By Amie O'Shaughnessy

The biggest challenge in finding a family-friendly hotel in Rome (or any major European city) is figuring out which properties have separate areas for sleeping and/or rooms that can accommodate four or more people.

We've uncovered a few great options over the years with configurations that work well for families at "reasonable" price points. Reasonable is in quotation marks because Rome is like New York City -- very expensive. In New York, travelers jump for joy when they find a decent, well-located hotel that is $300 a night. Rome is the same way, except swap euros for dollars, i.e., add a premium of 30 percent or more. Not to mention families need suites or connecting rooms ... ouch.

The other important factor is location. Rome is vast. Although public transportation is plentiful, this can be a hassle with kids, and part of the joy of visiting Rome is walking. You don't want to spend all your time getting from place to place underground or stuck in traffic on a crowded bus.

Here are five reliable family-friendly accommodation options for your travel to Rome with kids:

HOTEL PONTE SISTO

Located between Piazza Navona and Trastevere, Hotel Ponte Sisto is an ideal home base in the heart of historic Rome. A typical Italian four-star, the hotel is clean, well appointed and comfortable (not stylish). The atmosphere and service is warm and friendly. The family suites work well for groups of four and five people. A few rooms have a private terrace -- it's worth asking if one is available. Note: Some units face a busy road and families with noise sensitivity should request quiet rooms accordingly. Rooms for two to three people start at 200 Euros ($284) per night.

Hotel Ponte Sisto, Via dei Pettinari 64, +39 06-6863100. www.hotelpontesisto.it.

INTERNAZIONALE DOMUS

There are few tourist attractions more coveted in Rome than the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps). Internazionale Domus is in the piazza and a few of the units have terrific views of the steps. One thing I like about this property for families is that apartment-style units are available with kitchenette facilities. Also, these units are comprised of a few rooms so separation for sleeping is easy. Families need to consider that this is not a traditional hotel and amenities are limited (no lobby, room service, 24-hour front desk staff, onsite restaurant). The trade-off is the fantastic location and space for the money. Rooms for two to three people start at 205 Euros ($291) per night.

Internazionale Domus, P. Di Spagna 20, +39 06-69190237, www.internazionaledomus.com.

RESIDENCE BARBERINI

Residence Barberini feels like a typical European apart-hotel. The decor is very modern and units are sparsely furnished. Apartments have kitchenette facilities and a few can accommodate families of four and five people in one-bedroom units with sofa beds. Although the immediate area around the hotel is quite commercial -- the trade-off is easy access to public transportation and tourist attractions. Families need to consider that onsite amenities are limited (small lobby, no onsite restaurant) and that the owner is an avid art collector -- there are some nude photographs in public areas and hallways. Rooms for two to three people start at 230 Euros ($329) per night.

Residence Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane 171/172, +39 06-4203341, www.residencebarberini.com.

ALBERGO SANTA CHIARA

One of our community members recommended Albergo Santa Chiara as an excellent value-oriented option for families. The location is fantastic behind the Pantheon and the surrounding area is wonderful for walking and exploring. Guest rooms are clean and comfortable. Families need to consider that there are a limited number of room options with larger capacity and cribs need to be requested at the time of booking. Rooms for two to three people start at 310 Euros ($441) per night.

Albergo Santa Chiara, Via Santa Chiara 21, +39 06-6872979, www.albergosantachiara.com.

INN AT THE SPANISH STEPS

If you want a luxury hotel experience, the Inn at the Spanish Steps is a wonderful option on Via Dei Condotti, one of the main streets leading up to the Piazza di Spagna. Although rooms and public areas at this property are on the small side, the atmosphere is charming and the views from the rooftop terrace are incredible. Service is warm and the staff will do whatever they can to make families feel welcome and comfortable. The View, just a few doors down, is part of the hotel and an interesting option for families -- there are just a few rooms in this part of the property and the feeling is closer to a private apartment than a hotel. Rooms for two to three people start at 350 Euros ($494) per night.

Inn at the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti 85, +39 06-69925657, www.atspanishsteps.com.

 

Visit our Travel Section (Click Here)

 

Recent Vacation Ideas & Travel Destinations

 

 

(c) 2009 Travel Muse Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.