Fancy an all-inclusive 4 star break in Tunisia?
Hip Brit hotels for babies
It's a challenge to find a hip hotel where your baby is not just tolerated by an achingly trendy staff but genuinely welcomed and adored with cuddles and playtime. We pick the best
While many hoteliers provide the last word in luxury for mums and dads, they often fail miserably with provisions for babies and toddlers. Luckily, there are some fabulous hotels which ooze cool - and include childcare. Here we single out five properties that are child-friendly and provide childcare, play facilities and essential equipment (cots, bedding, sterilisers and highchairs). Most importantly, parents are positively encouraged to chill-out whilst their under two's are kept blissfully nappy happy.
The Grove
Chandler's Cross
Hertfordshire WD3 4TG
Tel: 01923 807807
www.thegrove.co.uk
The scene: Following in the Jimmy Choo footsteps of fellow country house chic champions Cowley Manor and Babington House, this new kid on the block is a revamped 18th-century mansion boasting 300 acres of style. If you truly are where you sleep, sweetie, this 'groovy-grand' haven for hip urbanites and their offspring is the coolest thing to ever happen to Watford, sorry, Chandler's Cross.
Best baby-friendly features: Anouska's - the impressive new Ofsted-approved centre for children aged 0-10 - is the fluffy pom-pom on The Grove's poncho. A perfect paradise for kids, it includes an indoor pool, sandpit and large outdoor adventure playground. For teeny ones, devoted qualified staff (ratio in the under two's room is 1:3) lavish lots of attention for just £5 an hour (for up to three hours at a time). The staff are superb; the toys are terrific and the grounds are great. Dine at The Stables for tasty sausage and mash. Best of all, the kiddie's menu is designed by children for children, so you'll find the usual favourites like milkshakes, fresh juices, mini sausages, goujons and fish and chips alongside fun offerings like build-your-own-burger and top-your-own-pizza.
Other baby services: There are no 'in-room' baby-listening facilities, but you can book a babysitter for £5/6 an hour. The hotel happily performs a host of baby tasks, from heating up, mashing and pureeing food to supplying baby wipes and nappy creams in the loos. All bedrooms are stocked up with toys, mini-bathrobes for toddlers, milk and cookies and age-relevant videos.
Just for parents: A truly bespoke experience which maintains civilised comfort for adults in a child-friendly environment. Whilst dad checks out the championship golf course (and he will), don't miss being pampered to perfection at the Sequoia Spa.
Cost: Doubles from £210 per night.
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Created: 31/01/2005 Updated: 09/08/2006
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