Where to stay in Rome with kids? In this post, we share the best places to stay in Rome with family, the best family hotels in Rome and the best area to stay in Rome with children based on our personal knowledge of the city – Updated 2022
Rome is a busy European capital. It is the third most visited European city after London and Paris and receives over 4 million tourists each year.
It has thousands of hotels and an ever-increasing number of alternative forms of accommodation such as AirB&B options and monasteries.
Being an expat from Rome and having experienced the city both as a local and as a visitor, I am very familiar with Rome’s accommodation.
I have stayed in Rome hotels with my own family, so I have first-hand experience, and I also have put a lot of research into hotels for my friends.
I used to dread the question: ‘can you recommend a good hotel in Rome for families?’ and now, it is one of my favorite!
Indeed, I can recommend great family hotels in Rome and I can also give expert advice about the best areas to stay in Rome with family.
For this post, I put together the best areas in Rome for families and tried and tested hotels that will suit families traveling with kids in areas that are close to Rome must-see sites.
I hope it will help you choose where to stay in Rome with kids during your next Roman holiday.
See also >>> our complete family travel guide to visiting Rome with kids
This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Rome with kids: Rome overview
Rome is a vast and sprawling city with a large city centre.
When looking for the best areas to stay in Rome, you have most likely encountered the following options:
Rome city center (‘centro storico’).
Definitions of ‘Rome city center’ vary.
Some Romans include the area of the Colosseum, others have a more narrow understanding of it.
For this overview of where to stay in Rome with kids, I call ‘Rome city center’ the whole area comprised between the Colosseum, The Tiber, Villa Borghese and Porta Pia.
This is the large area where most tourist attractions are and what most people and establishments would define as ‘central’.
Staying in this area puts you right in the heart of Rome and in a stellar location for sightseeing and exploring on foot.
Vatican area
The Vatican is on the opposite side of the river from the historical center and is, as such, more convenient for a visit to the Vatican itself than the rest of Rome.
While not far, staying near the Vatican means you will always have to use public transport to reach many sites and this can get tiring with kids.
Safe and beautiful this is a popular area for visitors and one that often offers slightly lower prices than the more central ones and this is why, despite the distance, I do include it in my selection of the best areas to stay in Rome with family.
Trastevere
Trastevere takes its name from the fact that it is is ‘trans’ (Aka: on the other side of) the Tevere, Rome’s river.
This is a really nice area in Rome, very popular with tourists and famous for great food outlets and lively yet pleasant nightlife (think late evening strolls and street sellers rather than disco clubs).
Trastevere is a very large area and can be excellent for kids but also a bit of a pain: it just depends where you are and how far you need to travel to get to the city center.
In this article, I selected family hotels in the area of Trastevere closest to Rome city center.
RELATED: Going to Rome in summer? Then you may want to narrow down your search to Rome family hotels with a pool
The best area to stay in Rome with family
The best area to stay in Rome with family is Rome city center without a doubt.
This area puts you in a perfect location for sightseeing it is very well served with shops, transport options, restaurants and a plethora of hotels as well as being among the most beautiful and charming in the city
Withing the city center, areas such as Pantheon, Trevi and Spanish steps are contiguous to each other and I separated them in this post more just for extra clarity – you can easily walk between one and the other in few minutes.
On the two sides of this area you have the Colosseum and Forum and, on the opposite end, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori.
This map gives you a quick overview of where the main landmarks mentioned in this article are.
The best place to stay in Rome with family:areas at a glance
| Rome area | Best for |
| Colosseum/ forum | Sightseeing, transport, access to restaurants |
| Pantheon | Sightseeing, museums, walking, restaurants |
| Piazza Navona | Sightseeing, restaurants |
| Trevi/Spanish steps | Sightseeing |
| Parioli | Access to park, zoo, residential feel |
| Vatican | Access to St Peter and Vatican city |
| Trastevere | Restaurants, local feel |
| Termini | Access to public transport |
Best hotels for families near the Roman Forum / Colosseum
The area near the forum and the Colosseum is right in the center of Rome and makes an excellent base to explore the city on foot.
Pro: fantastic location to stay right in the center of the action. Good if you want to avoid public transportation
Cons: this is quite a wide area and not all equally pleasant. The hotels we recommend here are selected for being in the most pleasant and convenient location
Hotel Kolbe (4 star hotel)
Lovely family hotel in an excellent location close to the Palatine and the heart of ancient Rome.
