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
This is a handy page where you can see all our recommended special places to stay in France with kids. We also have plenty of France itineraries and destination guides for planning a your perfect France trip. As you know, it’s part of my job at Bridges and Balloons to seek out the most special … Read more
The words “all inclusive” have come to suggest a certain vibe – huge resorts with every bell and whistle you can think of. While convenient, I’ve never heard one described as charming. But this one-of-a-kind boutique family resort in France is exactly that. It’s re-defined what all-inclusive can look like – and I don’t think … Read more
I’ve wanted to try a Collection Rivages campsite for ages. I love the branding and the style of their cabins and campsites. But did the reality match the expectations? Here are my thoughts after our stay at Sauvage Quiberon… First of all, my experience was somewhat tainted by a mistake that was partly on my … Read more
Costa Rica stole our hearts not just for its sloths and surf, but for its incredible accommodation scene. From treehouses to island glamping resorts and private nature reserves, there are some amazing places to stay in Costa Rica, and many welcome families with open arms. If, like us, you’re hunting for family stays that go … Read more
I’ve always wondered about Eurocamp. It isn’t something I did as a child (mine was more of a package holiday to Spain kind of family), so on our first family road trip to France, I finally decided to give one a go. We chose Camping Le Pommier in the Ardèche, and here are my thoughts … Read more
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