Will be in Italy next July - family of four including two teens, and we're on a budget. I've looked through about ten books and numerous sites and there are so many hotels I'm now thoroughly confused. From what others on this site have said I think we need air conditioning (any one want to agree or disagree with that?) but otherwise only need clean and safe. It seems everything under $150 night for a quad is near the train station. Is it OK to stay there with kids? Is it too far to walk to major sites from there? Any help - general or specific would be appreciated. Thanks.

From the train station area you would have to take a bus ride to get to most sites. We (family of 4) stayed in a quad suite at Santa Chiara but it's more than $150. It cost 500,000 lire (also includes a great breakfast and has a/c). It is located right behind the pantheon and is walking distance to most sites. Pretty much anywhere near the Pantheon, Piazza Navona or camp de fiori is a great location. I don't know much about the safety near the train station. Posts have varied in comments on safety in that area. Search this board for moderately priced hotels in Rome. Email hotels directly for quad prices. Many of the websites don't list quads as an option but they may have one available.

You may want to check with Hotel Caprice (available on Expedia.com). It is just of via Veneto, in the nicer part of Rome. We walked from it to everywhere - about 10 minutes to Spanish Steps, 20 to Plaza Navona. The metro stop is about 3 minutes from the hotel which will take you to Vatican or Coleseum/Forum. <BR>There's airconditioning, but there's not buth tub - just a shower. Everything is nice and clean, continental breakfast is included. Two of us payed 180,000Lira per night, which last August was about $85. They may charge a little more for a quad, however. <BR>There are several good restaurants right on Via Veneto - the closest to the hotel, Paperone, is very good and cheap.

Ann, if you are going to be in the same city for a whole week, an apartment instead of hotel might be a cheaper and more convenient alternative. There are many apartment rental sites, and many two bedroom options. My teenage boys love the feeling of being "at home" in a strange place--for them, this means a well-stocked refrigerator, available at any hour, a TV, and a couch to flop on. They also like being able to go out on their own to shop for the food and drinks and feel that they have a neighborhood of their own.

Hello,Ann, <BR>Why don't you look through Barclayweb.com-you can find hotels in all price catagories and apartments that are great,friends have used them and been very happy.And YES a/c is good to have!You want to sleep with the windows closed -it is noisy.And I don't think you want to be very close to the train station-gypsies and pickpockets abound! <BR>Hope I have helped a little,have fun~

Hi Ann, <BR>If you are confused and want to find something good, e-mail catherina (young operator)at [email protected] <BR>she'll find an accomodation for your family in every part of Italy you'll decide to go. <BR>GOOD LUCK

The Santa Chiara is very nice and in a great, convenient neighborhood. I was curious as well about their quad suite/apartments, but forgot to ask on my last visit. Do any of them have two bathrooms? Thanks!

The quad we stayed in at the Santa Chiara was a 2 room suite with 1 bathroom w/ shower (no tub). One room had a large bed and the other 2 twins. There is an apartment (may be more than 1) with a terrace. It's pricier and I don't know the details. When we were there a family with 3 kids stayed in the apartment.

I don't know how much this will help you, but our family of four stayed in a room at the Fontanella Borghese which was in a nice location, close to shopping, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, etc. We were able to walk to the Vatican and the Colosseum, although a little far. I don't quite remember the rate, but I know it was under $200/nite. They have a website and will email you rates if you request them. I don't know if they had air conditioning. Also, my two daughters and I were in Rome two years ago and stayed near the train station and were not concerned at all about safety. Good luck!

Check out the Lonely Planet, Rome book. They organize accomodations by area of the city and price level. Will need to check directly after getting some leads. We were in Rome in March April, and of course did not need AC, but July will be very different. Check out the sites for historical weather data to get an idea. <BR> <BR>We stayed near the Forum, in the Casa Kolbe which was previously a convent. Small but very nice hotel off the beaten path. Not sure about AC. Most anywhere in Rome is accessible by bus to all the sites. Just make sure of that. We bussed a lot. And walked more! <BR>And it was a great trip--Elderhostel.

Thanks for the replies. I've check out many of them. Hotel Caprice looks great but I found it on two different sites and both listed prices almost twice what was said here. Does anyone know how accurate prices are that are listed on sites like venere.it,expedia, etc.? We will be there in July - is that considered a somewhat cheaper season than high season? - some sites seemed to imply that.

Ann, <BR>Email hotels directly for prices, You can make reservations by email and fax or call in your credit card to hold it. You can also make specific requests if you need to about the room, especially since there are 4 of you. I always ask about size & number of beds because my kids don't like to share. I did all my Italy requests for information and reservations this way. They generally respond very quickly (in English). I think you get the best prices booking direct also.