The hotel has rooms for up to 4 guests, a nice internal yard and a garden restaurant.
This is a great address and one of our favorite hotels in Rome for families with kids. You can check prices and availability here
Palazzo Manfredi (5 star hotel)
Gorgeous 5 star hotel in one of the most scenic locations in the whole of Rome: from its windows, you get majestic views of the Colosseum!
Palazzo Manfredi has an excellent family suite with adjoining rooms, king size beds and two bathrooms.
The size of the suite is generous (50 sqm) and comes with extra perks attached such as transfer from the airport, breakfast in the stunning rooftop terrace of the hotel Aroma restaurants and tickets to the Colosseum.
You can check prices and availability here
Best hotels for families in Rome near the Pantheon
The area near the Pantheon has some of the best family hotels in Rome city center.
Pro: At the heart of the city, this is the best area to stay in Rome with family and going sightseeing.
From here, you can walk pretty much to all the main attractions.
Taxis and public transport are abundant for whenever you need to cover a longer distance.
This is also an area full of restaurants and cafes where you can taste high- quality traditional Rome food as well as great gelato for the kids.
Cons: It is worth noticing that this area is not particularly green and parks and playgrounds are limited.
Prices in this area at a premium and especially hotels with gardens are highly sought after and therefore expensive.
Some of our favorite family-friendly hotels in Rome historical center:
Grand Hotel de la Minerve (5 star hotel)
A fabulous hotel in one of the best locations in Rome for sightseeing and convenience.
This family hotel has been recently refurbished and has spacious rooms. Children under 3 stay free and room service is available.
Please note: one of the most beautiful characteristics of this hotel is its balconies.
If you are traveling to Rome with very young kids and are worried these may pose a hazard, make sure you request a room without them.
Check out availability and latest offers in Hotel de la Minerve here
Hotel Le Clarisse al Pantheon (3 star hotel)
This is a boutique three-star star hotel with elegant and immaculate rooms. Their family room is spacious (50 sqm) with one double bed, two single beds and a large bathroom.
Buffet breakfast is included in the room rate and restaurants and cafes are nearby. The staff is lovely too and this is why I consider this one of the very best family hotels in Rome city centre.
Check out availability and latest offers Le Clarisse here
Albergo del Senato (3 star hotel)
A 3-star hotel with both rooms and the option of choosing a mini apartment. Non-smoking rooms and babysitting services are available.
Good family-friendly hotel in Rome Pantheon area, for families who want all Rome attractions at their doorstep and like the buzz of the city center.
Check out availability and latest offers at Hotel del Senato here
Best family friendly hotels in Rome near Piazza Navona / Campo De Fiori
Pros: Family-friendly hotels in this area have the advantage of being in a beautiful, central location, perfect for sightseeing and to experience the dusty cobbled streets Rome is famous for.
Cons: Not very green and very popular with tourists, which means some of the (many) food establishments charge exorbitant prices for average food.
Some good family-friendly hotels in the area:
Hotel Indigo Rome St George (5 star hotel)
A beautiful family-friendly hotel in Rome center with stylish rooms, each with a different decor inspired by masters of Italian Renaissance or modern Italian style icons.
To families, they offer Family deluxe and executive suites: the interconnecting rooms with separate entrances make it an excellent choice for families looking for some extra space and privacy and babysitting service is available.
The hotel is a member of the IHG group.
Check out latest offers and availability at Indigo Rome St George
Maison Giulia
This is a lovely family-friendly guest house and apartment provider located between Campo de Fiori and the river, in one of Rome’s most charming streets.
The ‘maison’ consists of three different buildings, all within few minutes from each other and has nice apartments that will allow you to settle and experience the area like a local.
Please note that some of the apartments have stairs: do mention that you are traveling with your kids should steps be an issue.
Check availability and latest offer for Maison Giulia here
Navona Inn apartment
A good self-catering option with an enviable location, this family-friendly apartment in Rome city centre is spacious and develops over 3 levels.
Because of the specific layout of the inn, it is particularly suitable for families with older kids who have no issues negotiating the stairs.
