Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
Europe is renowned for having some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. From magnificent mountain ranges to stunning beaches, meandering rivers to fairytale forests, the diversity of the geography in Europe results in many awesome holiday destination opportunities.
If you like to spend your family vacation enjoying the great outdoors and reconnecting with nature a holiday close to lakes and mountains provides plenty of opportunity for wholesome fun and thrilling activities as well as peace and quiet too. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
1. Hotel La Perla – Lake Garda, Italy
Address: Via Vespucci, 5, 37016 Garda VR, Italy
Hotel Information – The Hotel La Perla is a traditional Italian property located on the outskirts of the town of Garda which is a bustling place packed with cafes, bars, and restaurants.
The hotel features a good-sized outdoor pool which is flanked by a snack bar which serves a variety of drinks and refreshments. Younger guests will love having fun at the on-site play area being so close to Lake Garda means you can enjoy stunning walks or family bike rides around Lake Garda itself.
In fact, the hotel supplies electric bikes which are ideal for family bike rides as they save any legs, particularly little ones, getting too tired! Evening times can be spent enjoying a nightcap in the lounge bar whilst enjoying the live music.
➥ Outdoor Pool
➥ On-Site Play Area
2. Hotel Savoy Palace – Lake Garda, Italy
Address: Via Longa, 10, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Hotel Information – The Hotel Savoy Palace is nestled between a stunning mountain range on one side and gloriously Italian olive groves on the other. As you arrive and enter the lobby you will be greeted by a real-life authentic Italian classic car, which is an ideal photo opportunity to kick start your stay.
The large and immaculate outdoor pool sits within lush gardens which are kept in pristine condition. The hotel offers a whole host of family-friendly activities including aqua aerobics, yoga classes and guided walks to view all the places of interest in the area.
The restaurant here celebrates all the local produce including freshly caught fish, homemade pasta and an impressive range of seasonal vegetables.
➥ Large Outdoor Pool
➥ Family-friendly Activities
3. Gasparina Village Apartments – Lake Garda, Italy
Address: Via Gasparina, 7/a, 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda VR, Italy
Hotel Information – Apartment-style accommodation is a really great, convenient option when travelling with kids. The concept of the mini home from home enables families to maintain their usual routine which can make for a more relaxing time away for everyone.
The Gasparina Village Apartments are bright and welcoming, located right beside the stunning Castelnuovo del Garda, and ideally situated for days out by Lake Garda, and Gardaland Theme Park too. A large outdoor pool with slides and fountains is the ideal place to cool off after a day of sightseeing,
There is even a Kid’s Club where little ones can get involved with music workshops and face painting. The whole family can hire bikes from this establishment, providing a more fun and wholesome way to get around and enjoy the surrounding area.
➥ Located close to Gardaland Theme Park
➥ Outdoor Pool with Splash Area
4. Hotel Leonardo da Vinci – Lake Garda, Italy
Address: Via IV Novembre, 3, 25010 Limone Sul Garda BS, Italy
Hotel Information – You won’t find a lake view much better than the one offered at the Hotel Leonardo da Vinci. Perched virtually right on the banks of Lake Garda, and occupying a significant area of hillside, the location of this property is magnificent.
There are heaps of family-friendly facilities and activities here too. There is a good-sized outdoor pool, plus two smaller ones featuring mini slides for the little ones. Indoors you will find a cosy heated pool and the hotel-operated, super-fun Kid’s Club, which takes place in the playroom.
The charming town of Limone is only a short stroll from the hotel and here you will find a delightful collection of cafes and restaurants.
➥ Outdoor Pools
➥ Indoor Heated Pool
5. Hotel Ramada & Suites Kranjska Gora – Slovenia
Address: Borovška cesta 93, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Hotel Information – The Hotel Ramada and Suites is located in the quaint town of Kranjska Gora, northwestern Slovenia. This town enjoys a prominent location, high up in the magnificent Julian Alps and offers breathtaking mountain views.
This mountain town is packed full of Slovenian culture and is right on the doorstep of the Triglav National Park which provides ample hiking opportunities.
