Italy over Christmas - Need advice

There's No place like Napoli at Christmastime.

We stayed in Sorrento just before Christmas a few years ago. It was lovely! Cool-to-cold (not Hawaii!) but mostly sunny and not crowded. We especially appreciated that at Pompeii. We were practically alone! But be in Rome for the holidays! The 24th is business-as-usual until mid-afternoon, but even on Christmas Day there are things open like the Precipe museum and of course you can just walk around and see so much! The 26th is still a holiday, but even the Forum and Colosseum are open. Be sure to make reservations for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch! Many restaurants are open but BUSY.

Consider:
Dec 19-23 in Sorrento (4 nights)

Dec 23-28 in Roma (5 nights)

Dec 28-Jan ?? in Firenze & hill towns

Thank you both. Do either of you have a recommendation for hotel/apt in Rome? Family of 5.

Well I'm a Roma Termini gal. I like falling out of my train right into my hotel room. So I walk to the big green neon Plus (+) sign that marks the Farmacia near Platform 1 inside Termini, and walk thru the hallway flanking the Farmacia to Via Marsala side of Termini, cross Via Marsala, jag right a tad to Via Milazzo and walk a few steps to the manager's office at Via Milazzo 4/6.

They manage several hotels all very near Termini. They do accommodate large families. Mattresses are the best I've had in Italy, rooms are bright and colorful, large and clean, and well-equipped. Breakfast is a big buffet of homemade coffee to order, Italian pastries, homemade toast (you make it), real butter, jellies and Nutella, Italian deli meats and cheeses, pound cake and fruits, milk and cereals. All guests meet at the same place for breakfast.

And the managers and staff are loving and helpful and know customer service. It's like going home. Use these emails and tell them what you need.

[email protected]
[email protected]
for Hotels Mirage and Halifax

[email protected]
for their bed and breakfast

They manage a few more lodgings nearby, but I'm not as familiar with them.

For lodging I usually go with VRBO.com and get a nice, spacious apartment for less than a hotel room. Look for something central near Piazza Navona or in Prati near the Vatican. These locations are excellent for walking, restaurants, ambiance, and access to transportation.