We need to drop our older children at the Rome airport around 8:30a.m. Does anyone have an idea of a hotel that is within 40 minutes but not an airport hotel? Thanks

I am a little confused: all Rome hotels are within 40 minutes of the airport.
Is there a reason you don't want to be in the city? If so, you might try the town/port of Fiumicino; its not bad and has a number of small hotels.

Sorry not to be too clear, new to this forum! I don't want to go into Rome city but perhaps stay in a smaller town as we will be wending our way from a week in Tuscany. Thanks.

I get 'ya. While Fiumicino is still a recommendation, let me suggest something we have done in such a situation. Yes, I know you said "no airport hotels" but do reconsider the good old Holiday Inn: its not so close to the airport that you can hear planes, has decent grounds surrounding the hotel and a very pretty swimming pool. It also has shuttle buses, both airport and into Rome, if you wanted to catch a good meal in the city for your kids last night (sadly, thats the one thing you won't get at this hotel, the food was wildly expensive and very bland).

Thanks so much for the input.