Sleeping Beside the Colosseum: My Stay at Palazzo Manfredi, Rome

Overview

Some hotels put you close to history — Palazzo Manfredi places you inside it, with the Colosseum filling your window like a living masterpiece.

Palazzo Manfredi, part of the Manfredi Fine Hotels Collection, felt less like a hotel and more like stepping into a private Roman residence suspended between past and present. The building itself is a 17th-century villa, carefully restored into a boutique property, and its location is simply unmatched — directly overlooking the Colosseum and resting above the Ludus Magnus, the ancient gladiators’ training school.

From the moment I arrived, I had the impression of living inside history rather than simply observing it. Waking up and seeing the Colosseum glowing through my window was surreal, as if I had fallen asleep in modern Rome and woken up in the age of emperors. Yet inside the walls of the palazzo, everything spoke of comfort and contemporary luxury: soft textures, curated art pieces, and a design aesthetic that felt both intimate and sophisticated.

What struck me most was the balance between grandeur and privacy. With only a limited number of suites and rooms, the atmosphere is discreet, almost like being welcomed into someone’s personal home. Staff moved with a kind of invisible precision, anticipating needs without ever breaking the calm. Every corner — from the rooftop terrace to the cocktail bar in the courtyard — was crafted to remind me that I was experiencing Rome not as a tourist, but as a guest invited to savor it from within.

Staying here was truly like sleeping in Ancient Rome, but with all the warmth, ease, and indulgence of modern luxury.

ABOUT THE DESTINATION

Rome is a city I’ve visited many times, but staying at Palazzo Manfredi completely changed the way I experienced it. Being right in front of the Colosseum meant that the city’s most iconic monument wasn’t just something I went to see — it became part of my daily rhythm. I could watch it glow at sunrise, admire it in the quiet of the afternoon, and see it lit dramatically at night, all without leaving my room.

The hotel sits in the Monti district, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome. Monti has this unique energy: narrow cobbled streets that hide trendy boutiques, tiny wine bars, and authentic trattorias where locals still gather. It feels artistic, a little bohemian, and at the same time deeply tied to Rome’s traditions. Having this as my base allowed me to step out and immediately feel the pulse of the city, but also return to a peaceful oasis whenever I needed to escape the crowds.

What I loved most was the contrast: on one side, you have layers of ancient history — the Forum, the Domus Aurea, the gladiator ruins — literally at your feet. On the other, you can lose yourself in modern Rome with its designer shops, buzzing cafés, and a nightlife that never really stops. Palazzo Manfredi sits perfectly between these two worlds, offering a vantage point where past and present blend seamlessly.

It’s one thing to visit Rome, but it’s another to feel like you’re actually living inside its story. That’s exactly what this location gave me.

What we liked most

There are hotels with great views, and then there is Palazzo Manfredi. I’ve used the word epic many times on my Instagram, but here it takes on an entirely new meaning — one that sets the bar higher than ever before.

What I found here wasn’t just a set of highlights — it was a series of unforgettable moments that kept building on each other, each one making me fall a little deeper in love with this place.

• The View of the ColosseumThis is the heartbeat of the hotel. From my suite, I could see the Colosseum framed perfectly, glowing gold in the morning sun and shimmering under moonlight at night. There were times when I simply sat by the window with a glass of wine, in awe of how surreal it felt to look out at something so iconic, as if it belonged only to me. It wasn’t just a view — it was the sensation of sleeping inside history.

  
  

• Sleeping in Ancient Rome, Living in Modern LuxuryThe location above the Ludus Magnus — the ancient gladiators’ school — gave the experience an almost mythical atmosphere. Knowing that beneath me once stood the training ground of gladiators, yet having all the comforts of a private luxury residence, created a feeling that was both humbling and indulgent.

  
  

• AROMA RestaurantDining at AROMA is not just a meal; it’s a memory. The Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant delivers fine Italian cuisine, but the real magic is the setting. With the Colosseum practically at arm’s length, dinner becomes theater — the monument glowing as each course arrives. It’s one of those experiences you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world, and booking well in advance is essential to secure a table.

  
  

• The Court – Cocktail BarLocated in the courtyard, The Court is a destination in itself. Here, world-class mixology meets ancient ruins, and sipping a cocktail crafted by Matteo Zed while the Colosseum towers over you is an experience unlike any other. It felt glamorous, yet intimate — the perfect place to start or end an evening in Rome.

