Hotel Paba

A lovely family-run hotel located near the Colosseum, the Paba offers just seven rooms that are packed with personality and are in mint condition. The location is hard to beat, and the rates are usually a great deal.

The two-star Hotel Paba’s enviable location—almost within hurling distance of the Colosseum—is just one reason this small hotel remains popular with guests. Another (perhaps more important) reason is Alberta, who runs the place with care. She plays the part of the Italian grandmother well, offering friendly conversation (in excellent English) and tips for visiting the city.

She also exudes a grandmother’s unwavering control over the condition of the rooms. During our inspection of all seven rooms, she inspected right beside us, giving them the “white glove” treatment, looking for dust, arranging pillows just so, and closing up the shutters to keep in the cool.

Each of the guest rooms features recent updates, including tufted headboards, modern light fixtures, and velvety bedspreads. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, phone, kettle, mini fridge and free Wi-Fi. Each room also has a table and chairs as well as a private bath, each equipped with a shower, toiletries and a hairdryer.

Wi-Fi is free throughout. While breakfast is not available at the hotel, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in the vicinity.