Apartment in Rome, Florence and Venice

Ah, yes, give them a taste and let them pay their own way back! Now I understand. Hope you can bargain on the less-than-3-nights.

Julie:
An apartment is such a good idea, especially with a larger family. Is there any way you can carve out at least 3 nights in Venice and 3 or even 4 in Rome? These are magnificent, complex, interesting cities and 2 nights doesn't do them justice. 2 nights only gives you one full day. For me that would work in Florence, but not the other two. I know you have posted previously, but I don't remember your itinerary. Is there some place you could skip this trip in order to spend enough time in these two unique cities? Now as to your actual question, try Palazzo Olivia in Rome, and VRBO.com for any and all locations. They may say 3 nights minimum, but if you ask, you may get what you want. (Assuming I have not been able to talk you into staying more nights!).

Thanks Laurel! I would love to be able to spend more time in each city. However, since my husband and I have been to these cities before, we hope to expose our kids to the highlights of each city. They can go back and emerse themselves in the fabulous culture of these cities on their own dime someday :) Having been there, I realize this is a whirlwind tour... but it's the only way we can do it this time. Thanks for the advice about asking for less than 3 days, and for the recommendation in Rome. Have been checking VRBO, but thought someone might have a personal recommendation. Thanks again for your insight!

Even if someone could give us recommendations as to what neighborhoods to consider. Different areas in these towns have such different personalities, and I hate to book in the "bar scene" when I'm looking for something conveniently located as fas as walking/transportation and family friendly.
What about Travestere in Rome? Open to suggestions on areas of town to look in these 3 cities.

Hi Julie. As Laurel suggested, Palazzo Olivia is a great apartment building near Piazza Navona in Rome. The area is excellent. I don't know if Palazzo Olivia will accept reservations for less than 3 days...if not, loook into other apartments or hotels in that area (P. Navona/Campo de Fiori/Pantheon). This area is very central to everything & I really enjoyed walking around Piazza Navona after dinner with a gelato & watching the street performers, etc. I think your kids might enjoy this. If Palazzo Olivia won't accept reservations for less than 3 days, you might try this apartment. It's on the same little street as Palazzo Olivia and the nightly rate is decent.
http://www.rentalinrome.com/leutarihitechapt/leutarihitechapt.htm

Hi!! My family and I were in Rome last week & was wonderful! We stayed with Habitat Apartments a serious company and very competent. You can see all your offer at http://www.habitatapartments.com/rome-apartments
Bon Voyage!!!!

Thanks for the contact info!
Do you have an opinion on Travetere vs. Navona? We would like to be close to the sights, but would like to be able to sleep at night, too.

Have not stayed in Trastevere, but like elsewhere in Rome, is has piazzas and main streets that are noisy and side streets that are quiet, at least in my impression of dining there and walking about of an evening. Usually the reviews on TA will advise if a particular place is noisy. We had very peaceful nights at Palazzo Olivia. I personally would not stay overlooking the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps. :-) Maybe not right on P.za Navona nor the Campo dei Fiori either. A street or two away should do the trick, but check those revierws from fellow travelers. You can even send messages to check on your concerns, if any remain.

Hi Julie. I personally prefer the area around P. Navona (including the Campo de Fiori & Pantheon areas). To me, it was more interesting to walk around these areas at night after dinner. I know the Trastevere area is pretty popular but I personally didn't care for it as much as the Navona area and I'm glad we stayed where we did in the Navona area. Palazzo Olivia was central to everything yet because it was on a smaller street and the bedroom faced away from the exterior windows, there was no street noise. I liked that in only a few minutes, we could be in P. Navona or Campo de Fiori, etc. Laurel is right that no matter where you stay, you risk being on a busy street or piazza and hearing street noise but the reviews on TA usually reveal that. I'm a fairly light sleeper but had no problems sleeping on our last trip (partly because I read all the reviews on TA & partly because we did SO much walking that I wore myself out & slept like a baby!!). For lodging in busier areas, I sometimes see "double paned windows" in the description so you might want to look for that as extra assurance that the room will be quiet.