Our Community Review enables parents to share information about the best family-approved accommodations using the Ciao Bambino approach. The result is the Community Recommended portfolio - a reliable and invaluable resource for families everywhere!

standard | location | city or region | accommodation category | CB! age rating

'T HOTEL city/region: Amsterdam  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action Great location, very central, quiet street. Close to the Dam and to the Ann Frank house. They have a large room (with a loft) that will comfortably sleep 5. Continental breakfast is served in dining room. Very warm and welcoming staff. Satellite TV and small in-room fridge.

ALISAL RANCH city/region: Santa Barbara  accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action Very kid-friendly. Lots of on-site activities. Great for group vacations. Good year-round destination. Good sitters available through the resort.

ALLEN HOUSE city/region: London  accommodation category: apartment location: city   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: school age action, cool for teens The Allen House is an excellent apartment in London for a family in a super neighborhood. Our family of 5 were extremely comfortable in the 2 bedroom flat we rented in this building. It's a secure building, located less than one block from Kensington Street and 1 1/2 blocks from the Kensington High Street tube station and the super easy double decker bus system. There are 2 gourmet grocery stores within walking distance and nice neighborhood restaurants. The apartment was very comfortable, clean, spacious, and accommodating for our family.

ALMYRA HOTEL city/region: Pafos  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: trendy cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action Upscale property yet very accommodating with kids. The restaurant went out of their way to offer unique, kid-friendly foods. We had a wonderful private dinner on our rooftop terrace. The service here is highly personalized. The Almyra is a fantastic place to truly relax and enjoy a beautiful setting.

ATLANTIS city/region: Bahamas  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Great onsite activities such as water park, water slides and dolphin experience. The lagoon is great for families because the beach is on open ocean which has wild surf. Multiple aquariums are a constant source of entertainment. Many pools for all ages. Good restaurant selection.

BOSQUE DEL CABO city/region: Osa Peninsula  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: school age action, cool for teens The accommodations are quiet, independent cabinas and villas. Bosque del Cabo has incredible food and the staff is very friendly and helpful. We had a villa with a kitchen too. We didn't have a car for our trip, but we still took many fun day trips from this area. Highlights included nature hikes and cave visits.

CALIFORNIA PARK HOTEL city/region: Tuscany  accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Fun, very family-oriented property. Kids are everywhere and there is always activity and action in and around the public areas. The pool is great. The location is not on the water but still works well - it is 2 blocks from the beach. The hotel staff is friendly and can reserve a space at one of the private beach clubs. Simple, comfortable rooms. Breakfast is plentiful and delicious.

CASA CRAIG city/region: Lake Como  accommodation category: apartment location: lake   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Luxurious Apartment with beautiful views. This apartment is really wonderful with all amenities to make a stay very comfortable. Local restaurants are great. The little beach just before Onno is a nice place to picnic. Kids can swim in the shallow water or fish! The Sporting Club in Bellagio offers a beautiful pool, sunbeds, tennis, and a restaurant. Enjoy!

CASA DE LA MARIPOSA city/region: Santa Barbara  accommodation category: villa location: city   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens This rental home is comfortable, well-furnished and great for kids. There is a park next door with a frisbee golf course, a playground, and tennis courts. Entertaining the kids is easy. A short drive from the amazing Butterfly Grove. Close to downtown Santa Barbara and the beach.

CASA ZORZI city/region: Veneto  accommodation category: apartment location: countryside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action An old stone house made into 4 apartments in a charming medieval village just outside of Venice. Easy day trips to Venice and exploring the Veneto region. Very family friendly.

CASALI DEI CIOMPI city/region: Tuscany  accommodation category: villa location: countryside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action Set in beautiful countryside, plenty of space for children to run around. There is great pool set a little apart from the villa we had which was good for the children as well. Garden had a BBQ and there was little to no passing traffic. This is a great area for walking. A really warm welcome from the owners who could not be more helpful.

CASTLE KIAHUNA PLANTATION & THE BEACH BUNGALOWS city/region: Kauai  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Memorable manicured lawn in front of sandy beach welcomes romping children of all ages. Surf lessons in front of beach, pool with water slide (and shallow area with sand for babies) across the street; gather plumeria flowers and string a lei! Parent ready: Common BBQ for dads (or moms) to grill each night while families watch the sun set together. All units have full kitchens and private lanais and most have clothes washers. Cook in or walk to fabulous family friendly restaurant on resort premises or next door to the Sheraton. Low key and relaxed Hawaii at its best!

