Italy with kids
 

We are going to Italy for spring break with my wife and 2 daughters age 10 and 13. We would like help with two things. First, we fly in and out of Rome and are wondering how long to stay in Rome and what other city should be visit. Second what hotel should we stay at while in Rome. We would like to all share one room but it looks like most allow only three people. We are looking at the St. Regis or Intercontinental. We are open to other suggestions but would like to stay at a nice hotel while in Rome. Thanks

David

Rome is a city where you could easily spend an entire week. How long to stay would depend on your interests and those of your children. Their interests and yours would determine any recommendation as to where else to go.

Here is a link to hotels that have accommodated families which might be helpful: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

When we stayed at the St. Regis in Rome a couple of years ago, our daughters were four and seven at the time and the hotel made us get two adjoining rooms. Loved the space, hated the bill. Generally, the four or five star hotels don't have quad rooms and that is what you are looking for. We've returned to Rome with our daughters and will again in July and we now stay at the Del Senato in their Senior Suite which holds four people.
When you say you are going for Spring Break, do you mean this Easter? If so, you need to waste no time in making reservations. If your Spring Break is in April after the holiday, you will have more selection. How long are you planning on being in Italy? If a week or less, I'd stay in Rome, rather than trying to find a quad or two available rooms in two cities at this late date. If you have ten days or so, consider Florence.

All good advice above. If you will be in Rome for a week, consider an apartment. It will be easier to find one for four than a hotel for four.

Don't know if it will be available when you are there but we are staying in a quad room with our two kids at the Albergo Cesari (March 12-18). It has received very good reviews on Trip Advisor as well as on this sight. It is located right near the Pantheon which most people say is the best central location.

Best to start contacting hotels right away!!

I can second the recommendation for the Cesari. Small, but nice rooms will accomodate 4; bathroom shower is extremely small. Excellent location-we walked everywhere from there.

We stayed in a quad (a 2 room suite) with our 2 kids at the Hotel Santa CHiara. It's a very nice hotel in a great location (behind the Pantheon).