Hi all--

I will be in Italy for the first time in June with my family of 4 (with kids ages 11 and 16). I found 6 hotels that could accommodate us in our price range(approx 230E/night, give or take). They vary in location, however...so I am looking for some help in choosing from anyone here who is familiar with either the hotels or areas they are in.

I'll preface it by saying that I really want to be centrally located and an easy walk to popular sights. I like to be in a busier area -- not a quiet or residential area-- so that at night, or on our downtime before dinner, say, ...there is always interesting people watching at a cafe nearby, or fun window shopping around. I definitely want a hotel,not an apartment...I am one of those people who asks the person at the desk many questions, and relys on the help they can provide!

Here are my choicesor please advise if you think I should consider an alternate area)

Hotel Del corso: 5 minute walk to Spanish steps
Hotel San Carlo: 2 minute walk to spanish steps
Residenza canali ai coronari: Behind Piazza Navonna
Hotel Rinascimento: near campo de Fiori and Piazza Navonna --(note: posted reviews of this hotel have been spotty)
hotel Lancelot: in Colosseo, a few blocks east of collosseum
Hotel Parlamento: central location, 5 min. from trevi fountain and spanish steps, not far from pantheon and piazza navonna

Any comments would be appreciated!

correction to post heading..should read ROME (not room)...sorry

Let me preface this by saying I haven't stayed at any of your hotels, but I'd choose Canali ai Coronari based on location and what you've said is important to you.

Enjoy Rome!

Having stayed several times at the Hotel San Carlo, I can say I would not hesitate to stay there again and/or recommend them. The staff is very fluent in English and extremely helpful. The location is great, you can walk everywhere or take the Metro, which is close, or cabs, as there are 2 "cab stands" close by. There is lots of shopping and dining in the general area, and many cafes. I've enjoyed all my stays there.

Buon Viaggio,
BC

Can highly suggest San Carlo where we stayed for 4 nights June 2005, with our 12 and 10 year old. Some rooms require lots of stairs, but we did not mind. We walked to all the sights and never took public transportation (just taxi to main train station and hotel arranged airport transport). The hotel's street is very quiet and safe, yet one block away from many shops, cafes etc. Just 1-2 blocks away there was a major shopping street (forgot the name of street) closed to cars during some evening weekend hours. Room #77 was more than enough room for family of 4 and had a large outside patio which gave the kids extra space if needed. A small refrigerator helped for late night snacks. The air conditioning was great and necessary as it was unusually hot that week.I am sure you'll enjoy Rome wherever you stay.

I have stayed at the Hotel Lancelot and loved it. I would stay there again without hesitation. It doesn't meet your requirements though of being in a central location or a busy area. It took us about 15 minutes every morning to walk to the city center. It was a very enjoyable walk as each day we passed the Colosseum and went through the Roman Forum. Wonderful hotel, but not the best choice for your criteria.

I agree with Leely.

Be sure to check tripadvisor.com

thank you all for your feedback. It was very helpful.