CHEZ O'NEAL city/region: Lake Tahoe  accommodation category: villa location: mountains   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens A fantastic ski house that sleeps over 20 and is loaded with amenities for a multi-family stay. Huge open kitchen/dining and family area with a large fireplace. Beautiful views of lake. Kitchen is great for conversation and relaxing. Very kid-friendly. 2 lower floors have the rooms with bedrooms most having an en-suite or bathroom directly across from the bedroom. Located in desirable Dollar Point - a short drive to restaurants etc. Pool is nearby and is included in the rental. Fantastic place for multiple families.

CIRCLE BAR B GUEST RANCH city/region: Santa Barbara  accommodation category: resort location: mountains   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action Family-run with a warm, comfortable atmosphere. The staff is helpful and guests are very well cared for here. Although horseback riding is the main activity and better suited for school age kids, the location of the ranch is excellent with access to Santa Barbara, the zoo, and the beach. We still had fun with toddlers. Family-style meals in the dining room made feeding the kids relaxing and easy.

CLOISTER HOTEL city/region: Sea Island  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Full-renovation in last 5-years, fantastic beach club with 3 beautiful pools along the Atlantic ocean, top-notch horseback riding facilities, fantastic kids-club starting at age 3+, great food, beautiful grounds, 1.5 hours from Savannah, Georgia for a day-trip, 5-star golf (3-courses) and all-around great spot.

DOE BAY RESORT city/region: Orcas Island  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: simple   style: boutique cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Alternative resort with houses, yurts and campsites. Restaurant features all local grown, organic produce. Peaceful resort, yet kid-friendly if you like the outdoors and simple accommodations. Beaches, hiking, kayaking and biking - cute coastal towns around the island. Fun ferry ride.

EL CAPITAN CANYON city/region: Santa Barbara  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens This upscale "camping" resort is great for families who want to experience the natural beauty of the California coast without the effort of really roughing it. El Capitan has something for everyone -- easy or challenging hikes into the foothills, a walk to one of the most striking beaches in California, a pool and playground, llamas, horses, bike riding -- it really can't be beat. You can stay in a safari tent equipped with comfortable beds with luxurious bed linens, down comforters, and daily maid service. Or, you can opt for a cabin with small kitchen and plenty of sleeping options. We loved the fact that resort staff will drop off firewood and fire starters to make it easy to build a campfire for s'mores. There's also a great snack bar and gift shop with delicious breakfasts. We stayed during Thanksgiving when they offered to cater our holiday meal and deliver it to our cabin. Not only was the food delicious but they included lovely table decorations to make our Thanksgiving very elegant in an outdoor setting. El Capitan is a delightful family alternative to the fancier resorts of Santa Barbara and a great outdoor experience.

ELUA VILLAGE city/region: Maui  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Condos are perfect for family with young children. Located close to beach and swimming pools. Located in walking distance to local shopping mall. Lots of grassy areas for kids to run on.

FAIRMONT KEA LANI city/region: Maui  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens We really enjoyed this property. Rented a condo which held my wife and I, our 3 kids, my sister in law, nephew, and in-laws (total of 9). Had direct access to the big lagoon pool, short walk to beach, and had a plunge pool in patio. My kids thought that the plunge pool was the highlight of the trip.

FAIRMONT LE CHATEAU FRONTENAC city/region: Quebec City  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The hotel is beautifully situated overlooking the Lower Village and the St. Lawrence River. It is in the center of town so everything is close, including the glass funicular which the kids love to ride. In the winter, there is a toboggan ride next to the hotel which the older kids loved. The rooms are well designed, charming and spacious. With the cribs they deliver items to child-proof the room. The indoor hotel pool is sun-filled and perfect for adults and kids alike. The wonderful buffet breakfast with chocolate croissants, crepes and various treats was a highlight for my children. The service was impeccable. As a side trip we went to the Ice Hotel (do NOT stay there...we did and it was extreme camping at best with -10 temperatures at night. I thought my kids were going to get hypothermia). The design was incredible and there is an ice slide which is very entertaining. That village has wonderful adventure sports like dog-sledding, cross country skiing, snow mobiling, etc. There is a water park that they turn into a sledding park all winter which was incredible. This made Quebec a perfect (non-flying) destination for my family in February. Be sure to bring your warmest clothes!

FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA city/region: Yucatan Peninsula  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Casitas are stylish and offer generous space for families. Bathrooms are roomy and nicely appointed. A large balcony provides views of the lagoon and/or resort. Several pools to choose from along with activities for the children at the kid's club. Beach is clean and well-maintained. Water is turquoise/blue. Golf carts and boat rides make for easy transport throughout this rather large resort. Several restaurants to choose from although our experience was that the lunch options were better than the dinner selections. Close proximity to town (10 minute drive, $15 cab ride) makes this resort seem remote and serene, while easily accessible to the restaurants, bars, and cafes of Playa del Carmen. Excellent service throughout the resort. Try and select an upgraded room (Casita or Casita Suite).

FINCA ROSA BLANCA city/region: Central Valley  accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action Great jumping off point for Costa Rica. The kids loved this small, eco-inn with its natural pool and huge bathrooms. It has interesting artwork and a unique character and the staff was WONDERFUL with the children.

FOUR SEASONS AVIARA city/region: San Diego  accommodation category: resort location: city   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens A large resort hotel with the typically exceptional Four Seasons style and level of service. We've found the Aviara to be particularly child-friendly. When we arrived, the room was fully child-proofed, including bumpers on all furniture with sharp corners, and our son's name was spelled out in the bathtub with little sponge letters. The breakfast buffet includes a second buffet that is child height with child-friendly foods and a dedicated server. Finn (30 months at the time) thought this was very cool!

GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO PALACE city/region: Lake Como  accommodation category: hotel location: lake   standard: luxurious   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action We loved the "floating" swimming pool in Lake Como and beach. This property has old-world elegance and grandeur with beautiful public areas. Our family enjoyed short walks and hikes though property grounds and paths. The property is in a good location - a short walk to the ferry stop in Tremezzo and local restaurants. This hotel is a great place for a family to relax for a few days.

HALF MOON city/region: Jamaica  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Large 400 acre plantation style property. Yet, surprisingly intimate. Many beach and pool areas. Calm, blue, warm waters, able to lie on a float in the Caribbean. Many, many onsite activities - horseback riding (even in the water), water sports, tennis, exercise room, golf,and a fabulous new spa. Villas from 4-7 bedrooms that come equipped with staff of housekeeper, cook and butler. Other rooms are in garden apartment style buildings, many oceanfront with terraces. Many restaurant choices available.

HALLOR HOUSE city/region: Kauai  accommodation category: villa location: seaside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action Casual and comfortable for a family. Quiet, remote location in a residential neighborhood. Private road that leads directly to the beach. You can hear the ocean in the evening from the house. Safe for children to play in front of the house on the lawn.

HOTEL ADLER-THERMAE city/region: Tuscany  accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Set in the gorgeous Val d'Orcia, in close proximity to the wonderful hilltop towns of Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano, Adler-Thermae is a thermal spa resort that combines Zen sensibilities with Tuscan charm and hospitality. The therapeutic thermal spa amenities added a whole new level of relaxation to our family vacation. In addition to the beautiful regular pool, which includes a circular "rapids" area, there is a second pool with therapeutic thermal water pumped in from the local hot springs. Glorious Tuscan herbal saunas are included in the room price. Other spa treatments are extra, such as couples mud treatments, a Dead Sea grotto, massage, facials, etc. The resort offers daily Yoga, exercise classes and even mountain biking and hiking through the Tuscan hills. Excursions to wineries are offered, as well as evening "tastings" in the bar. The food is great and abundant. A brilliant concept of this property is the inclusion of a phenomenal kids program which provides children their own spa experience as well as swimming, sports. yoga, crafts, drama, hiking, baking, and field trips to the thermal hot springs and a local cheese farm. There is also a teens' club and babysitting for infants and toddlers. My 3 month old loved her own spa treatment: an infant massage and bath in milk and honey. My school aged kids loved that they got to make friends with children from all over Europe. In the evenings the children could have supervised dinner and a movie while the grown-ups had an elegant dinner. All were blissfully happy.

HOTEL AL PIAVE city/region: Venice  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Small, family-run hotel in the Castello area of Venice. This location is not as touristy as other areas and a 10-minute walk from the popular activities and sights. The property is quiet on a small side street - a bit hard to find the first time you look for it, but otherwise this hotel is a great value for Venice.

HOTEL CENOBIO DEI DOGI city/region: Italian Riviera  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Convenient home-base for exploring this part of the Italian Riviera. Hotel is in the town of Camogli - a picturesque fishing village. A nice place for family strolls with a carousel that provides some entertainment. The sea-side promenade is pedestrian-only. The beach is rocky but fun to explore. The hotel has beautiful sea views and amazing sunsets.

