I have a few questions: We will be in Naples for a wedding on December 22nd. Originally we were going to stay at friends for Christmas then wind our trip up in Rome for a few days. The Christmas plans fell through & now we are scrambling to decide how to spend Christmas in Italy. We will be there with 3 kids (16, 13, and 8 years). Trying to decide whether to go early to Rome or spend Christmas at a smaller, cozy, hotel/pensione/agroturismo somewhere near or in Naples and Rome. Any suggestions? Separately, I am looking for a hotel recommendation in Rome for the days we are there; either 24-30 Dec or 26-30 Dec. I don't want to spend a fortune, but would like clean, comfortable, friendly staff (or even better-family run), and relatively convenient. Last question: we will be in Rome for my daughter's 16th birthday. Would love to put together a special agenda for the day that is somehow different. Any thoughts?
Thanks tons. Gail
Posted by
Bend, OR
576 posts
The Hotel Nardizzi Americana has quintuple rooms for 130 EUR over the Christmas holidays. We stayed there in two doubles last year at Christmas with our 18 and 14 year olds. They liked that there was plenty to eat in the (included) breakfasts. We were pleased with the hotel and enjoyed our stay. It's in Rick's book and is well located for sightseeing. As for your daughter...maybe you could let her look through the guidebooks and pick her very favorite activities and restaurants as the agenda on her special Sweet 16 day.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
Gail,
Another option:
PENSIONE VIRGINIA BIANCHI, VIA NOSTRA SIGNORA DI LOURDES, 87, TELEFON: 06 6629390; CELL: 347 5938220
We stayed there a week ago. It is a 2BR/2BA condo (so much like an American one, you might be confused). It is right by the Cornelia station in a really nice, inexpensive neighborhood. Traffic is much lighter on the Subway going west from the sights than it is going east.
Don't know how much for renting the place long term but we stayed 6 nights and payed 70€/night for the master BR with private bath. Virginia rented the other BR (they used guest bath) for two of the nights. There was a full kitchen (dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, oven), two patios and a living room. And unlike a lot of places that seem to be in Europe, the BRs were separate in that you did not have to go through one to get to the other. If you look into it, let me know. I can suggest places for groceries, internet, restaurants. Nice, new place. My Italian cousin found it for me.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Rent an apt! When you are staying in a place for 4 or more days with the family it is so much more relaxing.
Last June we rented our Rome apt thru VRBO.com. We have used them for other apts thruout the world, and have always been very happy.
Also look at the apt rentals available thru the B@B Asoc of Rome: www.b-b.it, and www.cross-polinate.com.
Don't worry about the location.......just find out if it is on an express bus line, or maybe even close to a Metro line.
Posted by
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
206 posts
For your daughter's birthday you might consider a personal tour (I'm thinking for the family, not just her)of something in Rome that particularly interests her. In July we used Context for a tour of the forum and Colosseum. It felt very special having a great tour guide just for us, and Context has many different tour choices, or you can personalize. My kids are 12 and 14, and enjoyed the tour very much.
Posted by
Edison, NJ, USA
1 posts
Trust me on this one. Hotel Almandi - they own 2 wonderful family run hotels direct across from the Sistine Chapel. I loved staying in the Vatican area & it will be a very special place to have access to at Christmas time.
For your daughters birthday I would absolutely recommend you spend an unforgettable day with a fantastic guide - ask the tour divas how to contact Francesca Caruso in Rome - passionate about her City and work! Francesca will leave your daughter with memories she will never forget.
I will also be in Italy on a Steves tour @ Christmas, Floence - with time before & after to visit Siena, Rome & perhaps Venice.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
Burke, VA, USA
2 posts
Thank you for all the advice! I did check out the Hotel Alimandi as I found great reviews from many folks for that hotel. Unfortunately, they are charging 370 Euro for two bedrooms per night which is over our budget. We are currently looking into apartments which I am surprised to find appear to be significantly less expensive. Apartments were not originally my first choice, but I am impressed with some of the ones I am finding listed. I currently have outstanding inquiries re: availability with a few of them. The website I have been looking on is: www.perfectplaces.com. If I find one that is reasonably priced, my sister suggested inquiring as to whether they could send someone to do some cooking for us for some of our meals. I really don't feel like cooking & stocking up the kitchen and eating out has gotten so expensive; this might be a decent option & be less expensive. Has anyone done this in Rome?