Hotel recommendations for young kids!

[Twiglet2353]

Toying with the idea of our first abroad holiday with a 2 and 5 year old next year.

Recommendations please for hotels to stay not too far away (thinking Majorca, Portugal etc)

Are we best going All Inclusive? Or a decent self catering with things to do nearby?

Don't want to hire a car when there, and a short transfer time is preferred

TIA

When DD was small we'd usually book an AirBnb (whole property) for a majority of the trip (paying very careful attention to the reviews, and communication of the owner) - and then book a fancy hotel for one or two nights at the end of the trip. Usually the hotel was closer to the airport, though not an airport hotel and it's easy for a hotel concierge to arrange an airport transfer.

Royal Son Bou in Menorca is definitely one of the best for children that age and has a 30 min transfer.

We haven’t done all inclusive. I don’t think it’s worth it unless you want to drink cheap alcohol all day. It’s usually cheaper to just book half board and pay for anything else.

We like bed and breakfast hotels with our 3 year old. Easy first thing, but then doesn’t limit us later in the day. We usually go somewhere so not just sat at pool family, so eat lunch out (often just a picnic type thing from bakery/ casual). Then can opt to eat out wherever we are, find local restaurant or just pay to eat at hotel in evening if we want.

Also 2 bed apartment rentals are good if not hotel. Have cooking facilities, bedrooms for everyone and terrace or balcony to sit at.

I think Airbnb or similar is much better with kids that age so you can get the food they like at the time they like and so you aren't all sleeping in one room. But if you have no car, you will need everything to be VERY nearby - cafes and beach and shops etc.

Puerto Pollensa in Majorca - get a villa just outside the town and you'll be able to walk in. There are plenty of restaurants & playgrounds in the town, plus a nice sandy beach runs all along the town. It's a quickish transfer from the airport.

Royal Son Bou in Menorca is definitely one of the best for children that age and has a 30 min transfer

I was going to say exactly the same thing. The hotel gets great reviews, especially from families with small kids. I've never stayed there, but have been to Son Bou many, many times, and it's a nice, fairly quiet resort with a fabulous, sandy beach, great for children, and very close to the hotel, although it can get quite busy at weekends when locals visit for the day. A few shops and restaurant around, if you choose not to go all inclusive.