Hotel: InterContinental Hotel De la Ville Roma

Address: Via Sistina 67/69, Rome 00187

Website: rome.intercontinental.com

TraveLife Ranking: Five Stars

Rooms: 192

Room rates: $320+

Awards: Regularly rated among Rome’s top hotels.

Highlights: The Neo Classical-style hotel wraps guests in warm colors that are complemented with classical antique furniture that all adds up to five-star comfort.

History: This historic property dates back to the 16th century. Long before it became Rome's first deluxe property, the InterCon (as it is known locally) started life as a convent - located at the top of the Piazza di Spagna, just a few steps away from the world-famous Spanish Steps. Many of the historic trappings from the property's convent era are still scattered about the hotel, including a Bible that dates back to the 16th century and now rests on an ornate wooden lectern in the lobby area.

Interior highlights: Rich, elegant fabrics of deep reds and warm Roman colors compliment classical antique furnishings and paintings in the public areas, creating a relaxed yet refined ambience. The front desk looks like a museum piece.

In the next room: The Hotel de la Ville has been attracting high-profile guests almost from the time it opened in 1924 – including actor Brad Pitt, who chose the InterCon as the place to hide out while making Oceans 12, the sequel to his hit film of a few years ago, Oceans 11.

The rooms: Many of the upper-floor chambers come with rooftop terraces from where you can look out on Vatican City and Rome’s entire architectural splendor. Over 50 per cent of the rooms at the InterCon have their own balconies and the ones that don't look out on Rome offer guests charming views of the hotel's wonderful courtyard garden. The rooms have all been refurbished but still retain many historic features, like original mirrors. The bathrooms are bathed in natural light that bounces off white marble fixtures. They also offer the latest in beauty products and are far more spacious than many other hotel rooms in Rome.

Amenities: A hotel this old doesn’t have room for such luxuries as spas but the Hotel de la Ville does offer a business centre.

Restaurants: A restaurant called La Piazza overlooks the courtyard is where you can enjoy a buffet breakfast surrounded by terra cotta statues or an elegant evening meal. Very Roman! The hotel’s courtyard café/bar I Due Murano is where staff serves up heaping plates of olives and appetizers to go along with your drinks.

Shopping: Take the Spanish Steps down to some of the most exclusive designer shops in the world. The stores here can top up your credit card limit in a hurry.

Close By A short stroll from the hotel, past the Trinità dei Monti church reveals the tranquil, shaded parks and leafy avenues of the Villa Borghese. It's a wonderfully peaceful spot from which to ponder amazing views of the Eternal City.

Tips: The summer months in Rome are for bargain hunters with many of the chic shops in walking distance of the Hotel de la Ville reducing their prices as much as 80 per cent. This may be the most reasonably-priced 5-star property in all of Europe. Just the views one gets from the hotel’s balconies are priceless. Don’t forget your camera!