Hotel Due Torri

The Due Torri, a small and charming city hotel, dates to the early 1800s and is tucked away on a tiny, narrow cobblestone street in the historical heart of Rome very near the Navona Square with its Bernini fountains. The 26 rather petite bedrooms, decorated with period antiques and matching burgundy drapes and bedspreads, are accompanied by newly tiled bathrooms. Amenities include an elevator and air conditioning, which provides welcome relief on hot Roman summer days. The contained reception and sitting area have Oriental carpets, pieced marble floors, brocaded draperies, gilt-framed mirrors and paintings, and red-velvet chairs accenting the cream-colored walls. The fifth-floor mansard rooms (even smaller size) have small terraces and fourth-floor rooms have balconies with enchanting views over typical tiled rooftops and terraces. A buffet breakfast is served in a windowless room made cheery with painted borders and paintings. Super hostess Cinzia (owner as well of the newer Fontanella Borghese, also featured in this book) and her courteous staff are very helpful at arranging everything from advance ticketing for museums to transfers and restaurant and itinerary suggestions.