Elizabeth Unique Hotel review, Rome: A true beauty in every sense of the term

THE PLACE

Every hotel, even the bad ones, are unique in their own way but if it there's something that makes this extremely good Rome hotel unique, as per its moniker, it's the fact that with its delicate, pleasingly feminine tonings, it feels rather more Parisian in style than Roman. Most of us, your reviewer included, adore both cities so it's a best-of-both-worlds delight to settle into this handsome boutique-style hotel built in the historic heart of the Eternal City.

THE LOCATION

Elizabeth Unique Hotel, a member of the Design Hotels group, is positioned between Via del Corso and Via della Frezza, mere steps from the Spanish Steps, where these days officious tourist police constantly blast their whistles at errant visitors flouting Rome's recently-introduced policy to restore decorum to the city's major sights. You are warned, though knowing travellers tend to eschew the Spanish Steps which rate as one of Rome's more underwhelming attractions.

THE SPACE

The 33-room hotel is built inside both the gracious Palazzo Pulieri Ginetto, an erstwhile Roman mansion, and a seven-room annexe across the street. The main and almost invisible entrance is tucked away in a street behind Via del Corso, one of Rome's most popular shopping strips. Inside, with the overall design inspired by the aristocratic grand tours of Europe of centuries past, the tapestry wallpapered walls of the well-lit public spaces are adorned with contemporary art. Each of the works are provided by the city's well-known and nearby Galleria Russo, as part of a special collaboration with the gallery and the hotel.

THE ROOM

Your reviewer's beautifully decorated spa suite has a light colour scheme of whites and greys offset by fetching metallic gold details. This level of rooms start from 43 square metres - huge by Rome standards - and each is a work of art in its own right, featuring original black and white wallpapers inspired by the aforementioned grand tours. From a separate living area with a sofa bed and fireplace, the bedroom is reached through an arched entrance with a king-size bed. Some of these suites, which are adorned with stunning gold-plated sculptural lighting fittings, have whirlpool bathtubs and even private saunas. Most of the rooms overlook busy Via del Corso.