If you’re travelling with children, your choice of hotel can make your holiday memorable for both good and bad reasons. You’ll need a comfortable base for frequent return visits for naps and changes of clothes, as well as somewhere the adults will find appealing after the children have gone to bed. Here are Spain’s best hotels for families:
The Protur Aparthotel Bonaire, Mallorca
Mallorca is one of the most popular destinations for family holidays in Spain, and, judging by the the 2012 Travellers’ Choice Awards, the Protur Aparthotel Bonaire is the best family hotel in the area. Not only was it was voted the best family hotel in Spain, it also came second among family hotels in Europe, and was named the world’s 5th-best hotel for families. The reasons for its popularity are obvious, with its devotion to keeping kids entertained meaning parents get the break they need. With a large wave-style pool, a splash park featuring a wide range of attractions, and evening talent shows, mini-discos, and other entertainment, your children will never be bored.
Golden Avenida Suites, Salou
Another TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice winner for 2012, Golden Avenida Suites takes family holidays to a whole new level. The rooms are spotless and spacious, the food is delicious and varied, and the hotel staff are genuinely helpful. With beach towels for hire and books available to borrow, your day on the beach is sorted. Other family-friendly amenities include a games room, children’s playroom, laundrette, indoor pool, pool tables, two outdoor play areas, and four enticing outdoor pools.
Rincon Sol, Malaga
Sometimes holidaying in Spain can feel more like Hull or Hanover, such are the numbers of fellow tourists you seem to encounter. Rincon de la Victoria is different, with Spanish accents far outnumbering those from other countries. Rincon Sol is the place to stay if your children prefer frolicking in the sea to swimming in a pool. The 87-room hotel is set in its own gardens, with a path leading to a quiet beach. The rooms are peaceful and all have balconies. Get them ready for sleep in the evenings with a gentle stroll among the market stalls.
Sierra y Mar, Alpujarra
Get away from the hordes of holiday-makers with a visit to La Alpujarra. A delightfully secluded escape in La Taha, in the province of Granada, Sierra y Mar (“Mountains and Sea”) is the perfect place for more active families. Set in the middle of prime hiking country, the lovely little hotel is run by a gracious Italian-Danish couple, offering comfort and great value. This region of Spain may feel like a world away from the bustle of the Costa del Sol, but it’s an easy drive along the coast from Malaga Airport to Motril and then inland up a decent mountain road to La Taha.
Hotel Petit Palace Barcelona, Barcelona
Barcelona is a great location for a child-friendly break, offering both the fun and freedom of the seaside and the thrill and adventure of one of Europe’s most exciting cities. Stay in the heart of the city with your brood, at Hotel Petit Palace, which is convenient to the Paseo de Gracia, the Barrio Gotico district, and Plaza Catalunya. A stylish and attractive hotel in its own right, it is also perfect for families, with rooms accommodating up to four people. Cater for smaller people’s eating and sleeping schedules with mini-fridges in all the rooms and cots. Children’s channels and bicycles are available to keep them amused, and children receive a gift on check-in.
Aoife O’Carroll is a staff writer for Nova Car Hire, a convenient website for arranging car rental in 26,000 locations worldwide, including car hire in Spain.
