Looking for the best family hotels worldwide? We asked some of our favourite family travel writers what hotels they recommend for kids, and here are their answers.
Central bell tower, Borgo Egnazia
Borgo Egnazia, Puglia: a dose of la dolce vita for the entire family
Puglia is so easy-going you could describe it as “beginner’s Italy”. Although there’s nothing basic about five-star Borgo Egnazia: 30 varieties of aubergine in the veg garden dissuades you of that idea.
Just under an hour’s drive along the coast from Bari airport, Borgo Egnazia, open since 2010, is designed to look like a centuries-old Italian village. It’s highly convincing. There’s even a central piazza with a clock tower (which the kids used as a landmark to navigate to the gelato shop). Come violet dusk, 400 candles are lit that envelop the hotel’s public areas in a magical glow.
The light-and-bright suites have a sculpted, rustic-luxe aesthetic. Cosy corners abound for the children to curl up in after an afternoon at one of the two Beach Clubs (under 10-minute cycle ride through the hotel’s championship golf course, half that by shuttle).
La Frasca, Borgo Egnazia
Like all the best family hotels, this one has donkeys
The kids’ club here is outstanding: pastry workshops, doll-making, traditional dance classes. There’s even an entire restaurant dedicated to i bambini. However, it’s possible the real highlight for kids will be the donkeys in the hotel petting zoo.
While our two were being well looked after, we slipped off to the Vair Spa for the indulgence of an adults-only pool, and managed to fit in a long lunch at Michelin-starred Due Camini.
In short, Borgo Egnazia is an unbeatable dose of la dolce vita for the entire family. Reviewed by Chris Allsop
READ MORE: 15 best of British family hotels for breaks with kids this year
Hotel Böglerhof, Alpbach, Austria
Hotel Böglerhof: one of the best family hotels in pretty Alpbach
In the Tirol, time-warp Alpbach is a slice of sylvan loveliness rarely found elsewhere in the Alps.
The village, all atmospheric wooden chalets, timbered farmsteads and traditional flower box design thanks to strict building regulations, is regularly voted Austria’s prettiest, and you could spend a lifetime searching for somewhere more pleasing on the eye. The same is also true of Alpbach’s standout party-piece hotel, the five-star Hotel Böglerhof. You won’t be the only tourist here, but you’ll be made to feel like one.
Penthouse, Hotel Böglerhof
A 500-year old inn with a spa just for families
The pitch is a 500-year-old family inn, but one with so many nooks to explore that ducking in and out of its full sweep of alcoved restaurants, hunting lodge-type lounge bar, wine cellar and library feels like a game of hide-and-seek. Interconnecting rooms are a given for families, as are creaky wooden balconies framing views of the pretty church and the main slopes of the family-focused Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau winter sports area.
The inn’s chickens and alpacas are worth saying hello to and, once you’ve been introduced, it’s time to tick off the tennis court, games rooms and two terrific spas. There’s one for families and a second plusher complex for adults, but both have indoor and outdoor pools, cute saunas, bubbling waters and room for fizzy drinks (of whatever strength) on the patio. Alpine bliss? You bet. Reviewed by Mike MacEacheran
READ MORE: 20 amazing family hotels in Spain for easy island escapes
Four Seasons Orlando, Florida
Four Seasons Orlando: as much of a thrill as the theme parks
If I hadn’t heard it with my own ears, I’d have never believed that my daughter wanted “to leave the park now and go back to the hotel”.
But then, with its Explorer Island Water Park, private views of the nightly Walt Disney World fireworks, Mickey Mouse appearances, and Dive In Movies (where kids bob on inflatables while watching a poolside screen under the stars), our “hotel” was as big a thrill as any of Orlando’s theme parks.
Front row for fireworks at Walt Disney World Florida
One of the best family hotels for Walt Disney World
That’s the power of Four Seasons Orlando: it’s a proper escape for grown-ups from Mickey mania, but kids don’t feel they’re missing out on anything.
