Visit any major review site. Many reviews by travelers either mention the absence of certain family-friendly amenities or appreciate a hotel when those are present. For travelers who frequently vacation with their families, checking for these features becomes like second nature. But that may not be true for first-time vacationers about to book a stay in Europe.
Have you been thinking of going o n vacation with the family? Here are some suggestions you should look out for:
Family Rooms
Most hotels charge by the room so simple math says you save if you can squeeze the family into a single-family room. If your children are older, perhaps sharing with a couple of teenagers is not a recipe for a great vacation, so adjoining rooms would be better. Hotels can often create a private suite by a series of interconnecting rooms which gives the family room to spread out and enjoy some privacy.Value-Adding Features
All-Inclusive Resorts in Europe can offer the value that other hotels won’t. Children love the endless supply of ice creams, snacks, and soft drinks and there is the added plus that you will be pestered to pull strange coins and notes out of your pocketbook to pay for them! Extra value features can enhance the stay at any hotel. Sports and leisure amenities, for instance, you will keep your active children busy and many resorts run age-appropriate children’s clubs with enthusiastic professional activity leaders.Welcoming and Family Friendly Staff
The Best European Trips for Families begin with a great place to stay in. That doesn’t just include the hotel premises, but the staff as well. Portugal, Spain, and Italy are famed for family orientated cultures where you will find a warm and friendly welcome for your children in the hotels and local restaurants cafes and shops Keeping these characteristics in mind, we have listed our top 10 family hotels in Europe for you:SÃO LOURENÇO DO BARROCAl, PORTUGAL
Nestling in the Alentejo region of Portugal, less than 100 miles from the capital Lisbon, is the heritage village that Jose Antonio Uva has restored as a hotel. The remodeled traditional cottages are ideal family suites served by a charming village restaurant. The family fun and games are essentially retro. There are treasure hunts, pony and trap rides and vineyards to explore by bike – all around is a natural playground.Casa La Siesta, Spain
This beautifully restored country retreat is small and friendly. A hideaway for couple and families, this traditional finca becomes the best club children can dream of for their family vacation. A childcare whizz runs activities that include circus skills, trampolining, pool games, and craft play. Complimentary babysitters and appealing children’s menu keep the whole family happy. There are two self-contained villas on the property and the entire nine-bedroom hotel can be booked for exclusive use for a multi-family or multi-generational family trip.Hotel Victory Therme Erding, Germany
Designed to look like a ship, this hotel will make you feel as if you are on a cruise. Each of the guestrooms has a different theme, such as the captain’s cabin or higher rank admirals’ cabin. It’s a water lovers paradise – the hotel is adjacent to the world’s largest spa which has a wave pool, waterslide pool and warm thermal pools for your kids while there any number of spa treatments for adults.The Dunloe, Killarney, Ireland
Winner of the best family-friendly hotel, the Dunloe is situated just outside the bustling tourist town of Killarney in the National Park. Within the gardens and grounds, there is horse riding, fishing, tennis, an adventure playground, outdoor fairy trail, and well-equipped playroom. The children’s summer club keep the kids busy and entertained with treasure hunts, adventures, arts and crafts, drama and storytelling. The pool and spa are ideal for relaxing.Bovey Castle, Devon, England
This 5* luxury resort is set in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park. This grand castle has activities for all the family – an 18-hole golf course, off-road 4X4 Land Rover trails, bottle fed goats, and a children’s club with activities such as campfire, archery, forest craft, and pool fun. And for the adults, hard cider and gin making (and tasting), cocktail making classes and a relaxing spa.Zafiro Palace Alcudia, Majorca, Spain
Turn your trip into one of the Best Family Vacations in The World by staying here. Your toddlers will love the baby pool while the older ones will enjoy all the age-appropriate activities in store for them.Martinhal Cascais Family Hotel, Portugal
The hotel welcomes children of all ages. Their Kids Club House is ideal for keeping pre-teens busy. There are also playgrounds full of swings, slides, and sandpits for the children to enjoy.The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Ireland
Found on any list that names Luxury Family Hotels, the Lodge is children’s paradise! They are welcomed with a kid’s pack and get to go on various excursions. Spend time with them by going horse riding, playing tennis, or kayaking!Crieff Hydro, Scotland
Situated about an hours drive from Edinburgh towards the Highlands, this is Scotland’s premier 4* family leisure resort. There is everything for the active family – pools, spa, children’s clubs, horseback riding, adventure playgrounds, mountain biking, quad bikes and more. And for the adults – tastings at the nearby whisky distillery!Borgo Egnazia Resort, Italy
Situated between the brilliant blue sea and rolling green hills on the southern tip of Italy, this family-focused luxury hotel has wonderful Kids and Teens Clubs with sports activities, competitions, crafts and party nights. For the older generations, there is the Michelin starred restaurant, Italian cookery classes, wine tastings, bike tours, and tennis.Ready to vacation in Europe? Then let Finest Journeys plan a memorable trip for you!