our favorite places
where
to sleep
Not all hotels are created equal, but I do my best to find the best, safest, and cleanest family-friendly places for our crew of five to stay when we’re on a trip.
rest your head
favorites for family accommodation
Traveling in Europe with kids is a totally different ball game, and it can honestly be a little overwhelming trying to find a great spot for your family to spend the night. Here’s a quick breakdown of general family-friendly places to stay. If you have a question about a specific place, shoot me an email!
where we’ve stayed
Our Favorite Family-Friendly Places
These are all family-friendly places we’ve stayed at in Europe that we’ve liked and recommended. Please keep in mind that places and prices may change, and what we loved may not work for your family.
I’ve also asked trusted friends who have multiple kids (trying to stick to families with 3+ kids right now) to share their favorite family-friendly places to stay in Europe. Their recommendations are designated with an asterisk (*). If you’d like to contribute, shoot me an email and we can chat.
Austria
Burgenland
The Place:
Streckhof Frauenkirchen
The Space:
Huge house for 8 people; 3 rooms, 7 beds (4 of them bunk beds), and 2 baths
The People:
A family of 5
Things to note:
This is an American’s dream and a perfect home for a family stay. It would be great as a “hub” to explore the area. Not only is it huge, but every detail was considered for your stay, including the giant fridge with an ice machine and a washer and dryer. The kids never wanted to leave their room, and when they did, then they never wanted to leave the garden area with all the playground fun. Excellent stay for us.
Read my full review here (coming soon)
Book it here
Tyrol
The Place:
Alpenrose Familux Resort
The Space:
Marienberg Apartment (but just like a regular room) 1 queen-sized bed, a couch/bed; a small room with bunk beds. Also had a balcony and a split shower/bathroom.
The People:
A family of 5
Things to note:
Wow. This is a kinderhotel that will blow your mind! Stayed over NYE, had the best time — a true vacation! Childcare is included (my kids never wanted to leave), the food was fantastic, and you can’t beat the location. It was all beyond wonderful.
Read my full review here
Belgium
Bruges/De Haan
The Place:
Centerparks De Haan
The Space:
Comfort Cottage for 8 people
The People:
A family of 5 + two grandparents
Things to note:
We love Centerparcs, and this one was excellent. We spent most of our time at the AquaMundo (waterpark), but you’re close enough to Bruges (30 minutes away) to spend the day there, too. The beach and surrounding towns are also awesome.
Read my full review HERE
Ghent
The Place:
Hotel Onderbergen
The Space:
Family apartment (with 2 bedrooms/1 bath)
The People:
A family of 5
Things to note:
The location was great, but it’s not attached to the actual hotel, and parking is bout 10 minutes away at the cathedral. Has a small elevator. Would stay here again.
Book it here
Czech Republic
Prague
The Place:
Old Prague House
The Space:
Maisonette with Terrace (two bedrooms—one was in a loft; one sleeper sofa; two bathrooms)
The People:
Family of 5, but they had a few that sleep 5+
Things to note:
Our place was HUGE and the city-center location was perfect for walking around Old Town. But, there is not a 24-hour reception and there is no lift to the top floor where the huge family room/apartment is.
If you need a place to stay in Lesser Town (the other side of the river by the castle), I have many friends who recommend Dům u Velké Boty, aka The House at the Big Boot.
France
Alsace
The Location:
Nothalten, France
The Space:
Independent house in the Alsatian vineyard
The Room:
Apartment with 2 bedrooms (4 beds)/1 bath + terrace
The People:
A family of 5
Things to note:
LOVED our stay here around the holidays. House was decorated and so festive. Don’t miss out on breakfast—it was a feast and a highlight of our stay. The hosts were SO friendly, and the location is close to so many picture-perfect towns! Would be fantastic any time of year.
Book it here
The Location:
Colmar, France
The Space:
My Sweet Homes
The Room:
1 bedroom apartment with 1 double bed, 2 pull out sofa beds, room for pack ’n play or air mattress, 1 bathroom, kitchen, bathtub.
The People:
family of 5
Things to note:
Great location steps away from the Grand Rue and Place de l’Ancienne Douane. Very quick walk to several Christmas markets. No elevator and narrow stairway up to apartment and parking only available at nearby public garages Montagne Verte or Saint-Josse.
Book it here
*Submitted by Lindsey (Abroad Wife)
Lille
The Place:
Chez Charlotte
The Space:
House/Apartment with 2 bedrooms (2 beds/1 bath)
The People:
family of 5
Things to note: Only stayed one night, but would’ve stayed longer. Close to Lille, and the space was great. Street parking (looked a little shady, but was perfectly fine).
Book it here
Normandy
The Place:
La Capricieuse
The Space:
Premium Cottage with 3 rooms (5 beds)/2 baths
The People:
family of 5
Things to note: Stayed here for a week and it was PERFECT. Just enough space for our family and plenty to do within the camp. Restaurant on site, walkable into town, and activities for the whole family. Would stay here again.
Book it here + read my review here
Germany
Cochem
The Place:
Charming holiday home in Roes with a balcony
The Space:
Apartment with 2 bedrooms + couch bed/1 bath
The People:
family of 5
Things to note: You’ll need a car, but it’s a great location for exploring the area. About 20 minutes to Burg Eltz. We loved everything about this apartment.
