True 5 Star hotel with kids club. Is there such a thing?

[gregssausageroll]

Is there such a thing and not the usual european package deal that classes itself as 5 star but is really 3/4 star? Considering Sensatori by Thomson but just not sure if there is anything else out there.

2 weeks in September.

I totally understand what you mean about 3/4 star posing as a 5 star via package deals. Have you tried the independent rather than package option?

There are plenty of good hotels that offer a kids club with whom you can book direct.

What's the budget?

Skiathos Princess Hotel is supposed to be very good. Haven't stayed there myself but have visited the bars & restaurants there and it seems very lovely. You can book flights to Skiathos with Thomson (from Birmingham, Manchester & Gatwick). Right on the beach with just a 20 minute transfer from the airport. Very child-friendly beach there too.

Alternatively, how about Forte Village in Sardinia? The area around Chia Laguna is stunning - the ocean & beach is stunning there - you feel like you are in the Indian Ocean!

We have stayed at Flamingo Hotel in Sardinia 2 years ago. It isn't a 5 star but the new accommodation (the I Nidi suites) are beautiful and there is a very low key kids club which my DCs adored. You can fly to Sardinia with Easy Jet (you want a flight to Cagliari ideally if you want to stay in the South).

Thanks. Will have a look. Sensatori Crete is £3200 for 14 nights for 3 of us and Tenerife is £3700 for the same.

The Abama in Tenerife was amazing for us earlier this year...

gregs - does that include flights or is that accommodation only? (no idea about Thomson prices so apologies if that is a stoopid question!!)

Inc flights. That. Will look at that one too.

Le Meridien or Four Seasons in limasssol, Cyprus.

Stayed at both (just for a weekend) and they were both fabulous. The kids club was better at Four Seasons.

Although Limassol itself isn't 5 star...

The Almyra in Cyprus is definitely 5 star, and the kids club was great (as was the pool with a sail shade over it so the DC can stay in it basically all day) but it's not AI and the food is scarily expensive if your DC don't want to be hauled away (mind you, we found food elsewhere stupidly expensive as well until we finally found a couple of places where locals actually ate at a fraction of the price).

If budget is no object, then there are Carribean hotels which qualify as well.

Can recommend Oceania club in Halkidiki .We have been several times. Find it cheaper to book through hotel website. First child stays free.

Speak to the people at Tots Too as everything they do is both 5-star and good for families.

Back from Sensatori Crete a month, highly recommend it - kids splash pool fabulous, kids club & creche better than a lot in this country, very clearly defined areas for adults/kids, rooms huge and well equipped, food great if somewhat repetitive - more 4 than 5 star but exeptionally good for Greece. On the beach. Best bit if you're travelling with kids - you check in at the hotel so no queueing outside the hideous Heraklion airport, straight through to departures. If you're on FB we have a Sensatori Crete (and Tenerife/Sharm/Turkey) forum PM meand I'll send you the link

Thanks happy! I found that page (don't want to out myself) and it is top of the list at the moment.

Hoping to book tonight but need to check the passports are up to date first.

WOuld you say 14 days is too long at Crete? What is there to do locally?

Intrigued now your identity is safe but you may have guessed mine!! Crete is an amazing island, huge, lots of history if that's your thing, great day trips to islands, depending on age of children I would highly recommend the 4wd safari - amazing day. Don't book with Thomsons tho! There's a little roadtrain thing that goes to the nearest big town which is a good trip for an afternoon, waterpark fairly near. back on later..

Thanks. I think we are just going to go for it. I need to call the TA again though as they quoted £3476 but online is just £3100. I reckon the TA has probably added seats, food etc to the cost but want to check.

One question, is it worth getting a late check out on the room? Online is it £80 but I assume I'd get that cheaper there. Our flight back is not until 11 pm.

I can't remember if I read about bali beds at tenerife or crete.

They have Bali beds, think €25 a day plus you get sparkly wine etc, if you print off the online quote and take it in/ tell them on phone they will match it.

And can't help re late check out, we had a day flight so didn't need it, but I know they are dependant on availability...

I'm jealous thus sounds amazing. Marking my place so I can come back later when funds are higher. What temp are you expecting in Sept?

Late 20's

I totally understand. When you read trip advisor and see the comments after comments on more 3* then 5.

Anthelia in Tenerife - excellent def 5* with childrens entertainment and club. There is the Navaria too which does AI. However, if you want great food then you'll have to pay for it and I cant justify paying so much for AI when really all you want for lunch is a sarnie. Even AI you'll be contributing £30 for evening meal and with children not a great idea. Our boys are on the edge by 7pm and dreaded taking them for a late dinner so had to pay for a nanny.

Look at Soverigen bochure - on line some lovely stuff on there but prices for the four of us come out £4-£5k. Look at the hotels that Powder Byrne go to - gives you an idea. Again $$$$$$

I found my last holiday on the net - hotel only, found flights and transfer. Trouble is flights can add up to £1000. I saved a fortune as the flight was a few pounds one way and booked my holiday around that - this way you can have numbers of days to suit.