I'm new to this site but have already gleaned valuable great info - thanks to everyone posting! Now onto my questions . . . we're traveling to Italy in August. Will be staying with my husband's family in southern Italy for the bulk of the trip but on our return, we'll be staying in Rome for 3 days/2 nights. "We" consists of my husband, myself and 2 daughters, 14 & 5. Have already seen the recommendation from jenniferw's great message that the Hotel Due Torri seems like a perfect place to stay. Any other hotel suggestions? In addition, my 5 year old will be celebrating her 6th birthday while in Rome. Any special restaurants/ideas that would appeal to a 6 year old??

Basically, any suggestions/recommendations Roman would be so appreciated!

I would highly recommend a book called "Rome with Kids" that Fodor's puts out. We have the London and Paris editions, and they were invaluable last year.

Also, try to post a message for "Grinisa", a woman who just returned from Italy with her kids, and seems to have traveled there quite a lot. Her posts on the forum have been really helpful and informative.

Buona fortuna!

The Santa Chiara hotel has family rooms(2 room suite, 1 bathroom) and also some apartment type accommodations that work well for a family of 4. It also has a great breakfast buffet. It's located behind the Pantheon which is a very convenient location. My favorite 'local' family restaurant is Mario's on Via Del Moro in Trastevere.

Everyday will feel like a birthday celebration with the great gelato and pizzas. You'll have a great time.

Thanks Weadles! I'm glad you find my posts helpful. I too recommend getting the Fodor's book, Around Rome with Kids. We used it to plan our nine days in Rome with our two daughters last month. My trip report "Rome with Kids" was posted about 10 days ago (if you do a search under my screenname, it should come up quickly) and I list the things our girls liked to see and do in Rome as well as lots of restaurants and gelato places that are good for kids (and adults!)We stayed at the Del Senato in a Senior Suite which accomodated the four of us very comfortably and had a gorgeous terrace overlooking the Pantheon. It is described in detail in the trip report. I've stayed at the Due Torri a few years ago and was not impressed. Our room was tiny and shabby. I'm not sure if the Due Torri has quad rooms or not. The Santa Chiara, Pantheon View and Mozart would be other good choices.

Thank you all for your suggestions . . . and so prompt!