Words by Harriet Thorpe

Located in a five storey Neoclassical 19th-century palazzo close to the upmarket boutique-lined Via della Spiga, the sophisticated 43-room Senato hotel welcomes visitors with handcrafted ginkgo-shaped brass lamps, a peaceful courtyard oasis and chic monochromatic interiors by architect Alessandro Bianchi. The whole experience has been carefully curated; the artisanal menu of the Senato Caffè and Franciacorta Bar is by food critic Maddalena Fossati Dondero; new music playlists are by fashion stylist Rose Langenbein; limited edition mugs by Marta Lavinia Carboni; and merino wool blankets by Calabria-based Lanificio Leo. Senato Hotel, Via Senato 22, 20121