Room Service:

Many people dream of finding that elusive city hotel that oozes atmosphere and has a great location, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The Hotel Locarno fulfils all these criteria, and, despite its popularity with film-makers and media types, still manages to retain the intimacy and friendliness of a family-run hotel. First opened in 1925, the interior, particularly in the public rooms, is pure art deco. Round mirrors, Tiffany lamps and paisley wall-coverings about and even the lift is an old-fashioned cage affair.

Many people dream of finding that elusive city hotel that oozes atmosphere and has a great location, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The Hotel Locarno fulfils all these criteria, and, despite its popularity with film-makers and media types, still manages to retain the intimacy and friendliness of a family-run hotel. First opened in 1925, the interior, particularly in the public rooms, is pure art deco. Round mirrors, Tiffany lamps and paisley wall-coverings about and even the lift is an old-fashioned cage affair.

The hotel also has the rare advantage, for central Rome at least, of having two gardens – a pretty and private courtyard on the ground floor, and a roof garden, where breakfast and drinks can be served in good weather. The courtyard also serves as the entrance to the neighbouring building, a former bank, recently acquired by the hotel. This now houses some of the grandest guest rooms, complete with parquet floors, high ceilings and the odd marble bath of gargantuan proportions.

If you are feeling brave enough, you can also borrow one of the hotel's chic old-fashioned black bicycles and explore Rome on two wheels. Just watch out for all those Vespas.

Location, location, location

Via della Penna 22, Rome, Italy (00 39 06 361 0841; www.hotellocarno.com). You couldn't be better placed, just around the corner from the Piazza del Popolo and a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps and the retail exhaustion of the via Condotti.

Time to international airport: Rome Fiumicino airport is around a 40-minute taxi ride; however, to avoid being stung by some of Rome's taxi drivers, you would be well advised to book an airport transfer through the hotel for around €40 (£25) one way. Or take the train to the Termini station for around €8.80 (£5.80)

Are you lying comfortably?

The 72 rooms, suites and apartments afford varying degrees of comfort and space, but the deluxe rooms in the annexe are larger. Each one is decorated differently, with furniture picked up from local antique shops and markets, although think more eclectic than luxurious. Our room was small but atmospheric, with rich red silk wallpaper and a herringbone parquet floor. All rooms have double-glazing and air-conditioning. Bathroom sizes vary wildly – if you are in the original building, they will be small, with showers only.

Freebies: Slightly uninspiring Hotel Locarno toiletries, although the hotel also gives you a dinky little "Hotel Locarno" Rome street map emblazoned with a chic 1920s poster that is its sign.

Keeping in touch: All rooms have direct-dial telephones and satellite TV. There is also a business centre with internet access and a fax machine.

The bottom line

Double rooms cost €190 (£127), de-luxe rooms €310 (£210), including breakfast.

I'm not paying that: The Tridente is a notoriously expensive area for accommodation. Doubles at the Margutta Hotel (00 39 06 322 3674) via Laurina 34, cost from €90 (£60) per night including breakfast.