we have a large group going to Rome and Venice in June 06 ... two familes 6 adults and 6 kids.... has anyone rented a villa or hotel with family rooms ?? should we consider an Apartment.... I don't thing we could afford 6 different hotel rooms...thoughts please....

We have a large group going to Venice in Aug 06 and we have booked apartments at the Corte Grimani Residence for our stay. I can't tell you if it is as nice as it looks, but it can't hurt to check it out.

www.cortegrimani.com

I will check it out .....any idea for Rome ?

Don't have a specific apartment to recommend, but you might want to check www.romeby.com for rentals (every loding type available -- apartment, villa, castle, hotel room, B&B).

You could rent two apartments if you can't find one big enough.

I have read good reviews from people who have stayed at Palazzo Olivia in Rome:

http://www.palazzo-olivia.it/

It is a building with one and two bedroom apartments sleeping up to six people.

I rented an apartment in Rome through www.sleepinitaly.com. They seemed to have the lowest rates for some of the same apartments that I saw advertised through other agencies at higher rates. It might be harder to find a place with two apartments in the same building than Palazzo Olivia, however.

For apartments in Venice, try www.venicerentals.com. For Rome, try www.sleepinitaly.com.

Good luck! I agree that apartments would be much more affordable with a group that large.

I used http://www.rentinvenice.com/ for Venice and www.romeaparthotels for rome. I can't give you specific reccomendations since I travelled with a much smaller group.

good luck and have fun!

I will check all these companies.....many thanks for your info !!