HOTEL CONTINENTAL city/region: Italian Riviera  accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Looking across the bay with sweeping views of both Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, Hotel Continental offers classic Italian Riviera luxury in a family-friendly setting just a short walk to the main square. With two restaurants, nice gardens, and a private beach club with secluded swimming area, this hotel has something to offer families with children of a variety of ages.

HOTEL LES GRANDS MONTETS city/region: Chamonix  accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: simple   style: boutique cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Kid's game room, swimming pool, easy access to ski resort, great breakfasts, casual atmosphere yet classy.

HOTEL LETIZIA city/region: Sicily  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens This property has great suites that are extremely affordable with plenty of room for a toddler to run around plus a huge bathroom, even by American standards and a private outside seating area. It's also an easy walk to many of the highlights of Palermo and the waterfront.

HOTEL MAS DES CARASSINS city/region: Provence  accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The setting was beautiful, the rooms were roomy and clean, the staff was warm and helpful and the evening dinner was amazing.

HOTEL RUFOLO city/region: Amalfi Coast  accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, cool for teens Ravello is a quaint town with lots of local children. Hotel has nice views of the area. Rooms are simple, comfortable, and spacious. Good location and value for this area.

HOTEL SANTA CATERINA city/region: Amalfi Coast  accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, cool for teens The view is amazing. The pool is located on the edge of the sea. The staff and service were impeccable.

INN AT SUGAR BOWL city/region: Lake Tahoe  accommodation category: hotel location: mountains   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Location! Great staff to help you bring up, store and take down your ski gear. Nice lobby area for relaxing. Easy parking.

JW MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE city/region: Arizona  accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Our kids loved the pool with the water slides and the lazy river where they could float along on big inner tubes in the sun. The resort also has a kids club where you can drop your child for camp-like fun for a half or whole day. There are kids everywhere here so it is comfortable and relaxing. There is a huge lawn that is perfect for frisbee and running around.

KAANAPALI ALII city/region: Maui  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Located on Kaanapali Beach and Whalers Village - spacious, updated rooms with beautiful ocean and mountain views. All condo have full kitchens and laundry, with one or two bedrooms. Close to golf, Lahaina and various other island excursions.

KONA VILLAGE city/region: Hawaii  accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens, toddler fun Relaxed and comfortable classic Hawaiian resort. Activities and meals are included in the room rates and the sign up process for activities is flexible - the result is that parents have a stress-free environment where everyone is free to do what they want, when they want. The atmosphere is family-oriented and cozy - it feels more like a second home than a hotel.

LA BANDITA city/region: Tuscany  accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens After driving up a long and winding dirt road, just as you and your family starts to get a bit cranky, you come upon a herd of sheep, so animated and friendly, grazing on breathtakingly beautiful grounds. La Bandita is located on a verdant hillside where our twin toddlers ran around daily, completely delighted. We stayed in "The Pig Sty" a converted pig sty which is now a luxe and GORGEOUS family suite. a sliding door gives parents privacy and it is perfect for putting the children to sleep and enjoying late dinners with other guests or a private drink under the stars. The infinity swimming pool is among the most stunning I've ever seen. The meals are varied and elegant and unforgettable. There is a laid-back and friendly vibe between the owners and their guests and the owner is happy to arrange activities or special meals. We'll return year after year.

LA SOVANA city/region: Tuscany  accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action Beautifully restored working farm/vineyard with lovely rooms, pool, grounds to roam, dining room, lounge, outdoor patio. Park area with play equipment. Friendly, helpful proprietor and staff. Excellent dining room. Minutes from shopping center and Autostrada.

LE FLEURAY HOTEL city/region: Loire Valley  accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Located in the heart of the Loire Valley it is close to all vineyards, castles and towns. This family-owned guest house makes you feel at home. Restaurant features gourmet food from the region, the family is very friendly and will do anything to make your stay memorable.

LE HAMEAU DES BAUX city/region: Provence  accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun Beautiful property in a gorgeous Provence setting. The interior is new, but the property retains an old-school farmhouse feel. The gardens are spectacular. We love the dining area - it feels very private. The location is great for regional exploration. When a break is needed - the pool is idyllic and perfect for kids.

LIASSIDI PALACE HOTEL city/region: Venice  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Beautiful courtyard. Located slightly off the beaten path but still centrally located on a quite side street. Staff was friendly and helpful. Cribs available for babies and toddlers. Our room had a beautiful canal view. Our room was spacious and clean and the bathroom had a jacuzzi tub.

