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

BORGO SANTO PIETRO city/region: Tuscany   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens This 11-room property 30-minutes West of Siena is one of the most beautiful hotels we've seen in Italy. The atmosphere is exquisite and the service is highly personalized—it feels more like a private villa than a hotel and this is what makes it work for families. Every guest is pampered and will appreciate this slice of Tuscan heaven. While indoor areas are quiet and more formal, families have plenty of spaces to enjoy including a spectacular swimming pool, tennis court, soccer/football field, and there is even a full playground on the property. The cuisine is creative and fresh - most of the ingredients are grown right on the property in a lovely organic garden.

CARMEL VALLEY RANCH city/region: Monterey Peninsula   accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Carmel Valley Ranch is a wonderful destination with kids. The one-bedroom suite accommodations are perfect for families as there is a back bedroom plus a sofa bed in the living room so parents get a bit of privacy. Onsite amenities are numerous including the River Ranch area that is perfect for children and includes a swimming pool, hot tub, a toddler pool with a water spray play area, tree swings, bocce ball, basketball courts and lots of grass. There is also a beautiful infinity hot tub and more adult-oriented pool adjacent to the lobby of the hotel. Golf facilities are first rate and feature a natural grass driving range. The primary onsite restaurant is delicious, resort casual, and has an amazing glass wall wine cellar with an extensive selection. After dinner, families can gather around the fire pits for s’mores. Located just 20 or so minutes from many of the Monterey Peninsula's main attractions, Carmel Valley Ranch is resort that is relaxing for all ages and interests — we'll be back with our kids!

CAVALLO POINT LODGE city/region: San Francisco Bay Area   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, cool for teens Set near the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, Cavallo Point Lodge is a historic retreat with easy access to phenomenal Bay Area activities. Guests are treated to a unique Bay Area experience – most of the lodge is comprised of turn-of-the-century buildings that were part of the original Fort Baker army post. Meticulous renovation work preserved original features and recycled materials whenever possible - the result is an eco-friendly yet luxurious atmosphere. The décor is modern and cozy with a stunning art collection. There are many room types to choose from - suites in the Bayside buildings feel like apartments - a spacious option for families. Adjacent to an enormous grassy area and a fabulous hands-on kids museum, the location is ideal for families with toddlers; meanwhile, immediate access to some of the best biking and hiking in the Bay Area make the lodge perfect for families with older kids as well.

CLUB MED CANCUN YUCATAN 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 This property offers extensive baby equipment including strollers, high chairs, cribs and baby baths. The Mini Club is for children 4+ - kids can play all day and the parents get to explore. Right on the ocean, beautiful bathtub water surrounds the facility. There is a large white sand beach the all inclusive buffet makes it easy to feed kids and adults with many choices. Families with 4 or more people can easily fit into connecting rooms.

DREAM INN city/region: Santa Cruz   accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: trendy cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The Dream Inn’s beachfront location is ideal for families. Kids are just steps from the sand and the landmark Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with numerous games and rides. The casual and funky décor is fun yet comfortable, and definitely kid-friendly. A favorite amenity is the pool and lounge area hanging over the beach. We love that all rooms feature ocean views and pricing is value-oriented. It’s also noteworthy that the property, part of the progressive Joie de Vivre brand, supports the community with consistent donations to local organizations in need.

ESPRIT SAINT GERMAIN city/region: Paris   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: boutique cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Offering just 28 rooms, this intimate hideaway on the Left Bank of Paris feels more like a Parisian pied-à-terre than a boutique hotel. The honor bar in the cozy lounge sets the tone for feeling at home here at any point during the day and is perfect for family downtime. Rooms are small, but well appointed and cozy. Amazingly given the size, the hotel offers connecting rooms on each floor for families, as well as a suite. Service is very friendly and helpful. Highlights for families include the phenomenal location in the best part of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, as well as easy access to one of the world’s most beautiful parks to enjoy as a family, the Luxembourg Gardens.

FLATHEAD LAKE LODGE city/region: Montana   accommodation category: ranch location: mountains   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens Flathead Lake Lodge is set on the shores of Flathead Lake and surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. This location means families get the best of a lake and dude ranch vacation. Warm and welcoming hosts, the owners set the tone of casual excellence in the entire experience from customer service to the food. The time with other guests is not forced, but very natural and we loved meeting families from all over the country. Kids have the opportunity to be independent here and enjoy a huge variety of activities from sailing to fishing. The horseback riding program is excellent and the ranch ensures that horses fit their rider — you can ride as little or as much as you like. Flathead Lake Ranch is a terrific value and provides outstanding, memorable family vacations.

HALF MOON, A ROCK RESORT 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 Half Moon is a large 400 acre plantation style property that surprisingly feels intimate. There are many beach and pool areas to enjoy. The Caribbean beaches with warm blue waters are calm enough to be able to lie on a float and relax. The resort has many onsite activities including horseback riding (even in the water), water sports, tennis, exercise room, golf and a fabulous new spa. Accommodation options include 4-7 bedroom villas that come fully staffed with a housekeeper, cook and butler and hotel rooms in apartment-style buildings, many with oceanfront terraces. There are several restaurant choices for family dining.

