I posted about some of these hotels a month ago and got helpful replies. One of them suggested Hotel Raphael. That hotel's location and charm look wonderful and so now I have to decide between that hotel and Grand Hotel de la Minerve. We are a family of 4 and want 2 separate bedrooms at luxury hotel with charm in central but relatively peaceful location (i.e prefer small street or piazza. The latter hotel can offer a 2bedroom suite at lesser price than a similar suite at Raphael but Raphael can offer interconnecting deluxe double rooms (duplex with balcony). Has anyone stayed in such rooms and would they work for a family? Which would be the nicer hotel with best atmosphere?

My number one question would be one bathroom or two? If the two bedroom suite has only one bath, I'd opt for the two rooms.

The 2-bedroom suite at the Minerve has 2 bathrooms.

Can't help much other than to say your almost splitting hairs at this point. Both are charming, central, quiet, top-notch hotels. The Raphael might be the slightly quieter location of the two.

I have been in your position before--stuck about a decision. Sometimes you just have to stop thinking about it and jump in with both feet and make a choice!! Good luck and have fun on your trip.

I can throw a wrench in here and suggest the Excelsior - we are also a family of 4 and stayed there for 5 nights. We had a two bedroom suite with living area, two full baths, 2 fireplaces. Good location and wonderful concierge, front desk, etc. Walking distance to everything. Loved it.

The Grand Hotel de la Minerve is very nice and I think the perfect location. I loved sitting in front of the Pantheon every night before we went to bed. Sorry, but I didn't see the suite.

Thank you everyone for your help. You're right of course, you do sometimes just have to jump in eventually but when you come from Australia it is a long way to go to find you have made a bad decision. Sounds like I am on the right track anyway!!