  
  

• Exclusive Suites with Thoughtful DesignEach suite feels like its own private hideaway, with bespoke design details that blend Roman tradition with contemporary art. Some are so exclusive they even have private elevator access opening directly into the room — a detail that immediately gives you the feeling of stepping into your own Roman residence.

  
  

• The Balance of Grandeur and PrivacyWhat I appreciated most was how intimate the property felt. With only a handful of suites and rooms, it never once felt crowded. Service was personal and discreet, with staff anticipating my needs before I even realized them myself. That attention to detail, delivered quietly and without fanfare, made the entire stay feel effortless.

  
  

• Sunrise and Sunset MagicI can’t forget the way the light transforms the Colosseum at different times of the day. Sunrise painted it in soft pastels, while sunset bathed it in fiery oranges and deep shadows. Having the luxury of enjoying these transitions from my room or the rooftop terrace made every day feel like a private performance staged just for me.

Together, these moments are what made my stay at Palazzo Manfredi unforgettable. It’s not just about luxury amenities — it’s about how seamlessly the property connects you to Rome’s soul while wrapping you in modern comfort.

Suites

The JC Suite is the one that completely stole my heart. From the bed, the Colosseum fills the view so vividly that it almost feels unreal — like a private stage set just for me. Waking up here was one of those moments where I had to pause and remind myself that this wasn’t a dream. The design of the suite balances elegance and intimacy, with modern furnishings that never distract from the star of the show: Rome’s greatest monument framed through the window.

Beyond the JC Suite, Palazzo Manfredi offers a carefully curated selection of rooms and suites, each one unique in layout and character. The Grand View Suites are equally spectacular, with expansive windows and open spaces that transform the Colosseum into part of the décor. Some even feature private elevator access that brings you directly into your suite — a detail that makes the experience feel like arriving at your own Roman residence.

The Colosseum Suites raise the indulgence further, with marble bathrooms that include whirlpool tubs or chromotherapy showers, Bulgari bath amenities, and touches like Bang & Olufsen sound systems that elevate even the quiet moments.

Even the smaller rooms retain the same spirit of refinement. Some feature private terraces where you can sip an early espresso with the Colosseum glowing in morning light. Others blend contemporary Italian design with subtle nods to tradition, creating spaces that are both stylish and deeply comfortable.

What ties them all together is the feeling of exclusivity. With so few keys in the entire property, every room feels personal, every detail intentional, and every stay unique. Here, it’s not about checking into a hotel room — it’s about stepping into your own private corner of Ancient Rome, with all the luxuries of today.

Food and Drink

One of the greatest pleasures of staying at Palazzo Manfredi is that dining here is not simply about food — it’s about savoring Rome itself, with the Colosseum as a constant companion. Every meal felt like a new chapter in the same unforgettable story.

Breakfast at AROMA

Breakfast at AROMA is an experience I would recommend to anyone, whether staying at the hotel or not. Sitting on the rooftop terrace as the morning sun rises over the Colosseum is pure magic. The atmosphere is calm and elegant, with the city just beginning to wake beneath you. The spread is generous: fresh pastries, seasonal fruit, cured meats, cheeses, and à la carte options made to order. What stood out to me was the unhurried pace — it felt like a ritual, a moment to start the day slowly, with the most iconic view in the world as your backdrop.

Dinner at AROMA

Dinner at AROMA is an entirely different kind of theatre. As the Michelin-starred restaurant of Palazzo Manfredi, it’s not just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the entire setting. When the Colosseum glows under the night sky, the atmosphere becomes electric. Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio’s menus celebrate Italian tradition with a modern twist, and each dish is paired beautifully with wines from an extensive cellar. The service is seamless, elegant yet warm, and every course is timed to the rhythm of the view. Securing a table here requires advance planning, but it’s worth every bit of anticipation. For me, it wasn’t just dinner — it was one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life.

The Court – Cocktail Bar

Tucked into the hotel’s courtyard, The Court is where modern mixology meets Ancient Rome. Run by Matteo Zed, one of the world’s leading mixologists, this bar has become a destination in its own right. With the Colosseum dramatically illuminated in front of you, sipping a signature cocktail here feels cinematic. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed — a place where both locals and travelers gather, united by the setting and the artistry of the drinks. I found it the perfect spot to begin the evening before dinner, or to end the night in style after exploring Rome. Each cocktail is crafted with precision and creativity, and combined with that view, the experience becomes unforgettable.

