Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá, Rome

Formerly a convent, the hotel was built on the site of an original villa belonging to Emperor Nero's mother, Julia Agrippina. It's a ten-minute walk to Castel Sant'Angelo.

You're located on Gianicolo hill, equidistant between the Vatican and the River Tiber.

By plane: London to Rome takes 2 hours 25 minutes; Manchester to Rome takes 2 hours 40 minutes - after which, it's a 40-minute drive to the hotel. Paid on-site parking available. Book flights to Rome.

You'll feel miles away from the city at this pink-painted villa, set within landscaped gardens with its outdoor pool. Public rooms are exquisite, decorated in shades of red and teal.

You'll be well looked after here; service is personal and attentive and staff are friendly. Facilities include a ground floor spa with private courtyard hydrotherapy pool. The spa is one of only eight in the world to offer a bespoke "My Blend" Clarins facials.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms come in different shapes and sizes, but all have neutral colour palettes. Some enjoy views of the gardens, or across Rome and the Vatican; while others come with private whirlpools.

Room types: Deluxe, Premier, Supreme rooms; Junior, River, Master, Renaissance, Vatican, Panoramic, Nero suites; Garden Studio Apartment

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, Nespresso machine, free Wi-Fi

Be sure to sample the Agrippina version of a Negroni with Roman rosso vermouth and local gin. Dine on Italian favourites including puntarelle (Italian chicory) with squid or beef fillet with salsa verde. Breakfast pancakes come with banana and chocolate sauce for an indulgent start to the day.

Follie: fine dining, contemporary Roman cuisine.

Amaro: cocktails and light dishes, open daily.

Gala: al fresco dining and pool bar, light bites, all-day dining.