Family-Friendly Travel by Age

Where to Holiday with Children

From city breaks to beach escapes, these hotel and travel options know how to keep children entertained and parents relaxed.

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Family travel has evolved well past the era of “wait until they're older.” Parents are increasingly choosing to explore the world with their kids now, not later, and they're looking for hotels and resorts that make the experience as enjoyable as it is practical. That means properties with space to play, flexible dining options, and thoughtful amenities that help everyone feel at ease.

The best spots deliver adventure and downtime in equal measure, so family holidays don’t feel like a trade-off. Whether it’s a supervised kids’ club in Greece or horseback riding in Hook, England, these hotels and travel options smooth the logistics so families can focus on the good part: being away together.

Platinum Cardmembers get access to exceptional benefits at over 3,000 hand-picked hotels around the world with Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. Representative 685.3% APR variable. Annual fee and terms apply.

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Explore our series of family travel recommendations by age:

Tweens | Teens | Young Adults

Where to Stay

The Hotel Collection

The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton | Greece

Kids tend to spot the Aqua Splash water park before parents even notice the olive groves — which is exactly the point at The Royal Senses on Crete’s North Coast. The resort’s light-filled suites and villas are spacious enough for families, with some featuring private pools, while a daily Kids Club and babysitting services make downtime genuinely achievable. Parents can slip away to the spa or settle into a lounger at the private beach, reached by shuttle.

When it comes to activities, families can explore nearby highlights such as Rethymno’s Old Town or Arkadi Monastery together at their own pace. Meanwhile, if parents are looking to unwind, the Kids Club offers plenty to keep younger guests happily engaged, from pottery and gardening to Greek dance classes and more. It’s a thoughtful balance of splashy fun, cultural discoveries and sea views at every turn.

The Hotel Collection

Anglo American Hotel Florence, Curio Collection by Hilton | Italy

Florence rewards wandering, but it can be a lot for families without a quiet base to return to – which is why the Anglo American, a new addition to The Hotel Collection, hits the right note. Set near the Arno, the 19th-century property has connecting rooms and babysitting on hand, plus leafy courtyards where kids can reset after climbing the Duomo or navigating the Uffizi. Dinner at Vivi Bistro leans Tuscan but keeps things flexible enough for younger eaters, and parents can steal a glass of Chianti in the garden once bedtime hits. In a city that dazzles at every turn, the hotel offers a calm pause without taking you out of the action.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire | England

There's no mistaking the setting here: ponies grazing, wide open fields, and a manor house that looks like it belongs on a film set. Families check into Four Seasons Hampshire in Hook for the connecting rooms and kid-friendly daily club “Kids For All Seasons”, but also for the chance to ride horses at the on-site equestrian centre or wander the 500-acre estate. Parents have the spa, afternoon tea, and even Sharkie's Reef, a pool with slides and bubble jets that kids happily monopolise. And with Windsor Castle and Highclere Castle both nearby, it's a stay that balances play with a touch of English grandeur.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

One&Only Aesthesis | Greece

The “Athens Riviera” is known for its glamour but at One&Only Aesthesis it becomes effortlessly family friendly. Spacious villas, suites, bungalows, and rooms provide year-round comfort for families or groups. Children can enjoy supervised activities at KidsOnly, cool off in the kids pool or enjoy the lush gardens. Parents can alternate between treatments at the Guerlain Spa with its heated outdoor pool and cocktails at the elegant interior or beachfront bars, while babysitting and kids club services are available upon request. Whether for relaxed beach days, sophisticated indoor dining, spa indulgence, or exploring heritage sites in nearby Athens, One&Only Aesthesis offers an elegant and flexible option for all ages.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Cheval Blanc Paris | France

Staying on the Seine puts families right in the centre of Paris and this graceful property makes the location surprisingly workable with children. Rooms and suites are chic but practical, with connecting layouts and babysitting services available, plus complimentary children’s amenities designed to keep younger guests engaged.

The property just introduced an E-MOTION experience - a new-generation professional racing simulator that delivers the intensity of a real cockpit, suitable for all ages. While parents indulge at the Dior Spa or sip cocktails with river views at Le Tout-Paris, children can join the supervised club or simply soak up the City of Light at their doorstep.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel | Italy

Perched on Monte Mario with sweeping views of Saint Peter’s Dome, Rome Cavalieri sprawls across 15 acres of gardens and pools, giving families a resort-style base in the middle of the Eternal City. Kids can try gladiator training, take part in treasure hunts, or even tackle a Nutella chocolate bar at the hotel's Kids Club, while adults gravitate toward the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club’s Roman Baths or the Michelin-starred La Pergola. Between the gardens, the shuttle into the city, and workshops that tie into local history and art, the hotel offers a rare Rome combination: space to stretch out and an easy launchpad for exploring.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection | Hawaii

Tucked along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, this expansive resort is ideal for families with energetic, adventure-seeking children. Standalone oceanfront residences feature private entrances, full kitchens, and secluded pools, while young guests can safely enjoy the sandy-bottom Keiki Pool or the white-sand beach with its protected cove. With access to tide pools, nature trails, and a complimentary kids’ club, the resort balances enriching exploration with effortless relaxation for all ages.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort | Florida

An ideal oasis for guests seeking the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. This upscale abode features a luxurious spa and salon, six vibrant restaurants including Michelin-starred Capa Steakhouse, a library-inspired speakeasy, Epilogue, a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, on-site Disney character breakfast and much more. The young and young-at-heart will delight in the private five-acre water park complete with a complimentary kids club, lazy river, two water slides, interactive splash zone, family pool, a lively arcade and playground. For those seeking relaxation, the infinity-edge adults-only pool, Oasis, is the perfect location. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to the Disney Theme Parks as well as prime firework views each evening.

As a Platinum Cardmember, enjoy a complimentary suite of benefits when you book through American Express Travel.

Fine Hotels + Resorts

 

  12pm check-in, when available

  Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1

  Daily breakfast for two

  U$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2

  Guaranteed 4pm check-out

  Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Hotel Collection *,3

 

  12pm check-in, when available

  Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1

  US$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2

  Late check-out, when available

How to Fly with Children

Getting through the airport and onto the plane is half the battle – but the right airline can make flying with kids easier. From young person-friendly amenities to flexible seating, these carriers offer thoughtful perks that help everyone travel more smoothly.

Map Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic

From all fun, no-faff food, to inflight family entertainment, Virgin Atlantic are known for their family ethos for a reason. Vera, their inflight entertainment system onboard, has a designated Kids section to keep your kids entertained with movies, TV, audio, and games suitable for small eyes and ears. Let their creativity come to life with onboard Kids Packs, featuring an activity book, colouring pencils, and holiday journal. And there’s a dedicated kids’ menu with tasty, nutritious and fun meals, and plenty of snacks. Families travelling with infants can bring one collapsible stroller and one car seat at no extra cost, which are collected at the gate and safely stored in the hold. Virgin Atlantic makes travelling with little flyers a breeze.

 

International Airline Program

Your next global adventure awaits and is more attainable with the International Airline Program. Platinum Cardmembers, enjoy access to savings on select first class, business, and premium economy tickets with participating airlines on designated international flights booked through American Express Travel. Plus, earn airline miles on these bookings as you typically would.

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