Review of Portrait Suites, by Jeroen Bergmans

Portrait Suites is the first foray into Rome for the Ferragamo family's Lungarno Hotels and by far the most fabulous of their collection of achingly hip boutique hotels. Sketches, photos and memorabilia from the archive of celebrity cobbler and capo di famiglia Salvatore Ferragamo line the walls beside portraits of his impossibly glamorous muses who included Maria Callas, Liz Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Sofia Loren.

The fourteen suites are temporary homes to megastars and the seriously wealthy when in Rome and the super-efficient staff are well-versed in their need for privacy. But what sets Portrait Suites apart from other Rome boutique hotels is the incredible attention to detail, a fitting testament to the craftsmanship of Italy's top purveyor of luxury footwear.

The facilities

The knockout roof terrace (reached via the boarskin leather-lined lift) is the Portrait Suites' most impressive space. With its open fire, sumptuous sofas, comprehensive cocktail menu and stunning views over the Spanish Steps, we're sure Salvatore's glamorous muses would have approved of this boutique hotel.

The rooms

Designer Michele Bonan (who also created the look of the other Lungarno Hotels and the sumptuous interiors of JK Capri) has surpassed himself at Portrait Suites. Blond hardwood flooring, elegant pin-striped carpeting and grey-grained Wenge wood wall panels are offset by silk curtains and cashmere throws in soft lilac, pink and pistachio green. Exquisite lighting, kitchenettes with proper coffee machines, unobtrusive plasma screens and iPod docks make the suites feel more like luxury apartments than boutique hotel rooms. Generous storage is designed for those who travel with an extensive wardrobe and bathrooms are clad in creamy Carrera marble and full-length mirrors.