Check availability and latest offers at Navona Inn apartment here
Best family hotels in Rome near Fontana di Trevi and Spanish Steps
Pros: family-friendly hotels in this Rome area enjoy a very central location, perfect for sightseeing and shopping
Cons: very crowded, not very green, can be noisy at night
Harry’s Bar hotel and restaurant (5 star hotel)
This is a beautiful 5 star hotel in a stellar location close to one of the most famous attractions in Rome: the Trevi Fountain.
This family-friendly hotel in Rome offers a selection of rooms including the option of an independent apartment with double bed and sofa bed, perfect for families with kids.
Babysitting is available on request.
Check availability and prices of this family hotel near the Trevi Fountain here
Palazzo Scanderbeg
Palazzo Scanderbeg is a beautiful residence offering gorgeous apartments with 24/7 guest services in the heart of Rome, a stone through from the Trevi fountain.
The residence is in a fantastic location and is well priced for the level of elegance and service you receive.
Families are welcome and kids stay for free: the residence offer family rooms, small present for kids on arrival and residence ‘treasure hunt’ for the children.
Check availability and latest offers at Palazzo Scanderbeg here
The Inn at the Spanish Steps
The gorgeous area of the Spanish Steps is better known for expensive shops and romantic views than family-friendly hotels but this doesn’t mean there are no good options.
A great family hotel here that caters well for children and adults is the Inn at the Spanish steps, which offer standard hotel rooms but also apartments, which are great for families with young kids or multi-generational groups.
The rooms overlook wither the internal courtyard or the street and the apartment can take up to 7 guests, which is a rare find for bigger families.
Check prices and availability of this excellent hotel and apartment for families in Rome here
Where to stay in Rome with family: Villa Borghese / Parioli area
Immediately outside the city center, lies one the exclusive residential area of Parioli: green, tranquil and elegant, this is a perfect choice if you want shelter from the busy Rome city center but still be able to reach it with ease.
This area is dominated by Villa Borghese, the large park spreading all the way to Piazza del Popolo and Via Veneto, two of Rome’s most iconic city center locations.
Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi (5 star hotel)
Located in one of the most sought after residential areas in Rome, family-friendly Hotel Parco dei Principi is a stunning hotel close to Rome city center and just in front of Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s main parks.
The hotel has a beautiful pool (open to kids over 4, parents supervision compulsory at all times) and often has family offers such as discounts on connecting rooms and free tickets to the nearby Rome zoo.
Check out latest offers and availability at Hotel Parco dei Principi Rome
Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge (4 star hotel)
Not a family hotel as such but a good address by the reliable Hilton brand.
The staff is friendly and welcoming and the proximity to Villa Borghese and the zoo makes it perfect for families with young kids. The tram stops just in front of the hotel, making connections with the city centre easy.
Check out latest prices and family offers at the Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge
Where to stay in Rome with kids near the Vatican
This area of the Vatican and immediately outside Rome city center but is a very good option for families with a little more time to spend in Rome.
You you will need public transport if based here but you will also find hotels with more space and even green areas, something hard to find in the more space-poor old town center.
Hotel Grand Melia (5 star hotel)
This is a gorgeous kid-friendly hotel with one characteristic in particular that makes it excellent for families: the large outside pool and park.
A fantastic choice especially for the summer months, when access to shade and water can otherwise be difficult.
Check latest offers and availability at Hotel Gran Melia Rome
Best Western hotel Springhouse Rome (4 stars)
A good 4 star option is the Best Western Plus Hotel Springhouse which has special attention for families with babies and toddlers such as changing stations, food warming options and a restaurant on site with child menu.
Check availability and prices here
Le Meridien Visconti (4 star hotel)
Le Meridien is another excellent hotel in Rome for families, in a good location close to the Vatican well served with transport options, shops and restaurants.
The Meridien has good family rooms (triple deluxe and interconnecting) and has an onsite bistrot open for lunch and dinner that makes it easy to have an aperitivo without having to leave the hotel
You can check prices and availability of this hotel here
Best family hotels in Rome Trastevere
Trastevere is better known for nightlife rather than family-friendliness but it is actually a lovely area if you are visiting Rome with children, even very small ones.
It has a wonderful local feel, lots of places to eat and smaller streets that keep fast traffic in check.
This is an area popular with locals and tourists alike and it is also where some specialized children activities take place, such as the wonderful mosaic class for kids we reviewed here.
Hotel Santa Maria (3 stars)
A simple and charming kid-friendly hotel in Rome with a beautiful patio in one of the most atmospheric areas of Rome.
