Il Palazzetto

Rome, Italy [view map]

Style: Wine-lovers' world
Setting: A stagger from the Spanish Steps

With only four refined and elegant rooms, the wonderful Il Palazzetto (formerly the International Wine Academy of Rome) is one of Rome's most intimate boutique hotels and boasts an absurdly perfect view of the Spanish Steps.

Need to know

Rooms: Four.
Rates: €275–€396, including Continental breakfast and tax.
Check-out: Midday.
Facilities: All rooms have plasma televisions with satellite and 24-hour high-speed internet connection, and the minibar has an extensive selection of wines.
Children: An extra bed can be provided if necessary.
Hotel closed: Never.
Also: Check-in is at sister hotel, the Hassler on Piazza Trinita dei Monti, a two-minute walk away.

In the know

Our favourite rooms: The Black Room at the top of the hotel. Three of the four rooms at this boutique hotel in Rome come with a view of the Spanish Steps.
Packing tips: Rosary beads; a pick and shovel to unearth ancient artefacts a few metres down (the reason Rome's metro has never been completed).
Also: The Wine Academy at Il Palazzetto runs wine courses and private wine tastings (there are two classrooms on the ground floor) as well as guided tours to Italian vineyards.

Food & drink

Rome hotels: International Wine Academy of Rome, food and drink

Hotel restaurant: The restaurant offers traditional Italian food with a twist; Tuesday–Sunday 12–3.30pm; dinner until 10.30pm. You can also dine on the terrace, in the more intimate library, and in the covered garden year-round; breakfast is at nearby Hotel Hassler.
Dress code: Informal, but zhuzh up for dinner.
Top table: In the summer, grab a place on the terrace.
Last orders: Midnight. Restaurant closed Sunday and Monday.
Room service: Not officially available.
Hotel bar: The bar has a wine list with a choice of more than 400 bottles, and a roaring fire in winter. Perfect for warm weather, the rooftop bar is open Monday–Friday 18h30–midnight.

Smith card offer A bottle of wine, selected by the director of the Wine Academy

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