Fodor's Expert Review Hotel d'Inghilterra

Situated in a 16th-century guesthouse and founded in 1845, Hotel D'Inghilterra has a long, storied history. It's long been used as an aristocratic residence for visitors in Rome, and has been the home away from home to various monarchs, movie stars, and some of the greatest writers of all time—Lord Byron, John Keats, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway among them. The hotel's name pays tribute to the Brits, who colonized the Spanish Steps district during the Grand Tour era.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some of the rooms are in need of a makeover as furnishings have begun to show signs of wear and tear.

room

Elegant rooms at are individually decorated with bright monochrome walls, antique furniture and paintings. Details include baroque mirrors and dressers, hand-carved wood beds, marble-covered coffee tables, and overstuffed lounge furniture. Beds are large and comfortable with huge fluffy pillows. Each is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen satellite TV, tea and coffee service, minibar and safe. There's also a mobile phone you can use around the city during your stay to save on data. All rooms are on the spacious side, but suites also have a separate sitting area.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Guests have complained of thin walls. Try to book a room on a higher floor if you are sensitive to noise.

Photo: Superior Room

Photo: Superior Room

Photo: Junior Suite Deluxe

bathroom

Spotless bathrooms are decked out in full marble. Luxe Etro or Acqua di Parma toiletries are provided, as well as a bathrobe and slippers and GHD hairdryer. Showers or baths are huge with great water pressure.

lobby

The lobby, like the rest of the hotel, is full of classical antiques and paintings. Reception is always on call behind the large oak check-in desk. There's a huge reading area with golden silk sofas and crystal chandeliers, with a great selection of art books as well as daily international newspapers available.

Photo: Lobby

Photo: Lobby

Photo: Lobby

dining

The all-day Cafe Romano Restaurant offers an upscale menu of classic Mediterranean dishes with seating also available outisde on Via Borgognona.

Photo: Cafe Romano Dehors

Photo: Cafè Romano

Photo: Terrace

Photo: Bond Bar

drinking

The Bond Bar is a classic 1950s British-style bar covered in dark wood with cozy leather stools and sofas. The resident mixologist has created a delicious menu of cocktails, many paying tribute to 007 himself.

Photo: Bond Bar