B & B Colosseo Palace
The name of this B&B reflects the great sense of humor of its owners: Colosseo Palace is anything but a palace! If you've come here looking for a luxurious accommodation...surf away. You budget travelers, on the other hand: stay.
In a few words: this is a very basic and not particularly well-maintained 8-room Bed & Breakfast near the Colosseum, split between two floors: 4 rooms on the second floor and 4 rooms on the third floor. The 4 rooms on each floor share 1 bathroom (with tub and shower nozzle). It is located a couple blocks from the Colosseum and sandwiched between two lovely parks: Colle Oppio, a great place to sit and have a coffee or afternoon aperitivo; and Celimontana, a perfect time-out for kids who need to let off some steam.
Now onto the longer version: We have been working with the owners of this place for a long time, but our feelings about it are mixed, as are the reviews. It truly is in a fantastic location (yes, you are literally a stone's throw from the Colosseum: you are basically right next to it) and therefore obviously very centrally located (you can walk to many sights, and there's also the metro and many buses out front). The owners, two kind souls, keep themselves very busy with a number of businesses and activities.
The overall feeling you'll probably get when staying here will be something like: "with a little more effort this place could be fantastic. The way it is, it's just an OK place'.
If you're thinking about booking here, these are the things you need to know:
-- unbeatable rate and hard to beat the location.
-- expect not a "palace" but rather a hostel-like accommodation.
-- the B&B is cleaned daily, and sheets and towels are, of course, all clean. However, they are washed personally by the manager, and do not come from a laundry service. Therefore, you might see stains from bleach, as well as some wear.
-- there are 4 rooms and only one bathroom on each floor. Be prepared to wait in line during 'rush hour' (mornings and evenings). Also be prepared to have to share common areas with people who may not keep them as tidy as you would. Staff comes around to clean all common areas daily, but if people don't clean up after themselves, it's bound to show in the common areas and there is no 24-hour supervision.
-- there's a self-serve buffet for breakfast-- the spartan Italian "breakfast" of cereal, pre-packaged pastries, jam, and toast. Great coffee though (freshly ground in an automatic Gaggia coffee machine-- available all day!) tea, etc. Again-- if you're unfortunate and one of your fellow guests is a devil-may-care type, you might wake up to very little food left (but there will always be the good coffee to cheer you up!)
-- the beds are comfortable. The rooms are simple but functional.
-- ceilings and walls could use a fresh coat of paint
-- old windows, busy street (not a big deal in winter when you will keep them closed, but worth noting for the hotter months)
-- no central heating, no A/C, no internet (but lots of internet cafes nearby!)
Overall, we feel we want to recommend Colosseo Palace for its great location and price, but those of you who aren't into 'hostel-style' accommodation and need that extra bit of comfort or attention to detail should not consider booking here.
Notes:
Children up to 8 years are free, ages 8-12 are an additional 10 euros per night.
The owners run a restaurant/ pizzeria and specialize in gluten-free cuisine; they'll be happy to offer a discount if you want to visit their restaurant.
In a few words: this is a very basic and not particularly well-maintained 8-room Bed & Breakfast near the Colosseum, split between two floors: 4 rooms on the second floor and 4 rooms on the third floor. The 4 rooms on each floor share 1 bathroom (with tub and shower nozzle). It is located a couple blocks from the Colosseum and sandwiched between two lovely parks: Colle Oppio, a great place to sit and have a coffee or afternoon aperitivo; and Celimontana, a perfect time-out for kids who need to let off some steam.
Now onto the longer version: We have been working with the owners of this place for a long time, but our feelings about it are mixed, as are the reviews. It truly is in a fantastic location (yes, you are literally a stone's throw from the Colosseum: you are basically right next to it) and therefore obviously very centrally located (you can walk to many sights, and there's also the metro and many buses out front). The owners, two kind souls, keep themselves very busy with a number of businesses and activities.
The overall feeling you'll probably get when staying here will be something like: "with a little more effort this place could be fantastic. The way it is, it's just an OK place'.
If you're thinking about booking here, these are the things you need to know:
-- unbeatable rate and hard to beat the location.
-- expect not a "palace" but rather a hostel-like accommodation.
-- the B&B is cleaned daily, and sheets and towels are, of course, all clean. However, they are washed personally by the manager, and do not come from a laundry service. Therefore, you might see stains from bleach, as well as some wear.
-- there are 4 rooms and only one bathroom on each floor. Be prepared to wait in line during 'rush hour' (mornings and evenings). Also be prepared to have to share common areas with people who may not keep them as tidy as you would. Staff comes around to clean all common areas daily, but if people don't clean up after themselves, it's bound to show in the common areas and there is no 24-hour supervision.
-- there's a self-serve buffet for breakfast-- the spartan Italian "breakfast" of cereal, pre-packaged pastries, jam, and toast. Great coffee though (freshly ground in an automatic Gaggia coffee machine-- available all day!) tea, etc. Again-- if you're unfortunate and one of your fellow guests is a devil-may-care type, you might wake up to very little food left (but there will always be the good coffee to cheer you up!)
-- the beds are comfortable. The rooms are simple but functional.
-- ceilings and walls could use a fresh coat of paint
-- old windows, busy street (not a big deal in winter when you will keep them closed, but worth noting for the hotter months)
-- no central heating, no A/C, no internet (but lots of internet cafes nearby!)
Overall, we feel we want to recommend Colosseo Palace for its great location and price, but those of you who aren't into 'hostel-style' accommodation and need that extra bit of comfort or attention to detail should not consider booking here.
Notes:
Children up to 8 years are free, ages 8-12 are an additional 10 euros per night.
The owners run a restaurant/ pizzeria and specialize in gluten-free cuisine; they'll be happy to offer a discount if you want to visit their restaurant.
Amenities
- with elevator
- linen and towels provided
- condominial heating (set on timer)
- 2nd and 3rd floor
- free crib available upon request
- free highchair available upon request
- free stroller available upon request
- breakfast items provided
Property details:
Bed & Breakfast (owner does not live on premises), 8 guestrooms, with 2 shared bathrooms
Payment accepted:
cash upon arrival (in euro)
Minimum stay:
no minimum stay
Occupancy:
double
Bed types:
1 queen (160 cm) or 2 singles
Policies :
non-smoking
Spoken Language(s):
Rates and Availability
A
Colosseo
B
Foro Romano
C
Vatican City
D
Trevi Fountain
E
Pantheon
F
Circus Maximus
G
Piazza del Popolo
H
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
I
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
J
Stazione Termini
K
Campo dei Fiori
L
Piazza di Spagna