Family city break in Rome
Tuesday November 10 2009
We are going to Rome for a weekend this month with our two children. We are looking for a central three or four-star hotel, ideally traditional. Also, is there anything of particular interest to kids? We are flying with Ryanair -- is there a shuttle bus from the airport? Anne Cullimore
There are dozens of hotels and pensions clustered around Termini Station, but the most central areas of the city to stay in are the Centro Storico and the warren of streets around Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona. Prices aren't cheap, but you'll be in the heart of the action. Other central spots include Trastevere, with plenty of character and historic mansions, while the Prati district is beautiful but less hectic. Hotel Due Torri (www.hotelduetorri roma.com) is a classic hotel in a quiet setting in the Piazza Navona; doubles from €150. Hotel Santa Maria (www.htlsanta maria.com) in the Trastevere district is set in a 17th-century cloister with a pretty courtyard garden; doubles from €175.
Many of Rome's star attractions will be a source of fascination to children, but take care not to overdo it on the culture front. A picnic in a historic location such as Nero's Garden or the Circus Maximus will give everyone the chance to relax. There is also a great kid's museum, Explora: Museo dei Bambini di Roma, just north of the Piazza del Popolo, and the Time Elevator, a virtual journey through Roman history. See www.time-elevator.it.
Ryanair flies into Ciampino airport. Terravision (www.terravision.eu) has regular buses after flight arrivals.
- Tom Hall
Irish Independent
