Best family-friendly hotels in Rome, as recommended by parents

Rome is packed full of iconic landmarks, from the imposing colosseum to the magical Trevi Fountain. Sure, the Eternal City gets busy and the traffic is, well, bonkers. But we think there’s a family-friendly atmosphere across the capital, especially in the parks and piazzas, where kids have space to play and run around as you admire breathtaking architecture. Of course, there’s also pasta, pastries, coffee and wine... And the kids will love filling up on daily pizza and gelato.

Most bucket-list sites are walkable within central Rome and there’s a handy Metro too. Even so, we know city breaks with kids are tiring. That’s why we’ve trawled the Mumsnet forums to see which Rome hotels are rated highly by parents. We hope this list inspires a trip that’ll go down in your family’s history.

Best family-friendly hotels in Rome at a glance

• Best overall: Hotel Santa Maria 

• Best for luxury: Hassler Hotel 

• Best for location: Albergo del Senato

• Best for big families: Rinidia Roma Centro

• Best with a pool: A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel

1. Best overall: Hotel Santa Maria

Hotel Santa Maria | Check availability

“Hotel Santa Maria in Trastavere was lovely when we went a few years ago.” - recommended by Mumsnet user, fruitpastille 

For an authentic stay, check out this historic hotel in Trastevere - Rome’s vibrant, trendy neighbourhood. You can tell it was once a 16th-century cloister from the charming architecture: 19 ground-level rooms and suites (sleeping up to six with a variety of layouts) encircle the porticos and orange tree-dotted internal courtyard, where breakfast is served. Post-adventures, relax at the on-site bar, lounge or vine-strewn rooftop with sun loungers. The 24-hour reception has helpful, multilingual staff and there are paid babysitting and laundry services.

Trastevere gets very busy but visitors seem to love the authentic atmosphere and eateries. The main central Rome sites are still walkable, though might prove too far for little legs. There are, however, Metro and train lines nearby and the hotel offers free bike hire which might be good with older kids. Beware of traffic!

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (19 miles), Rome Fiumicino (19 miles)

2. Best budget hotel: Hotel Navona

Hotel Navona | Check availability

Give the kids a history lesson at Hotel Navona, a 15th-century building on the site of Rome’s first bath complex, the Baths of Agrippa, built in 12BC. Spot the ancient Roman bricks in some of the communal areas and ask to stay in a room with a frescoed ceiling. When in Rome!

Family room options include triple, quad or (if you’re splashing out) the six-sleeper family deluxe suite which has a luxurious Jacuzzi bath so you can enjoy a spot of pampering when the kids are asleep. Hotel Navona is located near the Pantheon in a limited-traffic area - great for children.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (13 miles), Rome Fiumicino (20 miles)

3. Best apartment: Spanish Steps 3 Bedrooms

Spanish Steps 3 Bedrooms | Check availability

Make yourselves at home in this simple but stylish apartment that’s packed with family-friendly amenities. It sleeps five across three bedrooms and a sofa bed. Located 600 metres from the Spanish Steps, you can explore Rome on foot but there’s also a Metro station around a mile away. When the kids can’t take one more history lesson, wind down in the living room with its sofa, TV and dining area. The kitchen and washing machine are helpful if you’re budgeting.

Thoughtful additions include toys for the kids, 24-hour assistance and other child-friendly amenities. You’ll still get that hotel feel thanks to daily housekeeping and breakfast each morning in a nearby bar/restaurant so you can choose your Italian coffee and treats. This apartment generally has good reviews from families but there’s no lift, which could be tricky with pushchairs.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (12 miles), Rome Fiumicino (19 miles)

4. Best luxury hotel: Hassler Roma Hotel

Hassler Roma Hotel | Check availability

At the top of the Spanish Steps, you’ll find this grand, five-star hotel that’s amazing if you’re looking for a luxury escape. The spa and fitness centre offer panoramic views, as do some of the rooms and suites. Many are only suitable for smaller families but of course, the five-sleeper penthouse is huge.

Dine with panoramic views at the Michelin starred, sixth-floor restaurant and sip coffee or wine on the rooftop terrace. Rome’s top sites are close by for easy family exploring. True to its five stars, the hotel has a 24-hour concierge service which can arrange activities for the children and book a chauffeur to drive you between the area’s sites and shops.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (19 miles), Rome Fiumicino (18 miles)

5. Best for location: Albergo del Senato

Albergo del Senato | Check availability

"A nice family hotel in Rome is Albergo del Senato, which is slap opposite the Pantheon - perfect spot." Mumsnet user Cynic17

Whether you’re three or 33, waking up to views of the Roman Pantheon is magical. This three-star hotel sits in picturesque, centrally-located Piazza della Rotonda which is crowned by the famous monument. It has a good selection of family accommodation options like connecting rooms, a suite with a living area and a balcony, and a ground-floor mini apartment with two rooms over two levels. Top-tier suites have private Pantheon views but the rooftop terrace bar means anyone can soak up the vistas.

The stay is geared up for families with highchairs, cots, babysitting services, room service and a nursery room (some of these are charged and on request - be sure to check). The buffet breakfast is great for growing kids and they’ll appreciate that most top city sites are very closeby.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (19 miles), Rome Fiumicino (18 miles)

6. Best for big families: Rinidia - Roma Centro

Rinidia - Roma Centro | Check availability

Spacious enough for big families or multi-generational holidays, this stylish apartment has four bedrooms sleeping up to 14 guests (if some are happy with a sofa bed). Some rooms come with city-view patios - we can almost smell the pastries now. Generous facilities include two bathrooms, a kitchen that’s great for budget-friendly meals and a big living room with plenty of seating and a TV (always a blessing).