This hotel is simple and modest from an amenities point of view, however, as guests you have free access to the pool complex and spa at the resort next door. The bedrooms at the Hotel Ramada and Suites are large and comfortable, ideal for families.
➥ Breathtaking Mountain Views
➥ Access to pool complex and spa next door
6. Best Western Hotel Kranjska Gora – Slovenia
Address: Vršiška cesta 38, 4280 Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Hotel Information – The Best Western Hotel Krankska Gora provides all the facilities and comforts that families who spend their days hiking in the mountains look forward to upon their return.
From a fabulous heated indoor pool with a whirlpool to soothe aching limbs, to a cute Kid’s splash pool where little ones can let off steam and large comfortable rooms, they’ve thought of everything. The property itself is an alpine-style building and features a restaurant and a coffee bar.
The restaurant serves authentic Slovenian cuisine both morning and evening, and there is always a fun and lively atmosphere here during meals. The coffee shop serves a whole host of delightful treats including posh hot chocolates, homemade cake and all your favourite cocktails.
➥ Heated Indoor Pool
➥ Kid’s Splash Pool
7. Hotel Grand Bristol – Lake Maggiore, Italy
Address: Corso Umberto I, 73, 28838 Stresa VB, Italy
Hotel Information – When you stay at Hotel Grand Bristol you will be treated to some breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore. The hotel is built within large, beautifully manicured gardens and is just a stone’s throw from the lake and a short stroll from the local town of Stresa.
Well known for its exceptional, typically Italian service, the hotel also offers some excellent family-friendly facilities. A large pool is flanked by comfy loungers; the ideal spot for cooling off and relaxing after a day of hiking or sightseeing. The pool itself features a cascading waterfall, a whirlpool and fabulous views. Inside you will find a cute indoor pool, a sauna, and a mini gym.
➥ Stone’s throw from the lake
➥ Large Outdoor Pool & Indoor Pool
8. Hotel Tyrol – Söll, Austria
Address: Wies 10, 6306 Söll, Austria
Hotel Information – Such is the quality of the Hotel Tyrol, that many guests return year after year to enjoy their vacation here. The location is excellent, surrounded by peaceful countryside but just a very short walk from the centre of Söll, which is the local bustling town.
A fifteen-minute walk takes you to the main gondola in the area which zips you up the mountain to enjoy the spellbound views and endless picturesque walking trails. The hotel itself has a chic, elegant atmosphere, and the rooms are sophisticated and spacious.
There is a refreshing outdoor pool as well as a heated indoor. Five-course menus at the on-site restaurant are prepared by top chefs who serve a combination of local and international cuisine.
➥ Indoor & Outdoor Pools
➥ Excellent Location
9. Hotel Tiefenbrunner – Kitzbühel, Austria
Address: Vorderstadt 3, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria
Hotel Information – Hotel Tiefenbrunner is situated right in the centre of the upmarket town of Kitzbühel which is packed with bougie shops and restaurants located along charming, cobbled streets. The entrance to the Hahnenkamm gondola is within a short distance making access to the local mountain walks super easy.
The hotel sports a fancy indoor pool and a double of saunas. There is a main buffet-style restaurant on site which serves breakfast and dinner daily, and there is also a sophisticated a la carte eatery which is perfect for a special meal, where you can enjoy exquisite food and service. There is a relaxed snack bar which serves drinks and light snacks throughout the day and into the evening.
➥ Indoor Pool
➥ Short Walk to Gondola
10. Hotel Sport & Spa Strass – Mayrhofen, Austria
Address: Hauptstraße 470, 6290 Mayrhofen, Austria
Hotel Information – The elegant Hotel Sport and Spa Strass can be found in the picturesque and typically Austrian town of Mayrhofen. Mayrhofen is surrounded by snow-tipped mountains, which are linked by a string of cable cars that whisk people up to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Walking trails treat you to brightly coloured meadows, glaciers, and plenty of nature. The spa here is fantastic, packed with pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms. The hotel boasts some superb outdoor areas including some stunning gardens where you can kick back and enjoy the views.
There are also tennis courts and a cute play area for the little ones. The restaurant here serves a combination of traditional Austrian fayre and international favourites too.
