Travè Boutique Hotel, Rome, Italy

Nestled in the elegant Ludovisi district, a tranquil area that was once part of the lavish Gardens of Sallust, you're perfectly placed for an upscale Roman experience. Just a short walk away is the famous Via Veneto, the curving, tree-lined boulevard immortalised in Federico Fellini's 1960 drama, La Dolce Vita. While its high-glamour heyday may have waned, the street is still lined with magnificent stately buildings and upscale sidewalk cafés. Be sure to visit the unique Capuchin Crypt, which is elaborately decorated with the bones of thousands of monks. For a breath of fresh air, follow Via Veneto north to the ancient Porta Pinciana gate and into the vast, beautiful greenery of the Villa Borghese gardens.

From your base, you can easily venture into the rest of the Eternal City via the handy metro system. A short trip will take you back in time to Ancient Rome, where you can marvel at the magnificent Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum. Must-sees also include the awe-inspiring Pantheon, the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel to see works by Michelangelo and Raphael. Don't forget to soak up the atmosphere in Rome's iconic squares, such as the Spanish Steps or the beautiful Piazza Navona.