents are offered a shopping card, giving a 10 percent discount at various boutiques.

• Kitchenette
• Terrace
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

This small boutique hotel has just 14 rooms. They typically have classy features such as polished parquet floors and leather seating. Having a little kitchenette and wardrobe area away from the main room makes it feel very homely.

Room types: Studio, Deluxe Studio, Junior Suite, Executive Studio, Timeless Suite, Via Condotti Suite, Penthouse, Family

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, Nespresso machine, mini iPad, TV, free Wi-Fi

There is no restaurant, although breakfast is served on the very pleasant panoramic roof terrace, which is covered in cold weather. There's a very good continental buffet of cheeses, meats, cooked breakfast items, boiled eggs, pastries, breads, fresh fruits and yoghurts. You can also order cooked dishes.

Breakfast: continental style breakfast, served on the roof terrace or in-room. Room service is available throughout the day and the rooms are equipped with kitchenettes for cooking simple meals.