HOTEL DEL SOL city/region: San Francisco Bay Area   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: simple   style: trendy cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Hotel del Sol is conveniently located, kid-durable yet hip, filled with great SF to-do ideas and affordable. Small things like video rentals, the weekend BBQs and daily pool breakfast/afternoon cookies make the place seem fun - for all kinds of kids. Since it's part of the Joie de Vivre hotels, you can build frequency points as well.

L'ANDANA city/region: Tuscany   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, school age action, cool for teens L'Andana is fabulous. From the moment you walk through the doors you know it's something special. The views and smells at this property are calming and beautiful with gorgeous gardens and a relaxing pool. The service and staff were marvelous. My boys loved the huge bathtub and could practically swim laps in it. There are some lovely towns to explore in this area and the beach is just a short drive away.

LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA city/region: San Diego   accommodation category: resort location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: old world cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens There are a number of family-oriented activities for all ages at La Costa including a beach pool with a waterpark and slides, as well as Kidtopia and TeenZone facilities with daycare for young kids and teens alike. The property is Mommy and Daddy friendly too with a full spa and golf course. Guest rooms have kitchenette facilities and the location is central for regional exploration.

LES JARDINS DU MARAIS city/region: Paris   accommodation category: hotel location: city   standard: upscale   style: contemporary cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The off-the-beaten-path location of Les Jardins due Marais on the border of the 11th and 3rd districts offers families an opportunity to experience life in an authentic and historic Parisian neighborhood. The big tourist attractions of Paris are an easy Metro ride away as the station is just a few-minute walk from the hotel. Meanwhile, unique shops and kid-friendly restaurants are plentiful in the immediate area. The 263-room hotel is comprised of several connected modern buildings that have been renovated and feature contemporary interior design. The hotel caters to a variety of travelers; for families, the big benefit is the array of room categories that accommodate 4-5 people. Some rooms offer kitchenette facilities too. The staff is friendly the pricing is value-oriented for the quality level.

PALAZZO MAGNANI FERONI 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 Palazzo Magnani Feroni, a 16th century palace in a historic neighborhood in Florence, is an all-suite hotel with highly personalized services and amenities. Multi-room family suites are available and all rooms have WIFI. The hotel also provides baby cots/cribs and highchairs on request. Free breakfast is included in the nightly rate and a panoramic terrace with a bar is open every night (weather permitting). Private dinners can be prepared on request. Most importantly, the staff is incredibly understanding and helpful for families as most of them are young parents too. Italians love kids!

RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT AND SPA city/region: Palm Springs   accommodation category: resort location: countryside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action The resort was lovely and exceeded our expectations. We all loved it, especially our grandchildren ages 3, 5 and 6. It is set on 240 acres in the desert, centrally located at the foot of Mount San Jacinto. The resort has undergone a multi-million dollar makeover, and has many things to offer: three pools, a jacuzzi, a 27 hole golf course, 25 tennis courts, a spa with its own pool, children's camp, a water fantasy land called Splashtopia - a neat aquatic playground including a lazy river, two 100 foot water slides, and a small sand beach. The property also has two nice boutiques. There are umbrellas, but renting a cabana during very hot summer days guarantees shade and aprivacy for relaxing and having lunch or snacks.

THE ELMS HOTEL & SPA city/region: Worcestershire   accommodation category: hotel location: countryside   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens Families immediately feel welcome when they arrive at The Elms. Part of the Luxury Family Hotels group, the property fully embraces children of all ages. Amenities and services are top notch in every way. Onsite dining is fresh with plenty of food choices for everyone. Rooms are well-appointed, comfortable, and ideally configured with connecting options for families. There is a supervised children's program that will care for infants as well as toddlers, and many kids activities including table tennis, a trampoline, playground, and a fantastic indoor swimming pool. Children's High Tea is served every day and is quite popular. The countryside setting is spectacular and full of interesting excursions.

THE SAGAMORE RESORT city/region: Upstate New York   accommodation category: resort location: lake   standard: luxurious   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens The Sagamore Resort is located on the shores of Lake George in the Adirondacks. The resort has been welcoming families for over 100 years. The beautiful and expansive grounds slope towards the lake and provide lots of room for children to run and play. There are many dining options available in different areas of the resort where families can sit and enjoy the view, or just relax in the Adirondack chairs set up on the lawn. Accommodations range from traditionally decorated hotel rooms and suites to condominium lodges a few minutes’ walk from the main hotel. There is a recreation center which is open all day and a kids' club with morning and evening sessions. Guests receive a weekly schedule of events at check-in. There are many on-site activities including tennis, golf, croquet and boating. The fireworks cruise on Lake George is a favorite family excursion.

TURTLE BAY RESORT city/region: Oahu   accommodation category: hotel location: seaside   standard: upscale   style: traditional cb! age rating: baby ready, toddler fun, school age action, cool for teens This classic hotel on Oahu's North Shore has something for everyone in the family (especially for those who golf or surf). A kid-friendly swimming beach with restaurant, showers, volleyball, and other luxuries, large central pool, children's pool with water slide and adjacent family jacuzzi, a separate more grown-up jacuzzi with views of the bay, poolside bar, tennis, horseback riding, two golf courses, kid-friendly dining, and recently refurbished rooms in the main hotel large enough to accommodate a family of four in a double room. If you would like more room, beachfront cottages and nicely-appointed villas are also available. Given the choice, I would choose the cottages over the villas they are closer to the main hotel, pool, and tennis and have a nicer view.