Renovated by one of the Fendi sisters, this converted 1900s mansion in the peaceful suburb of Prati offers a more kooky Roman experience. Set across the main villa and the lovely gardens, each room takes its theme from a friend or family member and, as a result, you’ll spot designer pieces from the likes of Mies van der Rohe and Ettore Sottsass along with sketches from fashion icons including Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel and Dior. Entering Enoteca LaTorre, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, is like stepping back in time, with the huge and beautifully ornate windows flooding the room with light during the day and glinting with candlelight by night.

Rooms from £100/night

Just six rooms, crisp and contemporary decor and a super central location – you get some serious bang for your buck at this sweet and simple spot. While reception isn’t open 24-hours a day, when the staff are there they couldn’t be more charming. With the creative Monti district right on your doorstep, there’s plenty to do, see and eat nearby too. It’s worth noting that some rooms are open-plan with glass-fronted showers – fine for holidays with special friends, but perhaps not ideal for a trip with mamma.

Rooms from £125/night

Set on the edge of the trendy Monti district, this boutique hotel is a stylish pick. The 19 rooms have an urban feel with bold patterns and bright pops of colour, while quality pervades with designer furnishings, high-end bedding and rather smart marble-lined bathrooms. Family-run, the service here is warm and personal and the breakfast is an absolute treat.

Set on the banks of the River Tiber in the popular Trastevere neighbourhood of Trastevere, this five-bedroom boutique hotel is smack-bang in the heart of the action. Accordingly, rooms can be a little noisy but they are beautifully elegant, with lovely parquet floors worn smooth with age, high ceilings and antiques aplenty. The sunny terrace offers the perfect place for a lazy breakfast before heading out to explore.

Rooms from £125/night

Definitely on the budget end of the boutique scale, you’ll struggle to find better value for so central a spot, with the Colosseum just a hop, skip and a jump away, and the delightfully touristy-free Celio neighbourhood on your doorstep. In line with its name, there’s a decidedly retro theme here with vintage furnishings, artworks and eclectic curio dotted about to charming effect. It’s worth noting that the cheaper rooms do come up small (read: tiny), so an upgrade is recommended – though, with rates this reasonable, it still shouldn’t break the bank.

Rooms from £70/night

A little outside the city centre proper, the Prati neighbourhood offers a more peaceful pace and so too does the lovely San Pietro. Set on the first floor of an elegant art-deco block and housing just six rooms, there is an intimate feel to this boutique guesthouse – the building’s rather grand exterior belying the simple and contemporary hideaway within. The Vatican is a short stroll away, and the rest of Rome is also easily accessible by metro, or even on foot should you be feeling spritely.

Rooms from £110/night

Set directly across from the Porta del Popolo, traditionally the main entrance to the city, the third floor of a luxurious 20th-century palazzo now plays host to this five-bedroom boutique B&B. Rather sweetly, the property has been in owner-manager Giuseppe Montani’s family for over 100 years and, accordingly, his family’s presence can be felt throughout with heirlooms, antiques and personal charm in abundance.

Rooms from £125/night

Just off the Piazza Navona, in a neighbourhood steeped in history, this beautifully restored 15th-century palace has a decidedly exclusive feel. The six luxury suites offer the perfect blend of old and new with wooden-beamed ceilings, original fireplaces and antique artworks set neatly alongside more modern design, like rather extravagant whirlpool baths. Unsurprising for a hotel of this size, amenities are light but, with the best of Rome on your doorstep, chances are you’ll have little need for much more in the way of entertainment anyway.

Rooms from £140/night

Just up the road from the Trevi Fountain on a quiet cobbled street, a stone’s throw from Piazza Barberini, this boutique B&B couldn’t be better placed for exploration. While no great shakes on the design front, rooms are comfy and contemporary and rates are exceptionally reasonable, given the location. Breakfast here is a treat and the staff have some great recommendations for less touristy sights nearby.

Rooms from £85/night

Tucked away on the third floor of a beautiful 19th-century palazzo a short stroll from Piazza Navona, you’ll find this eight-bedroom B&B. Owner-run by an interior designer and architect duo, the style is accordingly on point with the building’s original charm offset by contemporary fittings and more modern design. Breakfast is brought to your bedroom and the lovely staff have some great recommendations to help guide your meanderings.

Rooms from £139/night