Contrary to popular belief, the arrival of a baby doesn’t mean your travel days are over. Babies are portable, sleep for much of the time and attract adulation at every step – in many ways they make easier travel companions than teens or toddlers! City breaks are ideal for new parents, as handy transport links make for less stressful journeys; what’s more, many of our city hotels and hideaways provide lots of baby kit so the luggage load is reduced. Here are our top suggestions…
1 Santiago de Alfama, Lisbon
It may sit in the heart of Lisbon’s historic district, close to sights and rattling trams, yet Santiago de Alfama, a 15th-century palace turned cool, contemporary haven, is on a quiet street and is sound-proofed. All the elegant bedrooms can take a baby cot, and there isn’t a dud amongst them. Book a babysitter for an evening à deux in the formal restaurant, or try one of the many options on your doorstep. Take a carrier rather than the buggy: Lisbon’s cobbled pavements and many hills do not work well for prams!
Baby kit: Cots and bedding – High chairs – Stair gates – Buggy to borrow – Night lights – Baby baths – Baby monitors – Bottle warming
2 Europa House, London
In a quiet, classy residential district just north-west of Paddington, Europa House is an impeccable apart-hotel offering spacious accommodation (choose 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms), sleek kitchens and smart interiors. London’s largest private garden is to the rear (complete with a playground) and there plenty of grocery shops, delis and cafés nearby. They even have a useful 24-hour concierge, plus a list of recommended restaurant deliveries in each apartment. London’s sights are easily accessible by tube or taxi.
Baby kit: Baby cots – High chairs – Baby baths – Changing mats – Socket covers – Kids’ crockery and cutlery – A kids’ directory detailing local parks and playgrounds
Residence Hilda, Florence
For low-key luxury and a marvellous central location, look no further than Residence Hilda, which offers all the comforts of a hotel yet the privacy of your own self-catering sanctuary. There are 12 light and uncluttered apartments to choose from, and all can take a baby cot. Each has an ingeniously designed kitchenette, and grocery shopping and delivery services are available on request. Best of all, you’re only 3 blocks from the Duomo.
Baby kit: Baby cots – High chairs – Changing mats – Bottle warming – Blenders – Strollers – Car seats
Portixol, Palma, Mallorca
You get the best of both worlds at Portixol: a laid-back Med vibe and Scandi-chic interiors. Opposite is a sandy beach and a coastal promenade that’s perfect for strolling with a pushchair, and there’s a cool pool with shaded lounging. The amenities and sights of beautiful Palma are a 5-minute cab ride away, and the airport is only 15 minutes. Nearly all rooms can take a baby cot, and the signal from the monitors provided will stretch to the restaurant.
Baby kit: Baby cots and bedding – Baby monitors – High chairs – Baby bath – Bottle warming
Made in Louise, Brussels
Just south of the Petite Ceinture (historical centre), in an arty neighbourhood known for its wonderful Art Nouveau buildings, is Made in Louise. Enter through its neoclassical facade to find a smart lobby with a huge honesty bar brimming with snacks and drinks. Breakfast is taken in a light-filled conservatory on the floor above, and there are plenty of eateries on your doorstep. The tram runs at the end of the street, and Brussels has a host of sights to discover. Charming and Executive Rooms can take a baby cot. And you’re only 10 minutes from the Eurostar terminal.
Baby kit: Baby cots – High chairs – Blackout blinds
Boutique Apartments, Barcelona
These unpretentious and smartly functional boutique apartments in Barcelona come in a choice of locations: buzzy El Born, which is close to all sights but can be noisy at night, or the more residential Sants district (near a transport hub but less well-placed for museums and boutiques). Whichever you choose, you have the flexibility of self-catering, with plenty of food outlets on the doorstep. Babysitting is available on request.
Baby kit: Baby cots with bedding – High chairs – Stair gates
The Langham, Sydney
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location (overlooking Sydney harbour and steps from the iconic bridge and opera house), more helpful 5-star service, or a cooler swimming pool (set beneath a domed fibre-optic ceiling, whose twinkling stars mimic the Southern Hemisphere night sky). All of the lavish rooms at The Langham Sydney can take a baby cot, and there’s scrumptious food and drink on offer – from breakfast to afternoon tea to cocktails to evening fine dining.
Baby kit: Baby cots and bedding – High chairs – Bottle warming – Baby bath – Nappies, nappy pail, wipes and baby powder