Housed in an 18th-century building with a lift and a 24-hour reception, you’ll be near the must-see Piazza Navona and the Pantheon.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (13 miles), Rome Fiumicino (19 miles)

7. Best for views: Hotel Forum

Hotel Forum | Check availability

"Hotel Forum was brilliant when we went about 3 years ago. Near the coliseum. No pool, but had a lovely view from the breakfast area." Mumsnet user uhtredofbattenberg

The views are the highlight of this centrally-located, four star hotel. Enjoy family breakfasts in the rooftop restaurant admiring the historic Forum - one of Rome’s most impressive sites, just 20 metres away - or sip a cocktail at the city-view terrace bar. It’s a bit pricey and we recommend a reservation, but it’s worth it.

There are babysitting services on request, room service and a concierge to organise tours so you needn’t worry about planning. The 18th-century building has family rooms with separate bedrooms but don’t expect modern decor. Room sizes, views and decor vary so check exactly which you’re booking. The hotel has parking too, if you dare drive on the famously busy Roman roads.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (13 miles), Rome Fiumicino (19 miles)

8. Best hotel with a pool: A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel

A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel | Check availability

If you think a city break is as much about relaxation as ticking off tourist spots, choose this amenities-packed resort. Kids will enjoy the outdoor playground and swimming pool for a post-sightseeing dip and you can visit the spa which has a Turkish bath, fitness centre and panoramic relaxation area. The on-site restaurant is great for fussy eaters with buffet-style international sections, as well as a kids’ fun area and weekly evening entertainment. There’s also a terrace bar with a view of St Peter’s dome.

A.Roma is a tranquil stay away from the centre but shuttle buses will take you in (for a fee). Choose either two connecting rooms or a suite with a sofa bed in the living room. Staff leave marshmallows and cookies in the rooms and provide colouring books to some young guests at check-in. Handily, there are also hireable pushchairs, sterilisers and bottle warmers available. There are plenty of food options nearby if you don’t want to dine at the hotel.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (18 miles), Rome Fiumicino (15 miles)

9. Best for family amenities: Kolbe Hotel Rome

Kolbe Hotel Rome | Check availability

"We stayed in the Kolbe hotel and it was really nice. Had a nice garden. Staff were lovely." - recommended by Mumsnet user, hopeishere

This contemporary four-star hotel near the Forum and Circo Massimo, has an interesting history as a former monastery and features family rooms with vaulted ceilings, a family suite with Palatine Hill views, and a charming internal courtyard for breakfasts and dinners.

But best of all is how much the Kolbe Hotel caters for kids. Little ones will get a welcome kit on arrival to make them feel special. There’s a kids’ menu in the restaurant and there are lots of family amenities on request, from cots and pushchairs to playpens and baby baths, meaning you don’t have to pack the kitchen sink for your trip.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (12 miles), Rome Fiumicino (18 miles)

10. Best near the Trevi Fountain: Hotel Tritone

Hotel Tritone | Check availability

We reckon you’ll have a worry-free stay in a great location at this hotel which is located 250 metres from the Trevi Fountain. Pick a triple room, a quad room, a suite or a superior room with a kitchenette and a Rome-rooftops-view balcony (you can totally pretend you live here). Just don’t expect extravagant decor. If you’ve light sleepers in your party - or, more likely, loud ones - there are soundproof rooms to request.

Sip your morning coffee in the panoramic, window-surrounded buffet breakfast room and let the multilingual staff do the hard work: there’s room service, luggage storage, a paid laundry service, tour organising and a 24-hour desk.

Nearest airport: Rome Ciampino (14 miles), Rome Fiumicino (20 miles)

Is Rome good for a family holiday?

There’s so much to love in Rome, from the historic sites and iconic views, to the crowd-pleasing food and family-friendly atmosphere. It can get very busy so it won’t be stress-free but if you want an impressive, memorable family city break, we think you can’t get much better. Check out our guide to other European city breaks for further inspiration.

What’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Rome?

If you want to be near all of the bucket-list sites, stay in central Rome as it’s a very walkable city. Some Mumsnetters recommend Trastevere as an authentic, affordable neighbourhood. Central Rome is walkable from Trastevere (it’s not a short stroll however but there are public transport options). The neighbourhood can get very busy though.

What’s the best family-friendly hotel in Rome?

It depends what you want. Pool and spa? A.Roma Lifestyle Hotel. A big apartment? Rinidia. A location in the heart of historic Rome? Albergo del Senato, beside the Pantheon. We’ve picked Hotel Santa Maria in Trastevere as the best overall hotel as guests rate its authentic location, amenities, friendly atmosphere and helpful staff.

To help plan your next family city break, you might enjoy our guides to holidaying with teens, babies and toddlers and family packing useful.

How we chose our recommendations

First, we consulted the Mumsnet forums for recommendations from our users on hotels in Rome. We then researched each stay and looked at their reviews, taking into account the positive and negative, to ensure that most previous visitors were satisfied with their stay. By doing this, we chose a selection of hotels that we think offer something for everybody to inspire and advise your research.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.