The St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome

The Belle Epoque-inspired St. Regis Grand Hotel in Rome, Italy, is two blocks from the tree- lined Via Veneto and two kilometres from the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

One of Travel + Leisure's 500 Greatest Hotels in the World (2004), The St. Regis Grand Hotel was opened in 1894 by Cesar Ritz and totally refurbished in 1999. The high- ceilinged lobby features frescoes, red velvet throne chairs and a white-marble reception.

The hotel offers personal shoppers and a 24-hour butler service.

The St. Regis Grand Hotel's Vivendo restaurant serves Mediterannean dishes like foie gras and bass carpaccio with balsamic vinegar. The restaurant features silver chairs and grey-and-purple silk wall hangings, and a vaulted wine cellar which is available for private hire. The collection includes 520 wines, including 40 specially- commissioned bottles.

Speciality cocktails are mixed in Le Grand Bar, which has red velvet seating, a marble bar and Wednesday night jazz.

Afternoon tea is served in the Grand Hall, featuring an original 1894 chandelier and Louis XIV furnishings.

The St Regis Grand Hotel has 15 flexible meeting rooms, staffed business centre and wireless Internet access.

A wrought-iron lift, one of Rome's oldest working lifts, takes guests to the fifth-floor Caroli Health Club which includes a gym, Pilates room, saunas and massage rooms.

The St. Regis Grand Hotel's 161 climate-controlled guestrooms are furnished with antiques, red-and-gold fabrics and chandeliers. All are named after Rome attractions, which are depicted in frescoes. Rooms feature soundproofing, minibars, satellite television and high-speed Internet connections (surcharge). In-room massages are available. Italian marble bathrooms offer Hermes toiletries, bathrobes and a separate bathtub and shower.