This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Dream of Italy.
Italy is one of the easiest places in the world to travel with kids. Families feel welcome as Italians love children. There are many accommodation options that are wonderful with kids; a favorite is agriturismos, or working farms, with self-catering apartments and villas in a resort setting, usually with swimming and other activities onsite. From north to south, here are some favorite places for families to stay in Italy: (Also see our family apartment rental suggestions.)
Hotel Flora (Venice)
Hotel Flora is a true value-oriented gem in Venice, a city known for overpriced hotels. This 45-room family-owned hotel is ideally located just a few minutes’ walk from St. Mark’s Square, with very central access to all of Venice’s main attractions. Although the property is off one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the city, the ambiance is low-key and very friendly. Optimal accommodation options include a family suite and a few rooms that can sleep three to four people together. Guest rooms are small and dated, but immaculate. There are no water views here, but the hotel is quiet with a sweet little garden.
San Marco, 2283/A
Venice
(39) 041 5205844
www.hotelflora.it
Rates: From 223€ per night for four people, including breakfast
Hotel Belvedere (Lake Como)
Located in the coveted village of Bellagio on Lake Como, Hotel Belvedere is fantastic for families. It has an expansive garden and swimming pool, big perks in an area with few grassy spaces and parks for kids to run around. Guest rooms are spacious, well-appointed, and a great value for the quality in this location. The hotel is an easy walk to shops, restaurants and the ferry. Lake Como is a wonderful venue for active families as there are many water-related activities including water skiing, kayaking … even water trampolines! Because the villages and historical gardens and around the lake are well preserved, there are many historical gems to discover offering the perfect balance of action and culture for families.
Via Valassina, 31
Bellagio
(39) 031 950410
www.belvederebellagio.com
Rates: Start at 312€ for a three-person room and 364€ for four people
Grand Hotel Minerva (Florence)
Family-focused suites in all sizes with separate sleeping and living areas accommodating up to six people make Grand Hotel Minerva an exceptional option for stays with kids all ages. All children staying in a family suite receive a complimentary book that enables them to have a fun treasure hunt around Florence. There’s a rooftop pool with stunning city views – making it the perfect break for sightseeing breaks with stunning city views. Located on the picturesque Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the hotel is walk-out to a car-free zone for wee people to stretch and play.
Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 16
Florence
(39) 055 27230
www.grandhotelminerva.com
Rates:
Portrait Firenze (Florence)
Ferragamo family-owned Portrait Firenze was recently renovated from top to bottom and epitomizes stylish living in Florence. This boutique all-suite hotel offers special family suites with a separate bedroom and a lounge that converts into a bedroom for up to two children at night. There is also a two-bedroom family suite available. Toys and a DVD player are available on request and all accommodations include basic kitchenette facilities for simple kid-friendly meals and snacks. River-facing rooms have jaw-dropping views of the Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno skyline. The highly personalized service by Portrait’s Lifestyle Team is exceptional.
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli, 4
Florence
(39) 055 27268000
www.lungarnocollection.com
Rates: Four-person room from 450€ per night, not including breakfast
Gran Melia (Rome)
The Gran Melia, located in the heart of Rome, is perfectly situated for a fun-filled Roman holiday with kids. A relatively new luxury hotel, the hotel is housed in the historic Villa Agrippina and pairs old-world charm with modern amenities, style and sophistication. The property sits within walking distance of Rome’s most famous attractions, like the Vatican and Pantheon. Gran Melia’s expansive garden and grounds, the full-service spa and the large resort-style pool combine the excitement of the city with the opportunity for total relaxation and rejuvenation. Large, well-appointed guest rooms, beautiful common areas and full-service restaurants make the Gran Melia a wonderful choice for families.