Guests are offered free transport to all the Disney World parks, as well as the chance to enter 30 minutes before they officially open; when we stayed, we also experienced Good Morning with Goofy and His Pals Breakfast (every Saturday and Thursday), when we could meet all the classic characters – selfies too – which is something you’d have to book and queue to do in the park itself.
Chances are, you’ll be spending every moment as a family unit, but if you do need time apart, there’s also a complimentary kids’ club (the vast Explorer Island), with climbing wall, swimming pools, crafts and Play Zone with interactive volcano. Reviewed by Katie Bowman
BOOK FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO
READ MORE: How to plan your first family holiday at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Adare Manor, Limerick ©Jack Hardy
Adare Manor, Limerick: one of the world’s best family hotels
Kids really will feel like lord or lady of the manor at 19th-century neo-gothic Adare Manor, near Limerick. Voted the best resort in the world in 2024, it has bucketloads of wow factor, with a vaulted, double height lobby, original stained-glass windows and 842 acres of perfectly-kept grounds which include a river, the ruins of a 13th-century castle and a woodland decorated with tiny bells, poetry and fairy sculptures.
The Great Room, Adare Manor, Limerick
Very swish, but with so much for kids to do too
There’s a swish spa, wine room and excellent Michelin-starred restaurant to keep parents happy, but it never feels overly formal and kids aren’t an afterthought. They can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the grounds, falconry experiences, archery, fishing, horse riding, swimming in the 17-metre swimming pool or curling up with popcorn in the private cinema, which screens family films every afternoon. Also, there are bikes (and wellies!) to borrow and even a children’s afternoon tea, including treats such as candyfloss, cookies and hot chocolate.
You might struggle to drag them away from the hotel’s separate activity centre though, which has padel tennis, virtual golf and a giant sports simulator where they can play life-size games of basketball, hockey and football. Blarney Castle and Aillwee Caves are nearby, but trust me, you won’t want to leave this spectacular hotel. Reviewed by Siobhan Grogan
READ MORE: Our pick of UK family breaks worth running away for in winter
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Oman
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Oman: between beach and mountains
Oman offers a jaw-dropping landscape that demands your attention, from moonscape to sand dunes, canyons to coral reefs, it’s a land of contrast and culture, with an old soul and new outlook. Nestled beneath the golden Hajar mountains, family-friendly hotel Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah offers the perfect base from which to explore this hospitable country.
With about 200 sea-facing rooms, we stayed at Al Bandar, the middle of three hotels that make up the property, five minutes’ walk from all the restaurants, the kids’ club, water sports and splash park. The numerous pools interconnect so you can actually swim through the resort, but if that feels too much like hard work, jump on an inflatable run and let the last river take you between facilities.
Lazy River, Al Waha Hotel, Oman
A perfect base for exploring Muscat and the desert
There’s mini golf too, as well as a full programme of activities and, for parents wanting a break, Chi, The Spa is worth escaping to. Also, having built the property on a secluded bay which is a protected turtle nesting site, the hotel runs its Turtle Care Project with a dedicated Turtle Ranger.
With the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah as your base, you can explore the souk in Muscat, the desert beyond and the sea in front of you. We went camping over night in the desert, trekking over dunes in a camel caravan to get there, and on the last day we took a catamaran to Dimaniyat Island, where technicolour fish swim among a vibrant coral reef – and more turtles. It’s the perfect hotel for a relaxing yet jam-packed family holiday. Reviewed by Georgina Blaskey
BOOK SHANGRI-LA BARR AL JISSAH
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Kanifushi Maldives, best family hotels, Indian Ocean
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives: an ever-evolving luxury resort
Now that my kids are 18 and 21 (gulp), I’ve experienced the ever-evolving formulas for top family holidays. Whatever stage you’re going through, I feel that a trip to the Maldives is always going to blow everyone’s minds.
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives is an all-round family-friendly resort with various all-inclusive options making it more affordable that other luxury private islands. From the minute you’re greeted on the jetty with big smiles, bara badu drummers and palm woven necklaces, it doesn’t matter what age you are, you’ll feel that spine tingling joy of being somewhere other-worldly.
