Destinations

Family-Friendly Boutique Hotels

by Chic Retreats

Boutique hotels aren’t just designed for wealthy couples or

adults only. Many boutique hotels welcome children and

families.

Should families be excluded from the boutique hotels

experience? Many hotels in this sector think not, and happily

open their doors to families with children of all ages,

providing a range of services and facilities to suit this

market. For many families, the size and location of these

hotels is perfect for a family holiday, and allows their

children to experience great design, service and cuisine from

an early age.

Beach holidays

What child doesn’t want to go on a beach holiday? Yet what

parent doesn’t want a bit of sophistication and style when it

comes to spending time near the sea? Boutique accommodation in

some of the world’s most attractive beach resorts can cater for

children, allowing them to enjoy the simple pleasures of the

sand and sea, whilst parents can enjoy the best food,

thoughtful beach accessories and rooms that are designed to

bring the outdoors in. Examples of these hotels include the

Beach House in Marbella, the Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites in

Crete, the JK Place Capri in Italy and the Villa Floriana in

Croatia.

City trips

Taking the family to see some of the most famous sights in the

world is usually a good reason for a city break. European

cities like London, Seville, Vienna, Paris and Rome are all

full of exciting things to do, no matter what age your

children. Museums, art galleries, boat excursions, theatre

trips, adventure parks – a city break can encompass all of

these and a boutique hotel is a great place to relax at the end

of a hard day’s sightseeing. Great service means that your

children can get a glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate and

something to eat to keep them going, and the central location

of many of these hotels makes them an ideal base for exploring.

Try the Egerton House Hotel in London, the hip Seven One Seven

in Amsterdam, the Palacio Belmonte in Lisbon or the Hotel le

Pavillon de Paris in the French capital.

Countryside capers

Explore a fabulous rural landscape by taking your family to a

countryside boutique hotel. Hire bikes or take the bus into

nearby towns and villages, or visit historic monuments, or

simply go for a walk. Spending time in the countryside is a

great way to unwind and the boutique environment gives you the

perfect opportunity to relax. Choose one with a pool, and your

children will be happy to stay and play whilst you read, use

the spa or just take in the view. For a real treat, take a look

at La Bastide de Marie in Provence, La Villa Hotel in Piedmont,

Italy, the Cotswold House Hotel in Gloucestershire or the

Kasbah du Toubkal in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

About the Author: Chic Retreats is a collection of small,

individual hotels around the world that offer the traveller a

true taste of luxury and service. Visit our website by clicking

on http://www.chicretreats.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

© 2008 Flying with Baby.