I have some friends coming to visit with their children over Easter. Can anyone recommend a good B&B/hotel either in the centre or on the outskirts?

Elinoar has visited a few and might recommend you one in particular. This is web address were you find them all:
http://www.bed-and-breakfast-in-italy.com/bed_and_breakfast_padova.cfm

The first times I came here, I was in the Hotel Metis, riviera paleocapa, close to the observatory.
people are nice, room aswell, parking and close to the center...

This hotel is really nice, reasonably priced and in a very convenient location - http://www.belludi37.it/it/

Bettina Strigl, member of the group, run a fabulous B&B close to the Hospital. Lovely interiors and affordable prices. Many of my friends and relatives stayed there when they come and visit.

http://www.bbinitaly.it/bedandbreakfast/ita/bedandbreakfast.php?idbb=584

bettinastrigl@sampaoli.it

Saluti, Silvia

Ciao Giorgia,

I can really recommend B&B Villa Colloredo www.villacolloredo.com
but it is in San Bruson di Dolo, if 20 min driving distance to Padova is not a problem, this might be perfect.
Patricia