La Dolce Vita Colosseum

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about La Dolce Vita Colosseum? It’s actually tucked away on Via Urbana, which honestly most tourists walk right past without noticing. I mean, everyone’s rushing toward the Colosseum or getting lost trying to find the main drag, but this little street in Monti is where the real Rome starts to show itself. The hotel sits in this perfectly worn building that feels like it’s been watching the neighborhood evolve for decades – and Monti has definitely evolved, from the scruffy artists’ quarter it used to be to this sort of hip-but-not-trying-too-hard area it is now.

The thing about staying here is you’re literally a ten-minute walk from the Colosseum (I timed it), but you’re also stumbling distance from these tiny wine bars that don’t even have signs. The hotel itself? Look, it’s solidly three stars – the kind of place where the elevator makes those European elevator sounds and the breakfast isn’t going to change your life, but the guy at the front desk (Paolo, I think?) actually knows which gelato place closes latest and will draw you a map to avoid the tourist traps near the Forum. The rooms are what you’d expect – clean, a bit snug, decent shower pressure, and honestly the air conditioning works better than some four-star places I’ve stayed in Italy. There’s this persistent hum from Via Nazionale in the distance, but it’s more white noise than actual disturbance, and by the second night you don’t even notice it.

What really sold me on the place was stepping out in the morning and immediately smelling coffee from the bar across the street – not hotel coffee, but real Roman coffee where the barista doesn’t speak English and doesn’t need to. You’re in Monti, which means you can wander up toward Santa Maria Maggiore or down these narrow streets where laundry hangs between buildings and old ladies still lean out their windows to gossip. The Colosseum crowds feel like they’re happening in a different city entirely, even though you can literally see the thing from some of the hotel’s upper floors. And here’s something I didn’t expect – the evening scene around here is actually pretty lovely. Once the day-trippers head back to their cruise ships, the whole area settles into this relaxed Roman rhythm where people are drinking wine on tiny terraces and the restaurants stop trying so hard to accommodate tourists. It’s not luxury by any stretch, but it’s authentic in a way that’s getting harder to find in central Rome.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $186. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 1 double bed and 1 extra-large double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Great and spacious apartment near a train station – Leandri from Australia – 20 May 2025 (8/10)

  Lovely large apartment with really comfortable beds and a nice sunroom area.
  
  What could be improved: The configuration is a bit strange, but if you all know each other its fine. Also loads of stairs to get there, but Fabio was amazing and helped carry the bags up and down.

• Great location – Zachary from Austria – 30 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. Via Urbana is a great street to stay on. Easy walking distance to many great attractions.

• Value for money with perfect location – George from Greece – 21 January 2025 (8/10)

  Fabio is a great host, all went smoothly. The location is perfect, you can visit almost everything you want to see in Rome on foot. Also you can find very close top rated restaurants and bars to enjoy Italian food and coffee.
  
  What could be improved: The three air-conditions didn't work as expected, fortunately there were heaters for the cold. The stairs may be uncomfortable for some people.

• Superb – Peter from France – 16 September 2024 (9/10)

  The location of the the appartment is perfect.
  You are in the heart of Rome.
  Great for visiting all the main sites.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really.

• Superb – Jelena from United Kingdom – 11 June 2024 (9/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Need to be renovated

• Nice place to stay for a group for a few days. Easy checkin, even easier checkout. – Dagmar from Austria – 23 May 2024 (8/10)

  a nice apartment for 2-3 people (or even more, combined with the second apartment), perfect for a few days in Rom! Nice restaurants/bars in the street. Near to Termini and Colosseum.
  Yes, it is on the 4th floor, so a few stairs to walk. But not that bad, and who cares when walking around in Rom all day?
  
  What could be improved: I didn't saw the taxes and charge, additional to "total" while booking. This was to pay in cash. So my fault, just take a closer look.

• It was ok. – Ioannis from Greece – 16 April 2024 (7/10)

  Excellent location
  
  What could be improved: No lift , change of apt after we got in.

• Great host – Philippa from United Kingdom – 7 March 2024 (9/10)

  The warm welcome from Fabio. We arrived earlier than expected and he was very gracious. The location in Monti is perfect for us as we love this part of Rome. It is close to some attractions and the station but is not overrun by us tourists! The apartment was warm and comfortable even though we had some interesting and varied weather. We loved it and would go back.
  
  What could be improved: Needs redecorating in a simple colour scheme. Some electrical sockets are in odd places and are tricky to use.

• Enjoyed our stay here, host very helpful, and location excellent. – Stuart from Australia – 9 January 2024 (8/10)

  Excellent location, less than 10min walk to Colosseum. Host was helpful, apartment was large and great view from balcony.
  
  What could be improved: Shower was small.

• Very good – Ivelina from Bulgaria – 8 August 2023 (8/10)

  Location is perfect, close to transport, there are many restaurants, bars and shops on the street. It is not typical rental property as it gives the feeling that you are a guest at someone's home. Sheets and towels were pristine, beds were comfy, there was place to lounge on the terrace. Missing elevator was no problem for us, because the rule of traveling in Europe is "backpack or death" anyway 🙂
  Kelum who welcomed us was great.
  
  What could be improved: The doors squeaked a bit.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities