From the editors of Condé Nast Traveler:

The St. George shines as much for its charm as for its perfect location on the elegant Via Giulia. Pope Julius II commissioned Bramante to design a tribunal on this very spot, and rough travertine blocks still jut out from the restored facade, but the interior is sleek modernism mixed with serene classicism. The entrance has a comfortable library and two enormous sofas flanking a modern fireplace. On the other side of the open ground floor, a wine bar, the restaurant I Sofà di Via Giulia (which serves elaborate, overpriced food), and a cigar bar flow around a skylit atrium. A typical guest room has walls of the palest gray, blond parquet floors, floor-to-ceiling windows framed in travertine, and a bathroom stocked with good hand cream and lip balm. Later this year, a spacious rooftop terrace will open, as will a basement spa with a tiny gym and a Turkish bath.

When to go: Italy is always bellissima, except in August, when locals flee the heat. 

Which room to book: Most of the Deluxe doubles on the fifth floor have terraces. Room 504 has the best view.

Amenities: 24-hour Room Service, Bar/lounge