Best family hotels france
Grand Hotel des Bains
This country hotel defines relaxed sophistication. The views stretch from Mount Etna to the Ionian Sea; the restoration of the Baroque manor house and its dependencies in the grounds manages to be eclectic, comfortable and classy all at once; and the food and wine are sublime. Add a swimming pool, acres of orchards, lawns, woodland and terraces to explore, cooking classes and a small playground, plus beaches and Mount Etna itself to discover and you’re set for a wonderful family holiday.
Seven nights in late July cost from £555pp based on a family of four sharing a suite on a B&B basis.
Monaci delle Terre Nere (00 39 095 708 3638; monacidelleterrenere.it).
Monaci delle Terre Nere
Portugal’s rugged and wild south-west tip juts into the Atlantic: it's a landscape of bold cliffs, perfect windsurfing breezes, and marvellous coastal views. This clean-lined, contemporary hotel is perched above a glorious sandy beach in the Costa Vicentina national park, and comes with a choice of restaurants, a Finisterra Spa (with treatments for children and teens), fully-staffed crèche and kids' clubs, playgrounds and a bar complete with VW camper van, gelateria and games area. Facilities include a cycle track, football and tennis academies, four pools and video game room.
Seven nights in late July cost from £574pp based on a family of four sharing an Interconnecting family room on a B&B basis.
Hotel Martinhal (00 351 218 507 788;
Hotel Martinhal
Set off the beaten track, in a valley surrounded by pristine Alpine beauty, is this cluster of two-three-bedroom chalets, perfect for outdoorsy families. There’s a riding school (for all ages), endless walking trails, archery, rafting, kayaking and tennis on offer, even a small solar-heated swimming pool. After an active day, return to hearty meals in the on-site restaurant, and then kick back in the games room with pool table and table football.
Seven nights in late July cost from £383pp based on a family of four sharing Apartment A2 on a half board basis including daily cleaning, one hour of horse riding per person and one sauna session per family.
Pristava Lepena (00 386 5 388 9900; pristava-lepena.com).
Pristava Lepena
Right on the banks of the River Stour, close to the New Forest (ponies), Poole Harbour (sailing) and long, sandy beaches (bucket-and-spades), is this nautical-chic glass-fronted hotel, which hits the sweet spot for families, with spacious two-three-bedroom suites and kids’ menus. Relax in the spa with hydrotherapy pool and book the babysitter for a night à deux to enjoy cocktails on the riverside terrace and seafood in the buzzy seafood restaurant.
Seven nights in July available from £803pp based on a family of four sharing a suite on a B&B basis.
Captain's Club Hotel (01202 475 111; captainsclubhotel.com).
Captain's Club
Families seeking a relaxed sunny stay which won’t break the bank should consider this charming casa rural surrounded by almond trees and fruiting gardens, with dreamy views over the Marina Alta hills. Your charming hosts, Nicky and Pep and their daughter Isla, have created a house party atmosphere - you get great home cooking four nights a week and lovely lunches most days, plus an honesty bar. Children will enjoy feeding the chickens, playing petanque, the swing and Wendy House and the lovely pool terrace.
Seven nights in July available from £259pp based on a family of three sharing a double room on a B&B basis.
