I am taking my husband and soon 6 year old son to Italy as a surprise trip next April. I have selected hotels based on reading a lot of material, especailly Rick's books, family friendly trip websites and other posts here. Before I push the button to book, thought I would run the selections by all of you experienced travelers. Location means more than anything so please share your thoughts.
Rome--Capo d'Africa
Florence--Principe
Venice--Residenzia Casa San Marco
Thanks in advance!
Hi Jen - For many years I've stayed at the following two Hotels - In Roma -
http://www.hotelforte.com/ Located directly at Tghe Spanish Steps , my friends Emanuel and Emanuella run the front desk - Easy walking to The Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, and Via Veneto.
In Venice - http://www.hotelcasanova.it/
My friends Dario and Stefano run the front desk and The Hotel is directly in back of Piazza San Marco and easy walking to The Rialto area as well as The San Marco area and Riva degli Schiavoni area(the walk along the water just outside Piazza San Marco with all the vendors and Cafes.
And in Florence - http://www.hotelbretagna.net/
Another great location and an excellent Hotel in the historic section
Ciao, Greg
Rome - We much prefer hotels in Rome (we've stayed at several, though none of them at the price point that you have) in the area of the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. It's more centrally located for daytime tourist activities, and it's wonderful to walk between the two, as well as the Trevi Fountain, at night. There are also several great gelaterias in the Pantheon area! I think the Capo d'Africa is less convenient for that kind of thing. We took our 10yo daughter to Rome (and Florence and Venice) last fall, and she loved the location of our hotel.
Florence - I'm not familiar with the area of the Principe, but it's definitely not real close to most tourist sites. I'd choose something closer to the area of Piazza della Republicca (and, again, to several magnificent gelaterias). Our daughter loved spending time on the Piazza in the evening, listening to (American) street musicians.
Venice - Your location here looks good, very central, maybe a little busy, but ideal for easily getting to many of the most popular tourist sights.
We stayed at a hotel in Rome recommended in Rick Steves book, Hotel Selen. It is a 5 min walk to the Termini Station, and from there you can get to all the sights. It was very nice and had a great free breakfast.
Venice - I would never stay right next to San Marco - too busy. Pensione Guerrato on the opposite side of the Rialto is really great.
the dorsoduro area of venice...hotel alla salute...hotel messner...
I agree with Lexma. In Rome I like to stay in Campo de Fiori and Piazza Navonna neighborhoods. They're very central and historic with lots of atmosphere and we love that they're pedestrian only so much less stressful. I am not a fan of the Spanish Steps as it swarms with tourists. Staying by the Termini is efficient for very short stays when you need easy access to the train station but has little ambiance.
On our first trip to Rome we stayed at Hotel Lancelot, on the same street as Capo d'Africa.
We enjoyed the area a lot, I love walking back at night, seeing the Coliseum all lit up. Capo d'Africa
appeared to be a luxury hotel. The area around is a neighborhood, but there are certainly cafes, restaurants, a market & travel agent. Hotel Lancelot was very nice, had a very large dining room with good breakfast, the people were certainly helpful and we liked it a lot. It is not right in the center of the city, but we walked it every day and liked the area.
In Venice Ca Dogaressa is in the Cannarregio region on the Cannarregio Canal, easy walk with luggage from the train station. Or there's a vaporetto stop almost out front. it is a small hotel with 2 Jr. Suites that face the canal. Quiet when the windows are closed. I loved facing the canal, and didn't want to be on the Grand Canal. The Jr. Suite has a King bed, and a small sitting area (the room is not square) with a small sofa sleeper that is recessed into the sitting area. It might be ideal for you, husband and 6 year old. There is a mini fridge in the room and the largest bathroom we have seen in Italy. Big tub. Paolo the owner and Daniele the young man who works the front desk are exceptionally friendly and helpful. My husband was across the canal taking my picture in the window when Paolo went out and sent my husband in so he could be in the picture with me.
This hotel is also in a neighborhood environment with a small market down the street and close to a vaporetto stop.
Whatever you decide, have a great trip.
Mimi
Thank you everyone for your very helpful suggestions! I am booking and thrilled with all of the plans!
Hi Jennifer, do you book the hotel directly from the hotel's website? M
y husband and I are also going to the same places in Europe so I have been looking around for good hotel to stay but I am thinking of booking it thru Expedia.com
Venice: Hotel Olimpia, it is a Best Western property, the room was comfortable with A/C and a good Continental Breakfast. Also, a short walk to the train station and water taxis plentiful to get you to St. Marks Square.
