Oh wow, where do I start. First off, I wish I could give Zolilla 6 stars.

Franca's Zolilla is just a category all it's own. This is not just a bed and breakfast, nor is it just an Italian hotel. It is an experience. Starting with the hilarious picture of the Zolilla monster eating the colosseum (which, I have to admit played a HUGE part in my wife and I choosing this place), the whole atmosphere created by Franca and her sister, is just insanely fun! That little guy is everywhere, on the emergency exit sign, on the coffee maker instructions, on the little "rules" sheet.

The place itself is decked out in aesthetic synergy. I barely caught glimpses of the other rooms while walking down the hall, but I gather that each room is a color theme. My wife and I got the orange room and it was thorough. The towels, the bedsheets, the kleenex box and soap dispenser and bathmat, and the key chain, were all orange and yellow, it was a very pleasant environment. We were just comfortable coming back every day and looking through our pictures on the bed while giving our feet a rest.

The kitchen was very clean and organized and a simple, pre-packaged breakfast was waiting each morning with pastries, bread and jam, coffee, juice, yogurt.

Zolilla is in the center of Rome. 10-15 minute walk to the Colosseum (and it's neighboring Arch of Constantine and Roman Forum). 10-20 minutes from the Trevi Fountain. We took a cab to the Vatican but walked back (maybe 45 minutes). And it was about 20-30 minutes walk from the train station (with all our luggage in tow).

There are TONS of shops and restaurants and bars within walking distance of Zolilla (literally 30 seconds out the front door).

Lastly I'll compliment the hostess herself. Franca is a treasure. She was just a pleasant person to talk to, always very polite. It was never just a hello-goodbye with her, every time we saw her at the beginning or end of the day it would be full conversation. And not just about Rome, but about childhood, family, work, boyfriends, restaurants, art, whatever. And she spoke very good English. She didn't live in the B&B, but we saw her every day.

We only met Clara (Cliara, sp?) once, Franca's sister (warning: they look a lot alike!!!! :) and she was just as polite. We had a nice chat with her. She also spoke very good English. They run the B&B together and created the Zolilla monster together. I can't compliment that little guy/gal enough, they should make t-shirts with him/her/it!

So overall, yes, 6 stars! Thanks so much to the Zoli sisters for a wonderful experience.

-Brandon and Stephanie