Need car friendly hotel in Rome

Jennifer, you cannot drive into the city at all. There are restricted zones with cameras. If you enter one your plate will be photographed and you'll get a fine in the mail along with a processing fee from the rental company. You might want to check the large hotel chains like the Marriott or the Hilton. There is a Hilton outside of town that offers a shuttle to and from the city. They also have parking onsite. You won't need to worry about entering a ZTL if you stay there.

Donna

Is there a real reason you need a car? Or is it just your first instinct that you need a rental car (like most Americans)? Bologna -> Rome is an easy little 2 hour ride from city center (where all the sites are that you want to see) to city center. Do you know how much easier that is than attempting to haul that rental car around with you? Really most rental vehicles are just a big boat anchor that you'll need to drag along with you. You won't be able to drive into city center without big fines, you'll have to park on the outskirts and waste time commuting back and forth into the city center (where a train would have dropped you no problem).

Rental vehicles can be helpful in areas that have sparse train connections (Tuscany). Rental vehicles when visiting Bologna, Rome, Venice, Milan, Naples - are just a pain in the rear.

Yes, I DO have experience doing it both ways, and now I know better. Kick that rental car habit if you don't really need it and have a relaxed and enjoyable vacation.

I stayed at Crowne Plaza Rome- St. Peters. It was about a mile from the Vatican, free parking, easy access off the highway. They have a shuttle bus that will take you to the Vatican museum or city center. Clean and comfortable.

If you insist on taking a car, maybe the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Central Park. North of Vatican City. Walking distance to Gemelli station of the FL3. Trains about every 15 minutes into Rome, although you will have to change trains to get to Termini. Does have connections to the Metro at Valle Aurelio station just west of the Vatican wall.

Do you need the car while in Bologna? Certainly not for visiting Bologna itself. So unless you are staying in the countryside you don't need one.
To go to Rome, You might consider taking the much faster high speed train (just over 2 hours vs 4.5 hour drive). Even if there are 4 of you buying train tickets you will save, because you won't have to pay for the car rental and parking (in addition to the gasoline and freeway tolls). On the way out of Rome, if you need the car to visit the south, just rent the car then.

I am one of the 'pro car' people here, but only when it really makes sense. Unless you are getting a great price for having the car all those days, or need it for the drive to Rome (ie other stops not available by train) I agree that the train from Bologna is practical... then get your car on the way out of Rome. However, you may be getting better weekly rates that make it cheaper to keep the car.
Often, it has been advantageous to keep the same car and leave it parked for a few days while in a big city... if that is the case, I have also stayed at one of the bigger hotel chains with parking and it has worked out fine. Sometimes it is just easier to keep the same car.
Some people just really do not like to drive in Europe.... there is nothing I like more than a road trip in Europe. We all have different ways of traveling!

Jennifer,

As you're planning on renting a car, note that each driver listed on the rental form will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L.'s. These are easily obtained at any AAA office for a small charge, and are valid for one year.

Be sure to do some research on the dreaded ZTL (limited traffic) areas which exist in many Italian towns and cities these days. EACH pass through one will result in hefty fines, which you likely won't know about until you return home. Do NOT drive in Florence (if you were planning to go there) as the city is just about saturated with automated ZTL cameras. You'll also need to be vigilant to avoid the automated speed cameras and the Traffic Tutor system on the motorways which not only measures instantaneous speed but also average speed between two points. Exceed either one and tickets with hefty fines will follow. In addition to the amount of the fines, you'll also be paying the rental agency a processing fee for providing the authorities with your name and address.

As the others have mentioned, unless you're going to be travelling to smaller towns not well served by public transit, using the trains is a much easier and quicker method of travel. The high speed versions travel at up to 300 km/h which no car can match, so that's a more efficient use of limited travel time. Using the trains means you won't have to limit your hotel choices to only places that have easy parking and are located close to an exit. Which method of transportation to choose will depend on the specifics of your trip, and without a more complete picture, it's difficult to provide specific suggestions.

In any case, hope you have a wonderful trip!