Hotels

We prefer not to rough it, or at least, we do so only when it’s absolutely necessary or brings other special benefits. In that respect, outside of a creative trip planner and smart, flexible guides, the right hotel is the most important element of a comfortable, relaxing stay for your whole family. Typically our hotels are small, intimate, 4 or 5 star hotels - mostly family-run - and they welcome children and often feature swimming pools. Ideally, they are also luxurious and exude local charm and character. In most cases, the owners have become my friends over the years, so we always receive a warm welcome and special care. Tenuta Monacelli, a small boutique hotel in the southern Italian region of Puglia, exemplifies what we look for in hotels.

Where ever your trip may go, rest assured, the hotels we are choose are the best-available in the region, very good at the least. And you will know all about them when you receive my trip proposal, that is, before committing to your itinerary specifics.

Please note: our family heritage tours differ from other high-end or luxury tours to Europe since we don’t visit a region only because it’s beautiful, interesting or has superb hotels. Though this is usually the case, what really makes a region beautiful and special in our case is your family’s connection to it and engaging with the culture there. And so, once in a while, when the best hotels in the region aren’t quite as wonderful as they might be in Tuscany or Provence, we happily accept the small compromise to be close to what is most important for our guests, namely their heritage.

Our Selection Criteria

As a rule, we only use exclusive, pre-qualified properties which we have personally visited and evaluated according to the following criteria:

Size, ownership and “authenticity”

Ideally we want small, intimate hotels that are family-owned and managed, where the owners and their families live onsite. They should be proud of and strive to maintain their own cultural heritage. Ideal hotels are beautiful old historic properties, which exude the history and character of the region and yet provide modern comfort.

Closeness to Points of Interest

Ideal properties are near points of interest to your family and conveniently located for day trips.

Accommodation Variety and Size

We like large rooms that can accommodate a third bed, a cot or a crib for a child. We also look for adjoining rooms, so parents and children can sleep in separate but attached rooms. In terms of décor, ideal rooms are beautiful and child friendly. Rooms filled with antiques and breakables are more stressful than enjoyable.

Outdoor Facilities

Swimming pools and play areas are big bonuses - for longer stays, children need immediate access to large grass areas where they can play outside.

Family Room or Games Room

For bad weather days, children need an indoor play area.

Parks and Family Activities

Ideal properties are near local parks and other interesting child friendly places.

Kitchens

For longer sojourns, the ideal accommodations have kitchen facilities so parents can prepare bottles, snacks, and meals.

Amenities

Multigenerational families need resort amenities that make it fun to relax on the property and allow anyone who wants a break of staying at the hotel for the day. Pools and other hazards need to be a safe distance away from room entrances and open play areas.

Adult Activities

Ideal properties are near interesting sites and activities for excursions without the kids.

Restaurants

Ideal properties are near good restaurants for both family dinners and nights out on your own.