Finding special places to stay has always been one of my biggest joys when it comes to travelling. And that hasn’t changed since having kids.
We still look for cool, creative and unique accommodation, and steer clear of anything bland. We look for that special something that makes you want to return.
This could be incredible hospitality at a family-run guesthouse, a creative boutique hotel that welcomes families as much as hipsters, or an incredible glamping resort out in nature. We don’t always stay in family hotels (and here’s why).
We cover all budgets, and while we favour independents over chains, we do include bigger hotel groups when they’re doing something interesting.
Here are our guides to some of the best places to stay with kids around the world…
Our Airbnb/VRBO guides would also suit people travelling with kids.
USA: Chicago family hotels | Charleston family hotels | Florida Keys family resorts | Los Angeles kid-friendly hotels |Maine family resorts | Miami kid-friendly hotels | New England glamping | San Diego kid-friendly hotels |Savannah kid-friendly hotels | Seattle kid-friendly hotels | Vermont family resorts
EUROPE: Stylish family holidays in Europe | Caserio del Mirador, Spain | Lucknam Park, Cotswolds | Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Hideaway Rio Celeste was our first stay in Costa Rica, and one of the most luxurious of trip – it almost felt a bit ‘White Lotus’, albeit more down-to-earth. This special stay is ideal if you’d like a slice of luxury, but also want something that feels more authentic than the big brand resorts. Plus, … Read more
Monteverde Lodge was one of those places that quietly crept onto my list of favourites. At first glance, it’s elegant and polished – part of the Boena collection of eco-luxury lodges – so I wondered if it might feel a bit too hotel-y for my taste. But once we arrived, I was completely won over. … Read more
Isla Chiquita is exactly the type of stay we adore – luxurious yet down-to-earth, immersed in nature, and beautifully tailored for both kids and adults. Nestled on its own island just off the Nicoya Peninsula, this glamping resort was a case of love at first sight, making it one of our standout experiences in Costa … Read more
Domo Hotel Boutique is a standout newcomer to Nosara’s hotel scene, beautifully transforming an older, landmark property into a stunning, Moroccan-inspired boutique hotel. From the moment we stepped in, we were struck by its meticulous design and sophisticated charm. Though it could easily pass as an adults-only retreat, our kids were warmly welcomed, and the … Read more
Remember how much we loved our family surf retreat in France? Well, we found the perfect equivalent in Costa Rica. Our stay at Blue Surf Sanctuary has gone down in family history as one of the best and most relaxing trips we’ve ever been on. It’s thanks to its perfect blend of laid-back community vibes, an … Read more
Si Como No is one of those hotels that ticks plenty of boxes for kids and adults alike. Our sons declared it the best hotel they’ve ever been to – largely because of the water slide and all the animal sightings – and we found plenty of reasons to fall for it too. It’s a … Read more
Austria is a clear contender for the queen of Europe when it comes to stylish family hotels. The whole country, and especially Tyrol, has an incredible amount of family resorts that far exceed the style you might imagine when thinking of kids’ accommodation. The vibe is nearly always nature-forward, and the decor matches with natural … Read more
If you were following along on Instagram, you’ll know I spent a long time searching for an ideal hotel for our time in Austria. And I knew Feelfree was a good fit from the moment I laid eyes on its stylish website. Yep, I know branding isn’t everything, but it does count for something, and … Read more
Hotel Wagnerhof and its sister property Wagners Aparthotel on Lake Achensee describe themselves as a “wellness hotel where couples feel just as comfortable as families”. A description like that couldn’t be more on brand for what we look for at Bridges and Balloons. But did the reality live up to the promise? The short answer … Read more
Is a family hotel the best option for travelling with kids? As always, you know I’m going to say, it depends. Family hotels come in many styles and it depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for, as well as your personal taste. Sometimes a family hotel will be the perfect option, but I … Read more