Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara by Jamie Dunford Wood

The Albergo Santa Chiara is tucked away behind the Pantheon just near San Minerve church. It feels immediately welcoming inside, with its cool grey stone and white walled reception, shiny cream marble floor, and a string of quiet but light reception rooms. Newspapers on wooden rods invite you to linger, while fresh flowers show evidence of plenty of care. The staff, too, seem happy to work here. Meanwhile, prints and oil paintings are of good quality - someone here has a good eye.

Upstairs the room decor is a consitent cream and green, with warm oak woodwork and doors, and a smattering of antiques in the corridors. Some of these have found their way into the three apartments, each with its own sit out terrace and small kitchen, and wooden ceilings - they are in the eaves. These are ideal for families, but with their single bathrooms, perhaps not so suited to four adults, especially as two would need to camp. Number three at the top is the best of these, up a spiral staircase.

Bathrooms in all the rooms are in marble, simple but clean, though some lack tubs. Fourth floor rooms have flower decked terraces and beamed ceilings. All in all, this is a great, family run choice in a good position, quiet and elegant, with decent rates.