Rhinoceros – 360° View of Rome

Beyond Palazzo Manfredi itself, the Manfredi Fine Hotels Collection has also created Rhinoceros, a spectacular project set inside the historic Palazzo Rhinoceros. Its restaurant and rooftop bar offer a breathtaking 360-degree view over Rome — from the Palatine Hill to the Tiber and beyond. It’s a different perspective from AROMA, less intimate but more panoramic, designed for those who want to drink in the entire city skyline at once. Spending time here felt like a natural extension of the Manfredi philosophy: blending history, design, and gastronomy into a single unforgettable experience.

Services and facilities

For a boutique property, Palazzo Manfredi manages to deliver a range of services that feel both personal and unforgettable. What impressed me most was how every facility seemed to carry the spirit of Rome itself, transforming even the simplest routines into extraordinary moments.

The concierge team was exceptional, always two steps ahead. Whether it was securing a table at a restaurant that usually requires weeks of notice, arranging private tours of the Vatican, or suggesting hidden corners of the city that I never would have found on my own, their attention to detail turned the stay into something completely seamless. Everything was handled with precision, but also with a warmth that made it feel more like a personal favor than a formal service.

Even the gym left a lasting impression. With floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Colosseum, a morning workout suddenly became an almost mythical experience. Running on the treadmill or lifting weights with that view felt like training with the gladiators themselves, preparing for a day in the arena. It’s the kind of detail you would never expect, yet once you experience it, you realize it could only exist here.

Wellness is also woven naturally into the stay. While there isn’t a traditional spa, many of the suites are equipped with features like whirlpool tubs, chromotherapy showers, and even private steam areas, allowing you to create your own spa ritual in the privacy of your room. Treatments can also be arranged directly in the suite, which adds another layer of intimacy and ease.

Practicalities like transfers are handled just as smoothly. The hotel arranges private cars for arrivals and departures, making the journey through Rome’s busy streets effortless. And of course, the location itself is a service in its own right. With the Colosseum across the street and the Forum and Monti just steps away, exploring the Eternal City doesn’t require planning — you simply step outside and the history of Rome unfolds at your feet.

What ties all of this together is the scale of the property. With so few rooms, privacy is guaranteed. You never feel lost in a crowd, never wait in line, never need to raise your voice to be heard. Instead, everything is calm, discreet, and carefully orchestrated. The staff knew my preferences from the very first day, and every interaction felt personal. It’s the kind of service that quietly elevates a stay without ever needing to announce itself.

Our experience

Looking back at my stay at Palazzo Manfredi, what lingers in my mind is not just the luxury but the feeling of intimacy with Rome itself. This wasn’t simply a beautiful hotel with great service — it was the sensation of living in the very heart of Ancient Rome while still enjoying every modern indulgence. Waking up in the JC Suite and seeing the Colosseum framed perfectly from the bed is a memory I will carry with me forever. It felt almost impossible to believe that such a view was mine, even for a few days.

Every part of the stay had its own magic. Breakfast on the rooftop at AROMA made mornings feel serene and unhurried, while dinner there at night was nothing short of spectacular — the kind of experience that redefines what a meal can be. Evenings at The Court were just as unforgettable, sipping cocktails in the shadow of the Colosseum, surrounded by an atmosphere that was both vibrant and deeply Roman. And in between all of this, the quiet details — the kindness of the staff, the ease of the service, the privacy of the suites — reminded me why boutique hotels like this feel so special.

Palazzo Manfredi is not a place I would recommend to everyone. It is not for someone simply looking for a bed in Rome or ticking boxes off a tourist list. This is for travelers who want to immerse themselves fully, who want to live Rome rather than just visit it. It’s for couples celebrating something meaningful, for dreamers chasing the romance of the Eternal City, and for anyone who believes that where you stay can be as unforgettable as what you see.

Would I go back? Without hesitation. In fact, it already feels less like a question and more like a certainty. Palazzo Manfredi is one of those rare places where the story of the city becomes the story of your stay — and that’s what makes it truly unforgettable.

Click here to see our full experience

Key info

Hotel: Palazzo Manfredi – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Location: Via Labicana 125, Colosseum District, Rome, Italy

Suites: 14 Exclusive Rooms & Suites – each blending historic character with contemporary Italian design, including the JC Suite with direct Colosseum view from the bed

Date of Stay: September, 2025

Website: https://www.manfredihotels.com/hotels/palazzo-manfredi/

Instagram: @palazzomanfredi