Good hotels for traveling with kids
What to look for when a hotel needs to work for children and adults alike, from room layouts to meal times.
Space first
A room that works at 9pm matters more than a long list of facilities. Look for suites with a separate bedroom, connecting rooms or villas, so parents are not sitting in the dark after an early bedtime.
Facilities worth having
- A kids' club with activities led by trained staff, ideally split by age
- A shallow pool or a calm beach
- Outdoor space and nature activities, from bikes to falconry
- Babysitting on request, so parents can have one dinner alone
- A short airport transfer
Mealtimes
In Spain, children often eat late with their parents, and restaurants are used to families at the table. Elsewhere, check whether the hotel offers early dinners or a children's menu with simple options. A balcony or kitchenette can make breakfast much easier.
Policies to check
Some hotels are adults-only, and many safari lodges set minimum ages for drives or walks. Ask about crib and extra-bed charges, pool hours for children and whether the kids' club is included in the rate.
Some family favorites
Marbella Club Hotel combines a beach, gardens and a kids' club with an easy drive from Málaga airport. Gleneagles, in the Scottish countryside, has room to roam and a wide range of outdoor activities. Soneva Fushi gives families space in the Maldives, and Belmond Hotel das Cataratas puts the Iguaçu Falls a short walk away.