Residenza Torre Colonna

Small and personal guesthouse with a rooftop hot tub
Word to the wise: They offer a 25 percent discount on Electric Bike Rental, which is great way to see the sights, especially to explore Il Parco dell'Appia Antica.

Talk of the town: Francesco Colonna, the first to live in the tower, was a close friend of the great Renaissance poet Petrach.
This boutique bed and breakfast was once a defensive tower built by the noble Colonna family to defend their extensive property through the tumultuous times of the 13th century when the city was besieged by internal power struggles and attacks from foreign invaders.

However, there's little evidence of its medieval history inside. Designed by Natino Chirico, each of the five guest rooms - one per floor - is individually styled, with hand-painted ceiling frescoes and bright, modern decor. Most alluring however, is the wrought iron staircase leading to the sunny roof terrace, complete with a hot tub. Open 24 hours a day, bubble away by night enjoying the 360 degree views with a glass of champagne.