Rome with three generations
 

We are planning long term for a trip to Rome in April 2006. We will be grandparents, adult children and one granddaughter (2 1/2 yrs). We plan to rent an apartment. So my questions are; Can anyone recommend an apartment to sleep 5 adults and 1 child? What is there for a 2 1/2 year old to do in Rome in addition to what she will be doing with her parents? Any other input would be appreciated. Thanks

we took our then 2 1/2 year old to Rome. She had a great time looking for cats at every site we visited. The best thing you can do to get ready for your trip is to get your daughter OUT of her stroller and walking around six monthss before your trip. I kid you not. Rome is not suited to strollers and you'll drive yourself crazy if your child doesn't/cant/won't walf part of the trip. We had a very light weight stroller for the trip- but were very glad when my duaghter would walk over part of the cobblestones! If you'll be spending a good part of the trip as a group trying to tour the sights try to be flexible with th enap schedule, bring food everywhere, be relaxed about what your daughter eats ( you'll have years to make up for a week of chocolate or no milk). Bring kids or real binoculars- a grat distraction ( look for the cat, see the building with the funny roof,find grandpa!) the best part about Rome? they LOVE children!

We just stayed in an apartment (Farnese I) that sleeps 7 through Comfort Italia (www.comfortitalia.com). It was right on Piazza Farnese--a great location a block from Campo dei Fiori. It was just my husband and myself, but we got the big apartment because they double booked the smaller apartment in the same building.

It had 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms, kitchen, large living/dining room (table seats 8). I think it rented for 2,400 euro for the week.

They have a bunch of apartments on the website.

I went with them after encountering problems booking through another company. Everything went very smoothly, and we were greeted when we arrived by Prudence. They also arranged a car service for us from the airport at our request.

One note: you have to send a deposit, and they don't take credit cards. Then pay the balance due plus a refundable deposit and cleaning fee when you arrive, in cash. It all worked fine, but some people don't like to deal in cash.

For ideas for things a 21/2 year old would like to do in Rome, pick up the book "Around Rome With Kids" published by Fodor's. I think she would like the little amusement area in the Borghese Gardens which has small rides (daughters loved the little race cars they could drive around a track), the zoo at the Borghese and the park at Villa Sciarra which also has a small amusement area with a tiny roller coaster. It also has a large birdcage with all kids of birds, including peacocks and ducks so bring some bread crumbs and she can feed them. If you encounter a rainy day, check out the Explora Children's Museum north of Piazza del Popolo.

I would also suggest you bring enough NEW small toys, so you can surprise her with a toy each day that she has not had before.

OR bring a few, then plan a trip to a toy store once there.

Something new everyday helps.

--Marv

Thanks for the replies. I am the grandmother, though I still feel 17. We like to try to take group family trips every few years. We use it as a big Christmas present to our grown kids and now granddaughter. Any other apartment suggestions?

Here's another apt.(2 bath, sleeps up to 8). Located 3 blocks from Piazza Navona and 4 blocks from Campo dei Fiori. I didn't stay in this particular apt. (we stayed in the "Julia"). My family used this agency (in 2003) and friends from our church did as well (in 2004). All of us loved our apts. as well as the agency.

http://www.romanhomes.com/vacation_r...chelangelo.htm

My family of 3 generations did Rome last summer and had a blast. The youngest children were 7 and 8. They loved playing in the fountains and eating gelato, as I'm sure your grandchild will too.
I can also recommend an apt. right at the Spanish Steps that we used, which was roomy enough for the whole family.
www.internazionaledomus.com/
These apts are a bit more expensive than others, but the location and the view looking out on the Steps can't be beat.

Might want to contact Sleep In Italy about these apartments which look like they are all in the same building maybe you could take two to meet your needs.

http://www.sleepinitaly.com/files/apt_spagna.html