Some might say luxury hotels aren’t for families – if you are traveling with kids then you are simply doomed to stay in a holiday apartment, indistinguishable budget hotel chain or moldy camper van.  It’s your punishment for breeding.

But, in my humble opinion, everyone deserves a little luxury every once in a while.  Even families.  Heck, especially families.  What parent doesn’t need a little pampering?

As a writer for Travel Intelligence, I’ve been invited to stay at some incredible properties across Europe.  All of them have gone above and beyond in terms of style, service and comfort.  But the best of these treat all guests like royalty – including four-year-olds with magic marker smeared across their faces.  Here are a few of my favorite family-friendly luxury hotels in Europe:

1.  Vedema Resort
Santorini, Greece

I’m sure you’ve heard Santorini is a romantic spot – the ultimate in honeymoon destinations.  It’s also a great place to go with kids if you have the right place to stay.  Skip the small cliffside resorts or holiday apartments in town and head to the middle of the island to Vedema Resort.  There, your family will enjoy plenty of room to move in large, spacious suites located in a white-washed village-like setting.

2.  Hotel Pulitzer
Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Kids will love getting lost in the hallways of this hotel.  The Hotel Pulitzer is 32 historic canal houses now interconnected in wily and wonderful ways – you may find it brings out the kid in you as well.  A central location means your family is never too far from sanctuary when the rain hits (which it always does) and kids will also enjoy the small play area in the central garden.

3.  Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski
Munich, Germany

Forget the idea that you need to stay outside the city when traveling with kids.  The Vier Jahreszeiten proves that families can stay in the heart of the city and still be satisfied.  When not out exploring the town, head up to the spa and splash around in the pool or enjoy a very family-friendly tea service in the hotel lobby.

4.  Hotel Phoenicia
Valletta, Malta

Malta is a fantastic family destination full of wonderful outdoor activities and cool pre-historic temples.  Make the capital city of Valletta your home base and enjoy being pampered at the historic Hotel Phoenicia.  Kids can alternate between enjoying the pool and running their ya-yas out in the large outdoor garden with play area.

5.  Four Seasons Georges V
Paris, France

Forget images of surly concierges and annoyed guests from the movie ‘French Kiss’.  The Georges V may be glamorous but it is never stuffy.  Kids will love taking behind-the-scenes tours of the hotel and restaurant – and being treated like a treasured guest in their own right.

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