Via del Gianicolo, 3
Rome
(39) 800 788333
www.melia.com
Rates: Junior suite (2 adults, 1 child) from $678 per night, including breakfast; family room (2 adults and 2 children) from $824 per night, including breakfast
Monsignor Della Casa (Tuscany)
Monsignor Della Casa is one of the few rural accommodations in Tuscany offering a resort-like atmosphere. A huge array of onsite kids’ activities and sports, including tennis, volleyball, swimming, table tennis, and an expansive grassy area for playing, are paired with self-catering accommodations (one bedroom, two bedroom), including standalone villas that sleep up to 16 people. Parents have access to a spa and gym, and the excellent restaurant and wine bar makes meals convenient after days of sightseeing. Located just 45 minutes from Florence, families staying at Monsignor Della Casa can balance days exploring the city with resort activities. Siena and Chianti are also easily accessible from here.
Via di Mucciano, 7
Borgo San Lorenzo
(39) 055 840821
www.monsignordellacasa.com
Rates: Family rooms starting at 200€ per night, including breakfast
Castello di Casole (Tuscany)
If your budget is big, check out Castello di Casole, one of the largest private estates in Italy, that is now a 5-star resort with magnificent countryside views extending in every direction. Family accommodation options range from 41 suites to independent, self-catering farmhouses and villas with gourmet kitchens. There are loads of spaces to spread out, including terraces, grassy open areas, and a spectacular infinity pool. Additional amenities include two restaurants, a full spa and a fitness room. The location is central and excellent for sightseeing, as well as access to lovely smaller villages for dinners and shopping.
Località Querceto
Casole d’Elsa
(39) 0577 961508
www.castellodicasole.com
Rates: From 900€ per night in peak season.
Locanda Rosati (Umbria)
Locanda Rosati offers a wonderful Italian B&B experience just outside Orvieto. Located near the A1 autostrada, this property is an excellent one- to two-night stop for families heading in and out of Tuscany from Rome or the Rome airport. Rooms are simple but spacious; the property is small enough that parents can comfortably put kids to bed and relax in the lounge. The magnificent family-style meals every night using seasonal ingredients from their garden are a highlight.
Località Buonviaggio, 22
Orvieto
(39) 0763 217314
www.locandarosati.it
Rates: Starting between 135 and 160€ for a family room
Hotel Santa Caterina (Amalfi Coast)
Hotel Santa Caterina has a stunning location on the Amalfi Coast, with clifftop gardens, a pool at the sea’s edge and a private beach. It is one of the few luxury hotels in this area that welcomes children under 12 during peak season. The views of the Mediterranean and surrounding coastline are spectacular, and the restaurant is superb. Hotel Santa Caterina is within walking distance of the center of Amalfi, where guests have easy access to restaurants and shopping and can catch buses to other areas of the Amalfi Coast.
Via Mauro Comite, 9
Amalfi
(39) 089 871012
www.hotelsantacaterina.it
Rates: Start at 560€ for three-person room.
Masseria Torre Coccaro (Puglia)
Families looking to get off the beaten tourist path in Italy love the rugged and raw beauty of Puglia. Masseria Torre Coccaro makes an amazing home base; it’s the kind of place where families check in stressed from everyday life and, a week later, check out well-fed, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Close to the seaside, this historic estate produces olive oil from its grove of 1,000-year-old trees and is full of exotic, comfortable spaces to explore and unwind. The interior design is country chic, unfussy and perfect for children children. There’s a wonderful swimming pool and playground, as well a full-service beach club. A long list of regional treasures to explore are within a one- to two-hour drive.
Contrada Coccaro, 8
Savelletri di Fasano
(39) 080 4829310
www.masseriatorrecoccaro.com
Rates: Start at 373€ for a family room that sleeps three to four people.
—Amie O’Shaughnessy
Amie O’Shaughnessy is the Founder and CEO of Ciao Bambino, an award-winning family travel planning guide and service. Amie founded Ciao Bambino to help families travel to Italy — hence the name — and it’s still her favorite international destination with kids of all ages. Find out more at www.ciaobambino.com
The post Great Places in Italy to Stay With Kids (May 2016) appeared first on Dream of Italy.