Set the scene
Located on the quietly charming via della Barchetta (behind red ropes), De’ Ricci is in one of the most traditional and unspoiled areas in Rome, surrounded by trinket shops, wine bars and restaurants (Il Goccetto/Pierluigi are the best). Only eight suites means it’s selective and full of charm; however, the hyped-up interiors (splashy paint, modern art, lots of chrome and clever lighting) give it the edge.

What can we expect from our room?
Vintage furniture; six suites have balconies; and the two attached to the Deluxe (top) rooms are enormous with cheerful red and white striped loungers (reminiscent of a Cary Grant film) for catching some sun. Frescoes of Roman scenes on the walls are painted by Andrea Ferolla. Bathrooms have Francis Kurkdjian products, retro fittings and black tiles. Overall, branding is brilliant – the De’ Ricci logo is embroidered elegantly on sheets, robes and slippers.

How about the food and drink?
There’s Charade Bar, a Forties-style speakeasy with jazzy cocktails. The menu has all the Italian essentials – home-made gnocchi, ravioli and spaghetti, plates of Parma ham, chicken and peppers (a classic Roman dish) – with a few of the international greatest hits thrown in: burger and fries, club sandwich, croque monsieur and Caesar salad. All can be served in the rooms. Breakfast is deliciously fresh, with locally baked pastries (all sorts of croissants, from jam filled to chocolate and wholemeal, and less buttery than the French but better somehow), eggs any style, fruit, organic yogurt. But back to the wine cellar… there are more than 1,500 Italian and global wines, private tasting sessions can be arranged, and you’re given a very good sparkling from Lombardy on arrival.

What sort of person comes here?
Chi-chi travellers who have a packed schedule and want a hotel that looks after them but doesn’t fuss.

What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
Authentically Roman: worn cobbled streets bustling with mopeds not cars, vintage shops (especially good for jewellery) and bars that spill onto the streets.

Anything you didn’t love?
No baths, but this is all about an elegant and efficient city bolthole. No time for lolling around in a tub; Roma is calling.

A final note: is it worth it?
It’s hard to fault. For a city break, you can’t ask for much more; it mixes exceptional fourstar standards with a genuine atmosphere. Oh, and pets are welcome, for €50 (£45) a day.

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