LIGHTHOUSE INN city/region: Cape Cod  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Family-friendly for all ages - we did a grandparent-to-baby extended family trip. Kid's club for meals with activities so parents can eat in on-site restaurant. Beach that is nice for all. Kids-like pool on property. Lots of little houses, so extended families can all have their own space - everything is really close by.

LITTLE DIX BAY city/region: British Virgin Islands  accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Famous landmark Caribbean beach resort property located on private bay. Most units are directly on the beach. There are rooms, suites and private villas. One central restaurant, friendly for kids. Kid's club, lots of water sports such as sailing, scuba diving tours, snorkeling. The famous Baths are located about 15 minutes from the property. Most of the resort has been recently renovated, rooms feature beautiful materials and are upscale. Excellent spa with the most magnificent cliff-side setting overlooking the blue sea. Not much to do on the island, mainly stick to the resort.

LOCANDA DI BAGNARA city/region: Emilia Romagna  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Centrally located near A-1 superhighway. Sleepy little town with the hotel in a piazza. Luxurious large rooms with breakfast included. Nice home-base for area exploration including Imola, Ravenna, and Bologna.

LOEWS MIAMI BEACH HOTEL city/region: Miami  accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: trendy cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Loews offers a variety of unique programs and services for children; including lending libraries of games, special children's menus which include healthy options, tours, Fisher-Price welcome gifts, and supervised recreational programs. There is also a zero entry pool that is a safe and fun way to enjoy the magnificent pool with small kids. Highlights include Lincoln Road Mall (three blocks away) - an open-air pedestrian promenade filled with restaurants, outdoor cafes, stores, art galleries, and (at night) street performers. It's lined with plenty of benches, lush foliage, and colorful storefronts. A great place for walking strollers or hanging out and having a coffee/drink break with your older children. The hotel is at the far end of South Beach on the beach so guests have access to a private part of the beach and are away from the "action" of Ocean Drive, yet close enough to enjoy the sights.

LUNGARNO SUITES city/region: Florence  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: luxurious   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Most of the rooms are suites with kitchenette facilities and plenty of living space for families of 3 or 4 people. Rooms are modern and comfortable. Some units have fantastic views of the Arno River. Great central Florence location. Limited onsite amenities but guests have access to facilities at nearby hotels owned by the Ferragamo family.

MARRIOTT TIMBER LODGE city/region: Lake Tahoe  accommodation category: resort location: mountains   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Convenient location. Can park the car once and walk to great skiing (if visiting in the winter), restaurants, grocery store, coffee shops, etc. Full kitchen in the villa rooms. Ultra clean in all areas of the property. Comfortable beds. Washer/Dryer in rooms. Heated pool and sidewalks. VERY kid friendly. Many onsite activities for kids. Good onsite restaurant, but have to go early (like 4:45) to avoid a long wait, which is not fun with kids--at least not ours!

MONTESTIGLIANO city/region: Tuscany  accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens We had a fabulous stay at Montestigliano. Were were there just the other day and I am already looking forward to going back. If there are enough kids onsite, they offer kids pottery and cooking classes. We made many trips to various hill towns and had a blast. Susan, the owner, is very helpful and provides wonderful local guidance and assistance.

NA BALAM city/region: Yucatan Peninsula  accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun Hotel Na Balam is a refuge in the Mexican Caribbean on the small island of Isla Mujeres, a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun. The property is located on a private beach with plenty of space for young children to play as well as a nice pool. Isla Mujeres is truly a laid back place. The local people are mostly Mayan and have been for centuries. The hotel has a Mayan-style with low-rise balconies and gardens. It's 2 blocks from the Convention Center and a 10 minute walk from the town center.

ORQUIDEAS INN city/region: Central Valley  accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: simple   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Colorful, spanish-style inn with simple rooms, some with views. Great pool for kids, hot tub, and tropical animals everywhere on the property. Poolside bar dedicated to Marilyn Monroe with great food and drink. On-site travel company to help plan excursions. Very friendly staff. Near Poas Volcano, La Paz waterfall and animal estuary and butterfly zoo. 20 minutes from airport.

PALAZZO SCHIAVONI city/region: Venice  accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens 400 year old palazzo on a small canal within a 5-minute walk of San Marco. Near vaporetto stop. Gondola can pick up right in front. Very quaint. Nicola, the manager, lives on the property and is extremely helpful with dinner reservations, map orientation, and tourist information. He booked our gondola ride. Windows opened up to the canal!