Baglioni Hotel Milan

This excellent hotel is perfectly located on Milan 's premier shopping street, Via Della Spinga, and even offers a personal shopper service. The hotel prides itself on its personalised service, which really cannot be faulted. The beautiful rooms are decorated in sumptuous Italian style, and are lavish. As part of the Baglioni Group of hotels, the Baglioni Milan is also typically Chinese friendly, welcome gifts are tailored to Chinese tastes and a Chinese speaking front of house staff were being recruited during my visit.

Principe di Savoia, Milan

The Principe has been a Milan landmark for almost a century and as part of the Dorchester Group it provides the excellent service you come to expect. Decorated in turn-of-the-century Milanese style the hotel offers all the amenities of a grand hotel, including the largest hotel fitness centre and spa in Italy . It is the haunt of the Italy 's rich and famous, particularly popular with the fashion set, including Donnatella Versace who stayed in the hotel while her Milan home was refurbished last year. The hotel's popular Presidential Suite is truly stunning and includes its own swimming pool, Turkish bath, spa and private sun terrace. The Principe also offers exclusive tailored packages for guests, including a visit to the Ferrari factory by helicopter.

St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome

Best for: Italian opulence, Chinese facilities

Don't be fooled by the austere exterior of this property. Stunning is the only way to describe the Grand lobby of this beautiful hotel. Restored in 1999, 35 million dollars worth of refurbishment have restored this hotel to its former glory. Marble columns, frescoed ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers, antique rugs, vintage furniture and silk brocade covers make this one the most luxuriant hotels in Italy . The most lavish suites that the hotel has to offer are the Royal and Designer Suites, both are extremely elegant and come with 24 hour butler service. Even the standard rooms have a unique hand painted mural depicting views of ancient Rome . Even if you chose not to stay at the St Regis, it's definitely worth a visit to see the original Salone Ritz ballroom, a sumptuous example of 19 th century opulence and extravagance.

Hotel de Russie

Best for: romance, place to be seen, location

Located on Rome 's main shopping street, this is one of the best located hotels in Rome . It's also the only hotel in central Rome with gardens, providing a genuine refuge from the busy city. The décor is understated elegance - simple, eclectic and chic making a it a favourite with Europe 's wealthy. The Hotel also enjoys the reputation as one of the Hotels to be seen in when in Rome . Suite Poppolo is one of the nicest suites in the hotel, but if this isn't available request a garden view, these tend to be the more discreet rooms at the back of the hotel. For Hollywood extravagance then the stunning Picasso suite is your only option, this is the place that George Clooney called home when in Rome filming last years hit film, Ocean's 12.

For 6,000 euros the hotel will also arrange for private dinner for two on the terrace overlooking the exquisite gardens. Live music will up the price but it's definitely worth it for impressing someone special in one of the world's most romantic cities.

Hotel Lord Byron

Best for – business, getting away from the crowds, personal service

The Lord Byron describes itself as ‘vintage hospitality' and there is a certain air of exclusive gentleman's club opulence about this small discreet hotel. Perfect for those looking for privacy and quiet, the hotel is just slightly away from the centre of town away from the main hustle and bustle, but a pleasant walk through the Villa Borghese will take you to Rome 's main shopping street. For those not keen on the 20 minute, walk the hotel does have a limousine service available. All the rooms and suites have recently been restored in 1930s art deco style and are luxurious with sumptuous furnishings. Service at the hotel is excellent, with all the personal service of a small boutique hotel without being too invasive. However, the Lord Byron remains relatively undiscovered by Chinese visitors, as a result there is a lack of Chinese facilities and no Chinese speakers available.

Grand Hotel Baglioni, Bologna .

Best for: 15 th century frescoes, excellent service

As an excellent five star hotel, the Grand Hotel Baglioni is unique in the Bologna region and a must for anyone visiting Italy 's auto valley. Located in the centre of the old part of this medieval city, you can walk to all the main attractions and shops in less than 5 minutes. The service is impeccable is this quiet and discreet hotel. Originally a priest's residencethe hotel still houses some excellent 15 th century frescoes, painted by the famous Carrachi brothers. Although not currently open to the public due to refurbishments, it's definitely worth asking manager Pier Magrini for a private tour of the frescos, the works have only recently returned to the hotel after being on display in New York . The hotel was is also extremely open to Chinese guests currently offering some CCTV channels and a Chinese breakfast option. A spa is also planned for 2006.