Also, for parents, it’s a place where you can relax and let this tried and tested five-star take charge. I recommend booking a Residence villa right on the beach where you have a huge amount of outdoor space including a private pool.
Sunset Family Villa with Pool, Kanifushi Maldives
A long, jungly island made for mini-adventures
However, my favourite thing about Kanifushi is that the island is long and jungly – perfect for mini adventures along the sandy road on your turquoise bikes – be that to the Kids Haven kids club or the Oceanix Dive and Watersport centre.
The food suits all palettes from relaxed Sri Lankan street food under the trees at Ceylon Bliss with hermit crabs at your feet, to the Teppanyaki Grill with fiery live cooking demos.
It’s also possible to see real Maldivian life – a good lesson for kids – on a trip to nearby Naifaaru Island by traditional dhoni boat. We also learnt about the plight of sea turtles and rehabilitation efforts at the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre there. Reviewed by Jane Anderson
BOOK ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI MALDIVES
READ MORE: Six really easy ways to save on family holidays in the Maldives
The Nare, Cornwall
The Nare: one of Cornwall’s most peaceful family hotels
The Nare situated in a secluded bay on Cornwall’s south coast, is a very special hotel. Although it’s luxurious, families are wholeheartedly welcomed and when I stayed with my daughter, Lexi, we had a suite with an adjoining child’s cabin room.
They serve an afternoon cream tea in the drawing room every day from 3.30pm and Lexi couldn’t believe her luck that she was able to help herself to all the delicious treats. Also, the Dining Room overlooks the ocean and is suitable for adults and children over the age of seven.
Lexi loved the peaceful Dining Room where phones are discouraged. Although, that’s a gentle ‘rule’ in all the communal spaces here, as the focus is on quality time with people holding conversations, reading together and playing board games, something we all embraced.
The children’s menu is super, with choices including sausages, chicken breast and spaghetti bolognaise and if you need any adaptations – sauce on the side, for example – that isn’t an issue.
Carne Beach, The Nare, Cornwall
Painting lessons, swimming pools and Carne Beach
No surprise we spent a huge amount of time in the two heated swimming pools, both inside and out. And the outdoor hot tub overlooking the beach was well used too: we didn’t ever have to share with anyone else.
Lexi has always loved crafting and was thrilled that I’d organised a painting lesson, so that was a definite highlight of the trip.
However, Carne Beach, at the end of a short path, is a kid’s paradise and a lovely spot for swimming in summer, as well as paddle boarding, kayaking and rock-pooling, we spent two wonderful afternoons there.
Many guests go back year after year, and Lexi and I can absolutely see the appeal. It’s easily one of the best family hotels we’ve stayed in. Reviewed by Natasha Harding
READ MORE: The best family beaches for days out in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset
Pools, Mirabello Bay, Crete
Mirabello Bay, Crete: no one blinks when kids are being kids
Mirabello Bay made us feel instantly at home, if home is a seductive combination of luxury, elegance, and the kind of warm hospitality where no-one blinks an eyelid if your kids make a mess.
The resort’s Blue Flag beaches are beautiful, with a water sports centre down one end, and we loved our speedboat trip to Spinalonga Island with swim stops. Plus we countered all the baklava with plenty of paddleboarding!
The pools are fabulous – we had a private one with our suite facing the sea – and we loved the swim-up bar and in-water daybeds at the main pool. Obviously, the waterpark is a hit with kids – but fun for adults too – with a chic design and bar with perfect iced coffees.
Mirabello Bay, Crete
Children’s activities are timetabled every day
We enjoyed epic daily buffet breakfasts and views at Amalthea restaurant, and the in-house bakery meant a carb station of dreams. The Bahia Mar Grill was our oh-so-fresh lunch favourite with great wines, and a la carte options ranged from Cretan through to Greek tapas and Mediterranean – all incredible.
The kids’ entertainment included a banging kids’ disco, and fun activities timetabled through the day. The resort gardens are delightful, the sea views are stunningly serene, and we left there completely blissed out. Reviewed by Lisa McGarry
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