Colosseo Secret Garden – Home and More

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places in Rome, and Colosseo Secret Garden honestly surprised me in the best way. The name sounds a bit cheesy, I’ll admit, but when you’re walking down Via Dei Santi Quattro – which is this narrow, cobblestone street that most tourists never even notice – you realize they actually nailed it. The entrance is tucked between these ancient Roman buildings, and there’s something almost magical about disappearing from the chaos of central Rome into what feels like a hidden courtyard. You know that feeling when you stumble onto a local’s favorite restaurant? That’s exactly what this place gives you.

The garden part isn’t just marketing fluff either. There’s this actual courtyard space where you can sit with your morning coffee and hear birds instead of Vespas, which honestly feels like a miracle when you’re this close to the Colosseum. I mean, we’re talking maybe a seven-minute walk to the main entrance – not the tourist-packed side, but the back approach where you can actually breathe. The rooms themselves feel more like staying in someone’s well-appointed Roman apartment than a typical hotel. Mine had these thick walls that kept everything quiet (crucial when you’re near San Giovanni in Laterano and the morning church bells start), and the bathroom had this rainfall shower that actually worked properly. Small thing, but you’d be amazed how many Roman hotels mess that up.

What really sold me was the staff’s approach – they’re not hovering or overly formal, but they clearly know their neighborhood. The woman at check-in told me about this tiny osteria around the corner on Via di San Giovanni that doesn’t even have a sign, just locals eating incredible cacio e pepe at plastic tables. She was right, of course. The area itself is perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in Rome rather than just visiting it. You’ve got the Domus Aurea a few blocks away (way cooler than the Colosseum, honestly), and you can walk to Monti in about ten minutes when you want that hip, artsy vibe. The Metro’s close enough at San Giovanni, but you probably won’t need it much since everything’s walkable. Parking’s actually doable here too, unlike most of central Rome, though you’ll pay for it. I’d say the 8.1 rating is spot-on – it’s not trying to be the Hassler or some luxury palace, but it nails what it is: a genuine, comfortable base in one of Rome’s most authentic neighborhoods that just happens to be ridiculously close to the ancient stuff everyone comes to see.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $275. Apartment with 1 extra-large double bed, 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• We had a fabulous time! – Suzette from United States – 27 September 2024 (8/10)

  We love the location of the room. It was right down the street from the Colosseum!! Very charming!
  
  What could be improved: The apartment wasn’t like the picture. I sure understand and think that I was warned about that when booking but still disappointed are you still good? We did have a charming window that looked out onto the street and we could see the Colosseum from the window.

• Great stay in Roma – Peter from United Kingdom – 2 June 2024 (8/10)

  Location was perfect for walking everywhere. The bed was comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Room was maybe a little too small.

• Clean property with amazing location and very friendly host. – Teodora from United Kingdom – 5 March 2024 (9/10)

  Amazing location, minutes away from the Coliseo and within walking distance from the centre and a lot to f attractions. A lot of good places to eat and have coffee. The host was very friendly and provided a lot of useful information.
  
  What could be improved: The property is on two levels and there is a spiral staircase that could be challenging for children and older people, because the bathroom is downstairs.

• Good location, good room – John from Australia – 20 August 2023 (9/10)

  Good location, nice room
  
  What could be improved: The double door locks are hard to open to get to the door of the room i was staying in

• great hotel and would stay again – Zoe from United Kingdom – 14 June 2023 (9/10)

  very clean and welcoming staff

• it was fine. Luckily it had been raining so the noise level from the restaurant/bar crowd was minimal. – Cheryl from United States – 13 May 2023 (8/10)

  location
  
  What could be improved: I like having a desk clerk available in the building.

• Superb – Luis from United Kingdom – 7 March 2023 (9/10)

  Amazing location, literally next to the Colosseum. Nice neighborhood to have as your base for your holidays.
  Laura was amazing with us, easy to reach through WhatsApp, had a pdf ready with tips and some restaurants/bars suggestions around the area. I made some research before going there and she kindly confirmed of they were good places to go or to avoid.
  The room was extremely clean, they had a welcome basket with some goodies for us to have, towels and slippers (great touch), comfortable bed and enough storage for 2 of us.
  Coffee machine, kettle and hairdryer
  
  What could be improved: The only issue is the room they use to advertise is not necessarily the one you book. We had a smaller version of the one in the pictures but you're not going to Rome to stay in your room anyway!

• Quiet Central Room – William from Australia – 11 November 2024 (7/10)

  This was central, easy to find our way around. it was quiet. Plenty of food options. Felt secure.
  
  What could be improved: The room had little space to eat. It was a bedroom and nice bathroom. The shower was tepid. There was no place to store our bags after checkout (but this was something extra we would have appreciated).

• Great location, nice owner and lots to see and do – Nadia from Australia – 8 September 2024 (7/10)

  It was in a very good location, the man was very nice and helpful. He answered my questions quickly on whats app and provided good recommendations for restaurants.
  
  What could be improved: This is likely standard for Rome but the lower level where the kitchen is had a musky smell likely from lack of sunlight. However, where you sleep upstairs is fine. The shower was also small.

• We enjoyed our stay in Rome – Jeffrey from Germany – 12 May 2024 (8/10)

  Location and Host were awesome.
  
  What could be improved: Could not figure out how to get local channels on the tv

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities