In today's article I shall share what I believe are family friendly hotels, that I've tried, tested, and truly enjoyed with my family.

I'm sure official terminology for "family and kids friendly hotels" and official "labels" that used by tourism associations in each country and Europe exist.

For me a family/children friendly hotel or accommodation is one that invites its guests with a warm smile and maybe a little welcome gift. The gift obviously does not have to be expensive or pollute, a little pot with seeds to plant would be a great example.

It's a hotel that invites guests to rest, to bond during quality time, to play and to have fun. It might turn your search for your room into a little treasure hunt by finding a specific door. But in case help is needed with the instructions, the solution should always be available since we don't want to tire parents and kids right at the start.

The hotels should be baby friendly, rooms for larger families, which seems to be quite a problem, and of course be inclusive for families with children with disabilities. Why not organize an event for parents while children have fun with educators and animators?

The hotel should also include nature, well-being and group activities with the aim of getting families together, maybe in collaboration with local family friendly businesses.

I could mention so much more, but here are some ideas of where you can go for a truly nice family experience.

As already mentioned, I stayed in a couple of them and will give you my honest review. In case you ever stayed at one of them, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

In a future article, I'll include some family friendly accommodation in nature where you can go camping and glamping.

1. The Tree Houses of Escher Deierepark

Perfect for a short staycation in little ol' Luxembourg: Cozy tree houses in the heart of the Escher Deierepark, the animal park in Esch/Alzette.

A perfect getaway that is easily reachable by public transport.

You can find more information is here.

2. Domaine de Ronchinne – Maillen, Wallonia Belgium

I decided to include this 3 star Castle hotel because it is very affordable, but some of the Google reviews are really unfair in my opinion.

We stayed at this Castle when the pandemic still had a big impact, and we had all our meals in the room, yet we still had an amazing stay.

The former Chateau de la Poste, built in 1884, is located in one of the most beautiful green areas of Wallonia. The Castle is in the middle of a breathtaking natural domaine, with the most beautiful trees, the best green fields, hiking trails, and a small lake to wander around, breathe and relax.

The hotel offers numerous activities like an outdoors playground, hiking, extensive outdoors swimming pool, tennis courts, mini golf, trampoline in the garden, and a dreamy tree house accommodation.

Apart from the rooms in the main castle building, you can choose other types of accommodation as well.

From this hotel you are also very close to Crupet, only 4km away, and it is a beautiful little village, which is listed as one of the most beautiful of Wallonia. The Rapunzel Castle, as my kids called it, was definitely the highlight of our visit.

RTL

© TravelmatKanner

On the day we visited we were only able to see it from the outside. The perimeter was closed but it did not disappoint us at all. The views were spectacular and the photo speaks for itself. We also had a great little walk in the village and we admired its architectural style.

You can also visit Dinant, which is 20 minutes away from the Domaine, or go on an amazing hike between two other beautiful castles in the area: Chateau de Veves and Walzin. Both are absolutely dreamy in the most amazing surroundings.

In addition Chateau de Veves organizes thematic events for children and families. Walzin is privately owned and can be admired only by the banks of the river, but trust me the whole area will mesmerize you with its nature and the views. Children can play freely in an idyllic environment surrounding the Walzin castle, what more could you want?

You can also explore Spontin and Yvoir.

3. Heemskerk, The Netherlands (near the coast, not far from Amsterdam)

RTL

Believe it or not, but this 13th century castle is a family friendly Youth Hostel.

There are family rooms (up to 6 persons including private bathroom) in a wonderful natural setting.

You can enjoy picnics in the garden, play table tennis with the kids, rent bicycles or make use of the playground.

Cots and high chairs can also be provided and there are many family friendly experiences nearby.

Find more information right here.

4. HUP HOTEL Mierlo, The Netherlands

HUP Hotel is a family paradise. It's a unique concept that promotes sports, games, and always includes gym in their offers.

How about squash, golf simulator, spa with swimming pool, saunas, steam bath or a play area with mini golf, interactive football wall and table football? They have it all! Even a cinema where you can watch movies, free childcare for the very little ones, and access to the indoor playground Monkey Town.

A slide at the lobby of the hotel is already a good sign that this hotel welcomes families and children and offers a great stay in an area of the Netherlands with many other activities and experiences to enjoy as a family.

Have a look at the full gallery and you will know immediately what I mean.

5. ETAT NATURE, near Nancy, France

For those of you that missed the previous article and love to stay with the kids in nature, and not in traditional hotel rooms, Etat Nature is a wonderful alternative with its Harry Potter Tent. It is an amazing experience if you and your children love the Harry Potter books and movies.

The tent is equipped with accessories to dress up, with many board games to play, and books  which are of course all in theme of Harry Potter.

You can take nice walks in the nature or explore Nancy and other places in the area, like the Fraispertuis Theme Park.

6. La Balade des Gnomes, near Durbuy, Belgium

Apart from themed hotels in theme parks, I have never seen a hotel like this.

Each room is a dreamy world, each with a different theme and fantastic decoration. It even has a Trojan Horse where you can stay with your children.

There are two family friendly rooms and my children have said that this is the best hotel they have ever been. And this despite the fact that the hotel itself does not have a playground, gym or swimming pool. A themed room feels magical to them, walking around, observe, and find "secret corners".

One of the rooms even features a small pond with goldfish.

Plus you are only 15 minutes away from magical Durbuy.

Curious? Here is our previous articles with photos.

7. V8 HOTEL Near Stuttgart, Germany

If your children are into cars, they will absolutely love this hotel.

The rooms are themed around cars and additionally the hotel is near the "Capital of the Cars" Stuttgart where you can visit the Mercedes Benz Museum, the Porsche Museum and more.

8. VAYAMUNDO Houffalize, Wallonia, Belgium

Not far from Luxembourg, VAYAMUNDO has family rooms and offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including a swimming pool, rock climbing, mini farm, zip wire, cycling, and hiking.

--

This is just a small taste of many more family friendly accommodations. Stay tuned for the next article where I'll be sharing my secret camping and glamping spots.

You can always share your favorite family friendly accommodation in and around Luxembourg in the comments.

Enjoy and Let'z Travelmatkanner :-)