Review of Bernini Bristol, by Jamie Dunford Wood

The Bernini Bristol in Rome has been open since 1874. It has a history of attracting elite clientele, drawn in by the olde-world styling and impeccable service. The central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city.

Inside they have retained the glamour of the hotel's heyday. This means lots of tapestries, marble and a baby grand piano, which create a suitably opulent atmosphere.

The facilities

There's a Turkish bath and spa to keep the main clientele of big-business travellers relaxed. On the roof, the restaurant L'Olimpo offers sweeping views of the city.

The rooms

The 127 air conditioned rooms are done up in a variety of colours, but all the renovated rooms are ornate with the Roman obsession for using plenty of contrasting fabrics - silk flock on the walls, busy patterns in the carpeting, tassles on the bedcovers, swagged curtains and fabric bedheads. The Presidential Suite even has a pool.

The simple limed oak furnishings in the standard (superior rooms) works best - in the deluxe rooms the inlaid repro antiques introduce yet more decorative elements. The 30s windows are shuttered and are generally on the small side, so the rooms are not always very light. Rooms also have satellite TV and internet access.