The hotel caters to families with larger rooms and babysitting services.
Check latest availability and prices at Hotel Santa Maria
Best hotels in Rome for families in the Termini area
The area around Termini station often suffers a bad reputation because of lack of charm, traffic and run down buildings.
However, it is a good place to stay in Rome with family if you need easy access to the station and it does have some good addresses and beautiful streets.
NH Collection Cinquecento (5 star hotel)
A large, beautiful family-friendly hotel in Rome Termini area, conveniently situated just in front of the Termini station.
It caters to families with large family rooms, some of them interconnecting.
Check latest offers and availability in hotel NH Cinquecento here
Hotel Mascagni (4 star hotel)
A good 4-star hotel with special attention especially for families traveling with young kids.
Little guests receive a welcome gift of a coloring set and older ones will enjoy the PlayStation 2 and the Wii console.
Cots, high chairs and strollers are available, as well as babysitting services and kid-friendly menu at the restaurant.
Check out latest offers and availability in Hotel Mascagni Rome
Where to stay in Rome with kids on a budget: other areas
If you have more than a couple of days in Rome, look beyond the city center towards green, residential areas.
These usually are the best place to stay in Rome with kids as they offer lower prices, easy access to parks and shops and an overall family-friendly atmosphere the busy city center sometimes lacks.
Among my favorites, there are the areas around La Sapienza University and between Porta Pia / Villa Torlonia.
Staying in these areas means you will need to rely on public transport but I believe the pleasure of our surroundings will compensate the inconvenience.
Some budget-friendly, family friendly hotels in Rome to consider when choosing where to stay in Rome with your kids:
Best Western hotel Globus: family-friendly Rome hotel, close to the university, close to shops and tram line
Casa tua Vaticano, not far from Vatican city, close to the metro.
San Peter Rome B&B, family-friendly B&B option close to the Vatican
Grand hotel Tiberio, family-friendly hotels not far from the Vatican, with pool
Grand hotel Gianicolo, family-friendly hotel in the Gianicolo area, with pool.
I hope this overview of the best area to stay in Rome with kids and best family hotels in Rome helped you pick the best place to stay in Rome with your children. Safe travels!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase to them, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Great post Marta. So useful. Wondering what your thoughts are on the Monti district. I confess I am really attracted by the food scene there but would love to hear your thoughts on its suitability for children
Hi Katy, thank you for reading! I love Monti but I find it tricky with kids or maybe I should say: with young kids. I find it gets quite congested with cars and scooters and if you have a stroller or pushchair, it gets frustrating fast. But as you say it is great for food and the market at weekends is brilliant so I’d have no reservations about visiting it with kids as part of a Rome itinerary. I am very fond of the enoteche in the area, there is one in ‘via dei serpenti’ I go back to almost every time I am in town!
Great advice Marta – I resisted the urge to go full Monti (sorry) and we are staying right on the Campo de’Fiori. The place has double glazed windows – I checked. We will venture to Monti to explore one day as we are in Rome for around a week – first week of November. Thanks again for your excellent advice, I have pointed a few people to this article now
Great list – we had a good experience at the Westin excelsior
Pinned for future reference, this is a great guide with lots of different options for different budgets – very useful. #MondayEscapes
This post is so helpful for future travels! Whenever I research for my future trips, these are the kinds of posts I look for – honest, thorough, and created by someone who really knows and understands the location. I don’t know when Rome will show up on a future itinerary for me, but at least I’ll be prepared if it ever does!
What a comprehensive article! I love that there are so many options to explore. I am going to save this for when I get to plan our trip to Rome. #MondayEscapes
Will save for future reference. Rome didn’t strike me as particularly child friendly so this is a really helpful guide. #citytripping
Great post! We were just in Italy but didn’t get to Rome. My boss is heading there soon with his family, I’ll be sure to pass this on! #citytripping
Oh this is such a great and well laid out post! Easy to navigate places to stay close to certain areas. Rome is such a beautiful and history-filled city, it’s got to be one of those places where you go with your kids once! #citytripping
An incredibly thorough post Marta. Very helpful. wish I’d have read something like this when we went. We ended up staying a bit far out in a rather soulless hotel. At least it pre kids so could handle it. Bookmarking this for our eventual return to Rome. Thanks for linking #citytripping