Italy Cavallino

The Italians love bambinos, and it shows.

Stay in a hotel with children in Italy and you will never feel as if you are being barely tolerated (if not, downright avoided), as you might in other countries. Kids are showered with attention, and their parents won’t feel neglected either.

#1: Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel

Cavallino BiancoYou won’t hear anybody “tut-tutting” your parenting skills at Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel in Ortisei (40km from Bolzano Airport) because this hotel in picturesque surroundings in the prestigious Val Gardena Ski Area is for families only.

Indeed, this may well be the perfect family hotel, offering an incredible 13 hours of daily childcare and fun for kids as young as one month, with an indoor play area covering a massive 1,000 square metres and all-inclusive services for toddlers.

Older children won’t be bored either, with hikes, golf, and mountain biking in summer and skiing in winter. Parents can recharge in a luxury spa and beauty centre surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites.

#2: Family Hotel La Grotta

The owners of Family Hotel La Grotta in Trentino Alto Adige in Vigo di Fassa have one major advantage when it comes to designing the perfect hotel experience for adults and children: Alberto and Carlotta are parents who have used their experience to create a haven for families.

Children can have fun away in the mountains away from their parents (in the care of experienced child-care providers, of course), allowing the grown-ups to take time out alone. Rather than just babysitting, the staff actively engage with their charges, ensuring that every day at Family Hotel La Grotta is an adventure, winter or summer.

#3: Hotel Baltic

Children are cherished at Hotel Baltic in Giulianova (76 km from San Vito Airport), another family favourite with its own private beach.

New and exciting activities are always on the agenda, with everything from magic shows and cabarets to swimming lessons and bike rides to keep your kids amused.

It’s always party time at the Baltic, so there’s no chance that your little ones will miss you while you forget about being a parent for a while and soak up the sun or explore the little-known medieval delights of Giulianova.

#4: Oleandri Resort Paestum – Hotel Residence Villaggio Club

Set in lush, tranquil surroundings flanked by pine forests, beaches, and the ancient ruins of Paestum (30 km from Salerno Airport), Oleandri Resort Hotels & Residence seems almost too civilised to be a family-friendly hotel.

But, with its large outdoor pool, hot tub, children’s play area, and private beach and parklands, it demonstrates that child-friendly can be adult-friendly too.

This family-run retreat stands out for the personal service lavished on guests, with wonderful food, spacious rooms, and personal attention for the whole family. The kids’ club team will make your little ones feel right at home, even if they don’t speak Italian.

#5: Hotel Piz Galin

The hallmark of a true family hotel is the dedication of the childcare staff.

This is where Hotel Piz Galin excels.

Nestled among the Dolomites, in Andalo, Piz Galin could have just relied on its idyllic setting and remarkable food, but it has gone a step further and employed a team of highly dedicated personnel who will engage with your children and make boredom impossible, with creative daily programmes in a safe, caring environment. Meanwhile, you can work on your skills on the slopes and refuel with gourmet cuisine.

What’s not to like?