Hotel Duca d'Alba
Via Leonina, 14 
39/06/484471
This recently restored small hotel is typical of Italy's squished-into-a-room tiny family accommodations. It is distinguished, however, by really First Class design, with a marble lobby, comfortable and elegant breakfast room (a substantial cold buffet is included in rates), ornate marble sinks in tiny bathrooms, phone, minibar, TV & A/C, and pretty, if compact, furnishings. With a very convenient location just minutes from the Via Cavour metro stop and about a 10 minute's walk from the Colisseum, its reasonable rates convinced us that being so close in our room could be considered a positive bonding experience!
Rates:$-$$$
 

Hotel Grifo
Via del Boschetto, 144 
39/06/4871395
The three-star Grifo is on a quiet sidestreet near to the Coliseum, off the via Nazionale, closer to the Piazza Venezia and the Ministero dell'Interno. Furnishings are more eclectic than designed, with some dark wood pieces, some linoleum and some crusty leather chairs to remind you of the many budget, family-run hostelries you may have once enjoyed. It does, however, offer charming neighborhood views from a simple roof garden where drinks are served, and all the amenities you'll need in the room.
Rates:$-$$

Hotel Nord
Via G. Amendola, 3
39/ 06/4885441, 800/860-004
This three-star hotel dating from the 1930s was totally renovated in 2005 and now features bright rooms with A/C and minibar, a gym, rooftop bar, WiFi access and other amenities. Though the largest rooms only sleep 3, it's well priced and serves a tasty buffet breakfast (included in rates). Near the Termini railway station, it's well located near the Trevi Fountain, Opera and new National Museum of Rome.  The Nord is part of the family-owned Bettoja chain (www.bettojahotels.it), which includes Rome's four-star Atlantico Hotel, M. D'Azeglio Hotel and Mediterraneo, as well as the Relais Certosa in Florence.
Rates:  $$  

Hassler Villa Medici
Trinita' dei Monti, 6 
39/06/699340
Rome's most fabulous deluxe hotel is the venerable Hassler Villa Medici, which has presided over the Spanish Steps in gilt and marble splendor for over a century.  As with many of Europe's great hotels, infants will be pampered and older children condoned (even enjoyed), as long as they're well behaved.  Babysitting available upon request.
Rates:$$$+ 
 

Hotel Forum 
Via Tor Dè Conti, 25 
39/ 06/6792446
Definitely the most luxe place in Rome's historic quarter surrounding the Roman Forum, this 4-star hotel's lovely roof garden restaurant has thrilled travelers for generations. Though not the fanciest, it is cozy, comfortable and immaculately maintained, with spacious rooms (including a very few family rooms) and all the amenities you could want, excellent service, a popular American bar and private parking.  Babysitting available upon request.
Rates:$-$$$
 

Hotel Parlamento
Via delle Convertite, 5
39/ 06/69921000
On a small side street between Rome's Parlamento and Piazza S. Sebastiano, this 2-star place has rooms on two floors of a larger apartment building. Rooms are simple but clean, and rates include private bathroom, continental breakfast, TV and a safe for valuables.  With several quad rooms, it came recommended to us by Clare Jordan, then seconded by another FTF traveler, all of whom enjoyed their stay.
Rates: $-$$
 

Hotel Kennedy
Via Filippo Turati, 62
06/4465373
Located between Termini Station and the Basilica of S. Maria Maggiore, this hotel was founded in 1963 to honor John F. Kennedy's memory.  All rooms, renovated in 2002, include a private bathroom and satellite television.  Room options include single, double, twin, triple, and junior suite (two bedrooms connected and sharing a bathroom).  Children are welcome and rollaways are available.  Rates include breakfast -- a morning "all you can eat buffet" set to opera music.
Rates:$$-$$$
 

Starhotel Michaelangelo
Via della Stazione di S. Pietro, 14
06/398739
A short walk from St. Peter's Square, Starhotel Michaelangelo features 179 rooms with minibar and television.  A maximum of three people may stay in each room; an extra bed added for a child under 16 years old incurs no additional charge.  This hotel's restaurant, "The Dome," serves international cuisine.  There is also room service, concierge, and laundry service.
Rates: $-$$ for special weekend rates; family plan includes 50% discount on second room occupied by children up to 16 years old.

Other recommended family hotels include:
Hotel Abruzzi(39/ 06/97841351) 
Campo de' Fiori ( 39/06/68806865).

Budget Housing in Convents & Monasteries

Families with more subdued children may be interested in the experience of staying in an Italian monastery, an affordable lodging option favored by many Italian travelers.

"The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries" by Eileen Barish ($22.95) suggests more than 400 monasteries around the country that welcome visitors, though Ms. Barish cautions that their austerity of decor (though many display great Renaissance art), curfews, simple but hearty meals, and "quiet and contemplative" atmosphere are very different than what many travelers are used to.  To order the guidebook, visit www.monasteriesofitaly.com or call 800/638-3637.

In a similar vein, the mother/daughter team of June and Anne Walsh have produced "Bed and Blessings: Italy, A guide to Convents and Monasteries Available for Overnight Lodging" ($16.95) with detailed listings of 130 convents and monasteries from $30/bed per night, which welcome travelers regardless of religious affiliation. You'll learn the curfew hours, meal options, languages spoken, and even which ones accept credit cards! Call Paulist Press at 800/218-1903 to order a copy. [Original version currently out of print - updated version due for 2006 release.]

Apartment Rentals

Rental in Rome ( 06/99320047) provides information on vacation rental apartments and B&B's in premier Rome neighborhoods.