Ok so I am trying to finalize our first trip to Italy and I can't beleive all the information that I need to go through. Hopefully you all can help me.

Our plans are to go first to Venice April 9 until the Monday after Easter, then go to Rome and stay there until April 18. Taking one day trip to Ostia Antica. After my first posting I decided to rent a apartment through sleep in italy, but my husband wants to stay in a hotel so we have the staff for help if needed. After spending hours looking at hotels my mind is ready to explode. I am traveling with my husband and my two sons, 18 and 20. We need two rooms and in an area that has enough restuarants and close to historic sights.
Can anyone give me advise on this?

How much do you want to spend? You will get a lot more pertinent suggestions if you give your price per room per night.

Thanks Susanp. About 200-250 a night or am I dreaming?

Is that euros or $$$?
Is that quad or 2 rooms for 4 of you?

If you search above you will find hundreds of replies for hotels in Venice or hotels in Rome.

You spent hours looking at hotels but where?

venere.com?

tripadvisor?

????

It is hard to travel with kids today. Of course it depends of your budget. In Rome, can I recommend the b&b
Arco del Lauro?, it is very nice , located in the Trastevere and close to everything.
It is tiny, kind of a small tiny hotel with very few rooms.
Free internet in the lobby and free local calls.
You can write to the owner and Italians love families and most likely will take that into account when quoting a rate.
In some larger hotels, suites are a solution for 4 persons coming out less expensive than 2 rooms.
Arco del lauro is in an old building it is inside that is charming the out side looks like a very old building.

If you need a place in Venice, Locanda Orseolo get top marks from everyone with great reason.

bob-US dollars.

I was hoping for a suite at that cost, but it might have to be per room. Looking above...are you talking about the websites recommendations? I have looked there as well as expedia and other travel sites. My problem is that there are so many to look at and I was hoping for recommendations from families that have been there.

So $200-$250 for EACH room for a total of $400-$500 per night for two rooms?

You want an apt.--here are 2 good options in Venice:
http://www.palazzettodaschio.it/

www.cortegrimani.com

Hi Graziella5b,
I checked out the Arco del Lauro and just fell in love with it. I think thats a winner and it is close to everything. Thanks!

We also stayed at Arco del Lauro - had 3 rooms, so almost the place to ourselves. We really enjoyed being in Trastevere - but it was not our first trip to Rome. We did walk almost everywhere - but from Trastavere it's a long walk. After our 4 nights there, we were very happy we chose Arco del Lauro. I would definitely go back again.

My husband changed his mind and now wnats to stay in an apartment. Its cheaper and more room to move around. Has anyone stayed in Campo area or have any apartment suggestions?

That is wise !
Look at www.palazzo-olivia.it

www.sleepinitaly.com has lots of apartments in the Campo de' Fiori/Piazza Navona area. I've used them five times with great results and service.

I see now you are going back to the apartment idea, but I'll toss out my Venice favorite hotel.
www.lacalcina.com
It is absolutely lovely, in your price range, breakfast is included.