Lodging for family of 5

For Amalfi, you can check some of the B&B in Sorrento or hotels in Amalfi and Praiano.

Although, please keep in mind that BB and hotels might not accomodate all of you together.

Maybe an apartment would be the best idea. If you think this is the best option, there are some apartments in the vicinity of sorrento that might accomodate your needs.

Give me more details and I will help you further.
Thanks,
Cinthya

In Rome definitely go with an apartment - it will be vastly more economical than a hotel. We stayed in this apartment in the historical center near Campo de Fiori:

http://www.primitaly.it/appartamenti/casaparadiso/uk.htm

It was a wonderful apartment with lots of room, very affordable and the landlords lived just next door. I can't say enough good things about them and their apartment.

I've found rooms in Italy to be SMALL (i.e. not big enouogh for three extra kids - sometimes, I've had troouble fitting my one kid on a cot next to the bed!) I would probably try an apartment or small "villa" - even a one bedroom with a sofa-bed may work out best...Italians also tend to charge per person (Even children!!), so it may be expensive even if you are all sharing a room :-( if not...try the bigger chains...although even the Rome Sheratons charge an extra 80Euros (!!!!!!!!!) per night for a child on a cot! I put my six-year-old on the florr once rather than pay an extra 80 euros for the night (!) - it wasa off-season and the darn hotel only COST about 100 euros anyway! (a total rip-off to pay double for a child under 12 - I think Best Western thouogh will let children under 12 stay free - at least the one in Venice...email first and ask...many places were tryinig to charge me for a thrid person in Venice and Rome when my son was only 3)

We traveled with a family of 5 through Italy. Apartments were the best accomodations. We had two-bedroom apartments in Venice and Cinque Terra that were great. Many are owned by hotels. I just called hotels, told them I was looking for a place for my family of 5 and asked what they had. We were there in Oct/Nov so we travelled without reservations and stayed 2 or 3 nights at each apartment. The cost was comparable to budget hotels.

Our favorite places were Verona, Venice, Cinque Terra/Vernazza, San Gimignano, Florence (but not the accomodations there), Orvieto, Sienna and Rome. Places I would not want to miss if I were going back are Civita and Assisi. We also stopped at Modena, I would choose Bologna as an alternative next time.

The rooms in Italy come in all sizes. Be sure to look at the room before you rent.

When you choose a place, ask for a room for five people. Often you can negotiate the price for a larger family. Always ask, because you never know how desperate the owner is to rent.

My uncle would ask the cost of a room for two and then ask how much more to place palates on the floor for his kids.

Sometimes if the owner can't agree to reduce the price he will offer some other inducement.

Owners don't mind if you say too small and look elsewhere.

David-you'll find it hard to have all 5 in one room. Regardless of recommendations you are given or hotels you find on the web, email them directly and ask what they would have that would suit you. Send an email that says:

"We are a family of 5 (2 adult and 3 children ages (list ages)). Do you have accomodation for us on (state dates)?"

I have gotten offers of rooms/apartments that were not listed on the website or offers of one room with extra beds put in. Yes, you are often charged per person, not per room, but a double (two people) is not automatically twice the price of a single (one person). Owners might give you a break if you need to book 2 separate rooms - they will state the price in their email.

Check out this website www.cross-pollinate.com they are a bed and breakfast and apartment booking service for Rome, Venice and Florence. It is run by an American couple living in Rome. I have stayed many times at their b&b's and loved it every time. They are very reasonable also. They are also recommended in Rick Steves book. Give them a try!!!