Savouring the Tasty Delights of The Eternal City

When it comes to a European luxury short break, it's pretty hard to beat a few days in Rome. Design hotel accommodation is no longer the domain of the rich and famous and the city has a fantastic selection of this unique style of accommodation. Combining the elements of style, culture and high art, you can luxuriate in the embrace of understated luxury within a city that arguably has no peer.

The Eternal city is one of romance, intrigue, fascinating history and rich heritage. Visitors from all over the world come to marvel at the architecture, get a feel for the deep and turbulent history, and immerse themselves in the warm culture of the local people of Rome. Design hotel locations will put you right in the centre all of its incredible attractions so can explore at your leisure. Public transport is easy to access and this city is one that lends itself perfectly to walking tours too. No matter how you want to spend your time, it will be simple to plan your itinerary. Discovering Fabulous Food One of the best reasons to visit the Italian capital is to explore its gastronomy and indulge in its culinary culture. In typical Italian style, Romans are proud of their food and love to lavish visitors with their signature dishes and age-old methods of preparation.

To Market, to Market

If you want to find out more about the food, the best place to begin your discovery is at the Campio de Fiori Market. The colourful stalls sell a huge variety of fruits and vegetables that glisten with colour and quality. Wander around this vibrant site and every sense will be assailed with the activity of the market. This is the oldest working market in the city and is as popular today as it ever was. Every area of the city has its own market and this is demonstrative of the Italian attitude to buying food. Locals still flock to the markets for their weekly shopping, and although supermarkets are popping up all over the country, the local market is as busy as ever. The Staff of Life

Bread and pasta are a fundamental necessity in the city, as they are in the rest of Italy, and fresh pasta is purchased or made on a daily basis. Breads of this region include sweet and savoury options and the famous Pizza Bianca, which is a type of pizza with no toppings, is eaten on its own or with a filling through the middle. Specialties

As far as local dishes go, the carbonara is the dish of choice here. Made with smoked bacon, egg yolks and spaghetti, this dish dates back to the time of the Empire. From Parmesan to mozzarella and pecorino to Gorgonzola, cheese is also a staple on every Roman table and is often served alongside a selection of local salamis and pastramis. When staying in Rome, design hotels will more than likely have their own top class restaurants, but you should certainly get out and explore as well, to extend your culinary delight. Make sure you visit as many local restaurants and markets as you can as these are the best places to get a real feel for the local food culture.

Looking for a great hotel in Rome? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering top class accommodation in a Rome design hotel, as well as a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.