Book it here
Limburg/Idstein
The Place:
Carolinger Hüttendorf
The Space:
chalet (two bedrooms; bunkbeds; 1 bath)
The People:
family of 4 (1 adult + 3 kids)
Things to note:
Bare bones and small, but had everything you need in it and makes for a great “hub” for exploring the area. Breakfast was also good, and there was a delicious restaurant within walking distance (make a reservation
Book it here
Munster
The Place:
Ferienhof Kotten Kunterbunt
The Space:
Apartment within house. Kid room with 3 beds; 1 queen bed + couch/ 1 bath
The People:
family of 4 (1 adult + 3 kids)
Things to note: Super hospitable and close to Munster without actually being in the city. The kids had a blast and never wanted to leave.
Book it here
Wernigerode
The Place:
Charming apartment in half-timbered villa
The Space:
Apartment with 2 bedrooms (4 beds)/ 1 bathroom
The People:
family of 5
Things to note:
Close to the center of town, and the apartment had toys for the kids. Had to bring our own sheets (brought sleeping bags for kids; paid for sheets for the grownup’s bed). Stairs to reach apartment; street parking, very safe area.
Read review here
Italy
Sicily
The Location:
Avola, Italy
The Place:
Ammari Sicily Villa
The Space:
House with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (technically; one is in the adjacent building). Great entertaining area with separate outdoor kitchen + shower. Washing machine (no dryer)
The People:
family of 5
Things to note:
EXCELLENT beachfront property and the house is exactly as it is in the photos. Perfect spot for a long stay in Sicily. Host is fantastic and has beach activities + ample towels.
Book it here (direct link; AirBnB link)
Venice
The Place:
Ca Derai Fenice
The Space:
2-bedroom Apartment (2 double beds and 2 pull out sofa beds), 2 bathrooms, kitchen, and washing machine.
The People:
family of 5
Things to note:
Excellent quiet location; 5-minute walk to Piazza San Marco and less than 10-minute walk to the Rialto bridge. Plenty of space for a bigger family and very helpful host. Located near the Fenice Theater, plenty of eateries and gelato are just steps away. No elevator; the apartment is on the 5th (I think) floor.
Book it here
*Submitted by Lindsey (Abroad Wife)
The Netherlands
Amsterdam
The Place:
Meininger Hotel Amsterdam City West
The Space:
5-bedroom hotel room (4 bunk beds; 1 double bed + bathroom/shower)
The People:
family of 5
Things to note: Great location; one train stop away from Amsterdam central, and has storage lockers. Great breakfast, too. “Dorm” style, but private room
Book it here
The Place:
Mr. Jordaan
The Space:
Double Small Canal view
The People:
two people (mom and daughter)
Things to note: excellent location, fantastic place, wonderful breakfast, and very helpful staff. If staying with a family they said to call to book two rooms together. Splurge on the canal view; has a (slow) elevator!
Book it here
Giethoorn
The Place:
Chalet Park Kroondomein Giethoorn
The Space:
3-bedroom chalet (sleeps up to six) OR two chalets
The People:
stayed as a family of 7 (we had two chalets between two families)
Things to note: great location; rent a boat or bikes at the front desk.
Book it here
Het Heijderbos
The Place:
Center Parcs Het Heijderbos
The Space:
VIP Cottage (two rooms; 1 bath)
The People:
family of 4 (1 adult; three kids)
Things to note:
This is a bare-bones, but has everything-you-need spot. Water park, activities for all ages, restaurants, and grocery store on site. We absolutely loved our stay here.
Book it here
Portugal
Lisbon
The Place:
Exotic Fusion double Suite with Garden
The Space:
Apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms + washing AND dryer (!) and outdoor enclosed patio
The People:
family of 5
Things to note:
You’ll need a car and it’s away from the city, but it’s PERFECT for a family. The host has literally thought of everything. We’ll stay here again if we go back to Lisbon.
Book it here
Porto
The Place:
Apartment with shared garden
The Space:
Large apartment; 3 bedrooms; 1.5 beds
The People: 4 friends for a girls’ trip
Things to note:
Great location and the space is good. The place seemed slightly run down, but the star was the shared garden overlooking Porto. Worth staying here for sure.
Book it here
Algarve
The Place:
Turiscampo
The Space:
Premium cottage 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
The People:
family of 5
Things to note: You’ll need a car, but it’s a great affordable option for Algarve. Multiple pools, restaurant, market, and activities on site. Only 15 minutes from a wonderful beach.
Book it here
Spain
Segovia
The Place:
3 bedroom house 15 minutes from Segovia
The Space:
Huge 3 bedroom house on a split level + 3 bathrooms, and a washing machine
The People:
family of 5
Things to note:
The house is EXCELLENT, but it’s in a very sleepy town (i.e., there’s nothing to do there), but for the cost and space, it worked for us. Segovia is a 15-minute drive away.
Book it here
Seville
The Place:
Monkeys Luxury Adriano Terrace
The Space:
HUGE 2 bedroom (4 beds), 3 bathroom apartment
The People:
family of 5
Things to note:
Split level apartment. Great location; can walk all around Seville. The kitchen was small and missing some necessities.
Book it here
Tarifa
The Place:
El Erizo Apartamentos
The space:
Apartment with 2 bedrooms (3 beds + extra cot) and 1 bath
The People:
family of 5
Things to note: Great location in old town, but there was zero cell service and wifi didn’t work. Had to leave a cash deposit (which I don’t like doing), and the parking was sketchy. But the location was great and worked for our family.
Book it here
Sweden
Stockholm
The Place:
Downtown Camper by Scandic
The Space:
2 rooms
The People:
family of 5
Things to note: Did not have connecting rooms, but had rooms across from each other. Very affordable for Sweden, and the location was FANTASTIC. Also amazing? The breakfast. Super impressed with this place.
Book it here