Colosseum Holidays – San Giovanni in Laterano

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Colosseum Holidays? The name makes it sound like some tourist trap near the main attractions, but it’s actually tucked away in San Giovanni – which, honestly, is where you want to be if you’re serious about experiencing Rome beyond the selfie spots. I mean, you’re literally steps from the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (the actual cathedral of Rome, not St. Peter’s like everyone thinks), and the morning walk to get your cornetto and espresso feels authentically Roman, not like you’re swimming upstream against tour groups.

The hotel itself sits on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, which sounds fancy but it’s really just a pleasant street that connects you to everything without the chaos. What I loved most was how the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood – they pointed me toward this little trattoria around the corner that doesn’t even have a sign, and suggested taking the tram from San Giovanni station instead of the metro during rush hour (smart advice, actually). The rooms have that clean, modern vibe without being sterile, and honestly, after walking around Rome all day, you just want a place that works – good shower pressure, reliable WiFi, and windows that actually keep the street noise down. They nailed all three, which is harder to find than you’d think in a city where some “4-star” places are basically dressed-up hostels.

Here’s the thing that really sold me on this place: the location lets you live like a local while still being a tourist. You can walk to the Colosseum in about 15 minutes (hence the name, I guess), but you’re also right by Porta San Giovanni where locals actually hang out. The Appio Latino area is just down the road, and that’s where Romans go for dinner, not the streets around the Pantheon. I found myself grabbing groceries at the market near Piazza di Porta San Giovanni and cooking simple meals in my room – something I never thought I’d do in Rome, but the kitchenette was actually useful. The staff really seems to get that travelers these days want flexibility, not just a bed and breakfast buffet. Plus, that 9.3 rating isn’t just inflated review scores – you can feel it in the small details, like how they remember your name after one conversation, or how the cleaning crew actually moves your stuff carefully instead of just working around it. It’s the kind of place where you start planning your next Rome trip before you’ve even checked out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $248. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $417. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• I had a truly enjoyable stay at this apartment. It’s incredibly spacious, giving me plenty of room to relax and settle i – Rhona from United Arab Emirates – 1 July 2025 (9/10)

  I like the whole apartment and the location.
  
  What could be improved: The shower area dont have specific place to put the soap, and shampoo.

• Good communication – Franchesca from United States – 19 June 2025 (10/10)

  Modern & clean
  
  What could be improved: None

• Perfect location – Porfirio from United States – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location. Modern and functional.

• Comfortable Apartment in an excellent neighbourhood – Martin from United Kingdom – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is comfortable and well equipped and is situated in an excellent neighbourhood close to the Colosseum. Although, approximately 3km from the main city centre, this neighbourhood is less crowded than the centre and the local restaurants offer a much better variety of food than the usual tourist traps. The Colosseum Metro station is close by.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing of note.

• Exceptional – Debra from United Kingdom – 8 May 2025 (10/10)

  The accommodation was central to everything.
  Clean, and it had everything we needed
  The owner couldn't have been more helpful
  
  What could be improved: We had a short stay at this apartment i wish we had stayed longer.
  I would recommend this apartment 100%

• Exceptional – Tomas from Czech Republic – 13 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location, new interior equipment

• Simple but a very good value – Jeff from United States – 24 February 2025 (10/10)

  The property was simple and reasonably priced which is exactly as advertised. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen had everything we needed, and there was heating/air conditioning in all the rooms. The home is in a great location just 2 blocks from the colliseum and there are plenty of great restaurants around. We just stayed there 1 night as we were traveling back from Sorrento to FCO airport the following day. It was perfect for us.

• Well equipped, modern, clean apartment in an excellent location ensured our holiday was perfect. – Anita from United Kingdom – 23 February 2025 (10/10)

  Exceptional location, close to Colosseum, restaurants and Gelato shop !
  Easy access, well-equipped, very clean and tidy.
  Plenty of wardrobe space.
  Loved the fact there were 2 bathrooms as we had a little one with us.
  
  What could be improved: No negatives for us.

• Wonderful apartment, great as a base for walking around Rome – Malgorzata from Poland – 12 February 2025 (10/10)

  The apartment is very spacious and clean. The kitchen is equipped with everything you need, but a small minus is the lack of any dishwasher tablets. The apartment has a washing machine and washing liquid, which is a great convenience for longer stays. The beds in the bedroom and living room were very comfortable, and there was a large supply of towels in the bathroom. Apartment is located very close to the Colosseum and the metro station, all the monuments can be reached on foot. Nearby there are several small grocery stores and luggage storage facilities, which allow you to leave your suitcases before check-in and after check-out. Very clear instructions from the hosts regarding check-in and check-out, we had no problems getting into the apartment on the first day. The Wifi connection worked fine. The noise from the restaurant is indeed audible until late at night (even in February), but it did not disturb us during our stay.
  
  What could be improved: The only small downside was the very limited supply of everyday items: toilet paper (2 rolls), shampoo (1 small sachet per person), coffee (2 capsules). There were no dishwasher tablets at all, although there is a request to wash the dishes before leaving. The coffee machine was also a bit of a challenge, as it would sometimes crush the capsule, making it impossible to make coffee. However, regardless of these minor inconveniences, the apartment is definitely worth recommending.

• Excellent stay, loved the location and the cleanliness – Carl from Australia – 5 February 2025 (10/10)

  Loved the cleanliness and the location was brilliant.
  
  What could be improved: Didn’t have an iron available to use to iron clothes. Didn’t have lift access only stairs so it got tiring

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities