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
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
A morning run through the vineyards, breakfast buffet on the terrace and a laidback pool day in the shadow of a wine chateau that looks straight from a Disney tale. Add a forest picnic, game of pétanque and evening BBQ, and you have a luxurious family holiday of dreams. Doesn’t it sound idyllic? We thought … Read more
It’s no secret round here that my mind is often a wrestle between the pragmatic and the spiritual (remember that time I threw myself into a new-age wellness whirlwind in Bali?). While my scepticism is in healthy shape, I ultimately like to believe in something bigger. And when it comes to Ujusansa, woo-woo as it … Read more
It’s a big question: where is the best place to stay at Disney World? Should you go all in at an official Disney World hotel? Or save some money, and have a break from all things Disney, at one of the off-site options? And what about the select partner hotels that still have some of … Read more
The Florida Keys sure know how to do a family resort! The islands are packed with bells-and-whistles hotels, all making the most of their location in one of the USA’s most gorgeous beach destinations. We were blown away by the hotels we stayed at – all giving the ultimate conditions for pure relaxation and dreamy, … Read more
Miami has some iconic hotels, especially around Miami Beach where you’ll find boutique spots that have made their home in the fabulous architecture of the city’s art deco quarter. Not all are family-friendly – in fact Miami has many adults-only hotels that are keen to preserve their grown-up vibes – but amid the glam, there … Read more
Charleston has an exciting hotel scene that makes creative use of its bounty of historic buildings. For me, the architecture was a big draw to the city and I spent my time there taking endless photos of my next dream house, finding new charms on every street. And Charleston’s hotels offer the opportunity to actually … Read more