➥ On-Site Spa Facilities
➥ Tennis Courts
11. Hotel Daxer – Zell Am See, Austria
Address: Georg-Rendl-Straße 8, 5700 Zell am See, Austria
Hotel Information – The Hotel Daxer is a family-run establishment in the town of Zell Am See, Austria. It boasts superb mountain views and promotes care of the environment and the local nature that surrounds it.
The hotel sits within lush green gardens, where you will find the attractive natural dipping pool which is heated by solar energy. Younger guests can let off steam in the outdoor play area which features swings, slides and climbing equipment. Adults are invited to unwind in the relaxation room or the sauna.
The Hotel Daxer operates on a half-board basis which includes a generous breakfast buffet and an evening meal which includes dishes specifically from the local area so everyone gets the opportunity to taste authentic Austrian cuisine.
➥ Superb Mountain Views
➥ Natural Dipping Pool
12. Unique Resort & Spa – Macedonia
Address: Studenchishta, Ohrid, North Macedonia
Hotel Information – There are a variety of board options to choose from at the Unique Resort and Spa in Ohrid, Macedonia. From Bed and Breakfast to Full Board, there is something to suit every family’s wants and desires.
Ohrid is the most charming of towns, with cobblestone streets and quaint little shops and cafes. The Unique Resort and Spa is one of the biggest hotels in the area and has some excellent facilities. There is a great-sized outside pool, flanked by smart white loungers and a cool poolside bar that serves a variety of drinks and snacks.
The spa here is full of luxury, featuring all the usuals such as a sauna, steam room and hot tub. There is also an extensive treatment menu packed with massage and facial options.
➥ Outdoor Pool
➥ On-Site Spa
13. Hotel Derby – Grindelwald, Switzerland
Address: Dorfstrasse 75, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
Hotel Information – The Hotel Derby is almost 130 years old and kept in immaculate condition. Many guests return year after year, to enjoy the stunning views of the Eiger, the super comfortable rooms and close proximity to the local shops and restaurants.
There is a train and a bus station within a short walk and these transport links take you to enjoy other parts of this majestic country. The restaurant here is a grand and regal dining room that serves traditional Swiss cuisine from an impressive a la carte menu. There are also a number of lounge bars to relax at. The sauna here is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
➥ Stunning Mountain Views
➥ Great Location
14. Hotel Alpen Resort – Switzerland
Address: Spissstrasse 52, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland
Hotel Information – The Hotel Alpen Resort is a charming traditional Swiss hotel offering delightful views of the Matterhorn. There is plenty to keep the younger ones entertained here including a games room packed with toys for all ages, table football and an outdoor play area.
The wellness centre here features a heated swimming pool and there is also a tennis court if you’re feeling competitive. The Hotel Alpen Resort is particularly well known for its very well-stocked wine cellar which offers plenty of choice of bottles to accompany the five-course meals guests can enjoy when dining in the main restaurant.
On the menu here is a fabulous combination of Italian, Swiss and International cuisine. Once a week, there’s a special raclette evening where you can treat yourselves to copious amounts of scrumptious gooey, Swiss cheese.
➥ Views of the Matterhorn
➥ Play Areas
15. Arenas Resort Victoria Lauberhorn – Switzerland
Address: Dorfstrasse 1, 3823 Wengen BE, Switzerland
Hotel Information – The Arenas Resort Victoria Lauberhorn is a handsome, almost regal-looking building that has a contemporary interior and some super family-friendly facilities. The very attractive village of Wengen is not far away, oozing with alpine charm and packed with lovely Swiss shops and cafes.
There is an excellent Wellness Centre at this resort, which has a heated indoor pool, a lazy river, a sauna and a hot tub. The games room features billiards, pool, and table tennis.
Buffet-style breakfasts and evening meals are served in the Lobhörner restaurant, which is an impressive room boasting big windows and lots of sunlight. Each week there is a delightful Swiss fondue which is both fun and delicious.
➥ Heated Indoor Pool
➥ Games Room
Please conduct your own research through reviews and the company’s websites with regard to the facilities, the rooms and the upkeep of the above hotels. The above information is for reference only. Please also check their cancellation policies with regard to any current travel restrictions.
