While the bold colours in Gladiator Sun won’t appeal to everyone, we really like it, and it has lots going for it beyond the design. It’s right by the Colosseum, and the host, Mary, also pushes the boat out when it comes to service. It’ll be really good for people who are after a slightly more hotel-like experience. There’s a daily cleaning service and someone at reception until 11pm, as well as free laundry, great breakfast options, and recommendations of all the places tourists don’t know about.


Home truths:
*The living has two single futons in it, rather than sofas
*When we visited, the lift was down and there were ninety steps to the front door
*Currently, the internet is limited to 1GB per day
*There's no dishwasher
*Guests 3 and 4 will be sleeping on the futons in the living room