Daphne Inn, Rome, Italy

Opened in 2002, the Daphne Inn is a budget boutique hotel which comprises two separate buildings in the heart of ancient Rome. Just five minutes from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, these apartment-styled buildings provide a stylish and tranquil retreat from the buzz of the Eternal City.

The facilities

The Italo-American owners, Alessandro and Elyssa, have nurtured a growing market for personalised service that far outshines the norm. Floridian born Elyssa aims to provide her guests with what she wished she had on her first visit to Rome, personalised assistance at your finger tips.

On arrival guests are issued a mobile phone and encouraged to call Daphne staff at any time for tips or advice. Mimi sat down with us and patiently listened to what we were looking for during our stay in Rome before advising us on where to go, what to see, where to eat, shop – and even marking our maps appropriately.

Breakfast is plentiful at the budget boutique hotel: masses of fresh fruit, yoghurts and pastries as well as cold meats and cheeses. It’s self-service, in a bright airy room at the top of the house.

The rooms

The style of Daphne's 15 rooms is chic and simple, orientally inspired with natural coffee colours. Walls are cream, complementing dark brown wooden floors and furnishings and cappuccino-coloured textured fabrics. The Simmons mattresses and luxurious pillows conspire to make the beds extra comfortable. Simply designed panels hang above the bed. Bathrooms have mosaic tiles, there are no bathtubs but there are excellent, spacious showers. Windows have double glazing, triple in the rooms at the front and have air-conditioning and heating so provide an oasis of calm from the bustle of the city. On each floor public areas of the budget boutique hotel include free internet and a small library packed full of local guides and reading books. Ceramic vases with sprigs or single flowers provide a simple elegance.