Hotel Vittoria ★★★★★

Italians continue to refer to Art Deco as stile Liberty, and in Brescia, a city which robustly resisted the extension of fascism in the 1930s, the aptly-named Hotel Vittoria captures the essence of the pre-war era. The Murano glass chandeliers which illuminate the cavernous marble lobby suggest a very Italian savoir faire, and with its sumptuous Art Deco furniture, the hotel explicitly acknowledges the historical significance of its setting. Upon arrival, the unfailingly affable concierge presents you with a traditional metal key: no nasty plastic entry card in sight here, this is old world glamour at its finest.

The Vittoria, originally opened in 1931, was entirely renovated in 2010, but the interior design lends a sympathetic nod to the hotel's pre-war origins. Each room boasts its own unique touch: think spectacular gilt chandeliers suspended over sleigh beds in some, ornate antique writing desks in others. Nevertheless, crisp white linen and pristine marble bathrooms throughout give the hotel an important modern update. Rich fabrics and heavy drapes made our room intimate, but the enormous windows and fresh pastel tones filled our little sanctuary of luxury with light. The ancient elevator on the way up to the rooms takes an age, but slow your pace and embrace the traditional charm of this hotel and you won't be disappointed.

This enduring establishment has not sacrificed all contemporary conveniences in the pursuit of classical elegance, though. As well as a well-equipped fitness suite, the hotel boasts an extensive range of Ayurvedic treatments in the Wellness Area. Further demonstrating its focus on personal service, the Vittoria offers an in-room massage service, allowing you to unwind in total privacy. After a morning workout (me) and a massage (him), we ventured to the restaurant for breakfast. Effortlessly friendly and attentive staff take eggs and coffee to order, and a vast array of delicious Italian offerings is presented on immaculate white tablecloths. Coupled with the floor-to-ceiling windows and marble-clad walls, the dining experience was elegant and unforgettable.

Sated from our breakfast and having surveyed the city's terracotta roofs from our little balcony, we stepped back in time and took a leisurely stroll to the Duomo Veccio and Duomo Nuovo. Situated just a few minutes' walk from Brescia's most recognisable historical monuments, the Vittoria's location cannot be beaten. The awe-inspiring Roman Forum is certainly not to be missed, and with entrance to the Santa Giulia Museum included in our booking, we aimed straight for the former monastery to appreciate the breathtakingly beautiful frescoes adorning the walls and ceiling of the Oratory of Santa Maria in Solario. After some window-shopping along the arcades, still warm despite the shade, and a spectacular matinee at the Teatro Grande, we returned to the hotel, ravenous.

Striking a harmonious balance between the traditional Art Deco furnishings and the fresh, innovative menu, the restaurant at the Vittoria is a seamless example of Italian style. We tried dish after dish of iconic Italian eats, each one lovingly prepared and exquisitely presented, demonstrating enormous attention to detail. The service was faultless, the ambiance lively and charming. Once we'd finished even the digestivo, we made our way to the hotel's rooftop bar, where we sipped on local Franciacorta sparkling wine and drank in the spectacular view of the city's iconic landmarks as the sun set behind us. Returning to our room, we collapsed on the bed, happy and replete.

What better way to discover all that historical Brescia has to offer than to stay in the iconic Hotel Vittoria? Its exquisite opulence could be taken from a scene in an old Hollywood film. Roman Holiday, perhaps.