Il Palazzetto

The smaller sister hotel of formal Hotel Hassler is a little-known treasure, located in a town house alongside the Spanish Steps.

• The on-site Wine Academy with half-day courses
• The Spanish Steps location
• The intimate, town-house feel

While the Hassler Hotel, at the top of the Spanish Steps, is far more famous (and in need of a renovation), its smaller sister hotel, Il Palazzetto is a little-known treasure. The town-house hotel, situated alongside the Steps, was built in the 1500s as a private residence and has just four rooms, all appointed in cream-colored silks and velvets, with chocolate-brown accents. It also houses the International Wine Academy of Roma, so the hotel draws dedicated oenophiles with wine-related courses, events and tastings (all of which are conducted in both Italian and English). Guests can take an intensive half-day course on Italian wines or arrange a day’s tour with an expert to vineyards in the Lazio. Il Palazzetto has a wonderful restaurant, wine bar, garden and two terraces, one for lunch, the other for drinks. The Hassler’s facilities, including a gym and a business center, are also open to guests, and a meal at its roof restaurant, Imàgo, with an exceptional view, is not to be missed.