The Duke Hotel by Joanna Monkhouse

North of the Villa Borghese is one of Rome’s wealthiest suburbs. Parioli, home to many of the city’s embassies, is favoured by diplomats and politicians as well as some of Italy’s oldest aristocratic families – many Romans aspire to have an address here. In the centre of this district lies the Duke Hotel. Rather than the villa that one might expect, the hotel is housed in a purpose-built property that blends imperviously into the local architecture of apartment blocks. Owned and run by the Visocchi family, it was completely renovated in 2000 after 10 years without opening its doors.

The large rooms are decorated in soft reds, greens and yellows with tastefully chosen prints and reproduction furniture, perfectly comfortable yet a trifle soulless. The marble bathrooms feature baths, suites have separate showers too. Some rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking the neighbourhood. Modem and fax points are provided in every room and the hotel now has Wifi throughout. Sony Playstations are available for youthful guests.

The Polo Lounge was inspired by the English club style, sporting a large Art-Nouveau stained-glass skylight, seating of various designs and fabrics round an open fire, prints of polo players, a grand piano and a large table of liqueurs, but somewhat lacks the intimacy it strives for. Drinks are available all day long and afternoon tea is served here. A second smaller lounge leads off it, ideal for reading the papers and magazines provided. The restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine. There are few alternative options nearby.

The Duke Hotel has a guest relations desk that can arrange concert tickets or guides for Rome’s cultural sights and shopping districts. There is an arrangement with a fitness centre 1km away. Though there is not much going on in Parioli itself, the hotel is in a quiet residential street, away from the crowds in the centre of Rome and close to the parks of Villa Borghese and Villa Glori. A free shuttle bus runs to the Via Veneto (15 minutes) every hour or so. Frequented by international stars of stage and screen avoiding the paparazzi in the 50s, 60s and 70s, the Duke Hotel’s out-of-the-way location means that guests these days are most likely business travellers.