Somewhat surprisingly, this hotel has made the transition from its former independent status to Radisson management with positive panache and is now one of the popular places to drink in Rome. A crowd of slick sophisticates drink prosecco and pina coladas through the afternoon from June to September, when the flashy decking often accommodates a genteel rabble of Manolo and Marc Jacobs heels during magazine bashes and sybaritic summer parties. The views over the gritty urban train tracks from neighbouring Termini inspire either love (from the modern mavens) or hate (Grand Tour purists). Can you keep a secret? Not many know that the bar and pool are open to non-residents. Just swan up to the 7th floor in the lift, choose your sun lounger, don your designer shades and click your fingers for some nice cold drinks. Heavenly, but keep it hush.