ChristingC

Our recent London stay took us to Hyatt Regency London Olympia, a contemporary new hotel in West London and part of the transformation of the historic Olympia district. With the neighbourhood evolving into a destination for dining, entertainment and culture, it feels like an exciting time to discover this part of the city.

Travelling as a family of four, we stayed in connecting rooms, which gave us exactly the balance we look for when travelling with older children. There was plenty of space to spread out, while still feeling connected as a family, and the rooms themselves felt fresh and modern with calming interiors, comfortable beds and all the little details needed for an easy London stay.

One of the highlights was the service. From arrival onwards, the team were incredibly warm and welcoming, making the hotel feel relaxed despite its polished, contemporary setting.

Mornings started with breakfast at Idalia, the hotel’s restaurant, where we could linger over a generous breakfast before heading out for the day. We also returned for dinner, trying everything from Korean fried chicken and steak tartare to lobster linguine, lemon sole and a seriously indulgent Wagyu burger.

The location worked particularly well for us. Holland Park and Kensington are within easy reach, with Notting Hill, Kensington High Street and Westfield also nearby for shopping and exploring.

For families looking for a modern West London base with spacious connecting accommodation, great service and easy access to some of our favourite London neighbourhoods, Hyatt Regency London Olympia is a lovely new addition to the city.

London has no shortage of beautiful five-star hotels, but The Hari manages to feel a little more intimate. Tucked away on a quiet street in Belgravia, it has the polish of a luxury hotel while retaining the warmth and personality of a stylish private residence.

With just 85 bedrooms, including 14 suites, the hotel feels wonderfully boutique. Interiors mix rich velvets, bespoke furnishings, contemporary art and striking marble bathrooms, creating spaces that are luxurious and geared towards comfort.

For our family stay, we had a suite with a connecting room and absolutely loved the set-up. Having two separate sleeping spaces and bathrooms gave us so much room to spread out, while the connecting door meant we could still feel completely together as a family. It offered that rare combination of space and privacy that becomes increasingly important when travelling with older children.

Dinner at Il Pampero was another highlight. The hotel’s Italian restaurant has a glamorous yet relaxed atmosphere, and we loved settling in for a long dinner without having to leave the property. Our meal included everything from crispy courgettes and grilled prawns to beautifully creamy cacio e pepe prepared tableside in a Pecorino wheel, followed by tiramisu finished at the table.

The Belgravia location is another huge draw. Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace are all within easy reach, while the surrounding streets are made for wandering, shopping and stopping at cafés.

Most memorable, however, was the service. Warm, personal and genuinely welcoming, The Hari felt like a little sanctuary in one of our favourite corners of London.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

There are few places that feel quite as quintessentially London as Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Hidden down a quiet street between Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, this historic property feels wonderfully tucked away despite being right in the middle of some of the city’s most iconic sights.

Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the hotel occupies a Grade II-listed building with more than 1,000 years of history woven into its story. Once connected to Scottish royalty and later home to the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, its past is subtly referenced throughout the interiors. Curated British artwork, bespoke furnishings and unexpected details give the hotel plenty of personality without ever feeling overly themed.

Accommodation ranges from elegant king and twin rooms to family rooms, characterful suites and an expansive two-bedroom suite. For something particularly special, there is also a private two-bedroom Georgian townhouse adjoining the hotel, spread across five floors and offering a more residential London experience.

We also loved being able to stay in for dinner at The Parlour. This elegant all-day dining lounge has a relaxed atmosphere that works beautifully after a busy day exploring London. The menu focuses on refined modern British flavours, accompanied by crafted drinks and the warm, attentive service we experienced throughout our stay. It feels sophisticated enough for a special dinner while still being comfortable and welcoming for families.

Location is perhaps the hotel’s greatest luxury. Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Big Ben, Westminster and the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square can all easily be explored on foot, while Covent Garden is close enough for an afternoon of shopping and wandering.

For us, Great Scotland Yard captures so much of what we love about staying in London: history, character, exceptional service and the freedom to step outside and immediately start exploring.

I am a fully qualified independent travel agent specializing in Luxury Family Travel.  I’m here to plan your dream family holiday, create a personal itinerary to suit your family’s needs, and give you all the first hand knowledge I have from travelling full time as a family.  Contact me at christing.chang@fora.travel assist in booking your next trip.

Paris is one of those cities we never tire of returning to, but there is something particularly magical about waking up to a view of the Eiffel Tower. On our latest summer visit, we stayed at Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower, a contemporary hotel tucked away in the 16th arrondissement, moments from Trocadéro and perfectly placed for exploring the city as a family.

We stayed in a spacious suite with a connecting room, giving the four of us plenty of space while still keeping everyone together. The location became one of our favourite parts of the stay. Mornings could begin with views towards the Eiffel Tower before wandering through Trocadéro Gardens and down towards Champ de Mars, while cafés, shopping and some of Paris’ most iconic neighbourhoods were within easy reach. Trocadéro Metro is also nearby, making journeys further across the city incredibly straightforward.

Breakfast each morning was at L’Esprit Nouveau, the hotel’s French restaurant, with an extensive buffet that made for an easy start before long days exploring Paris. Service throughout our stay was wonderful, warm and attentive, and the hotel felt genuinely comfortable for families rather than simply accommodating them.

The highlight, however, has to be Eylau Paris, the hotel’s rooftop bar. We headed upstairs around sunset for cocktails and dinner, watching the sky change colour behind the Eiffel Tower. The rooftop has one of those quintessential Paris views that makes you want to stay for just one more drink, and seeing the tower begin to sparkle after dark was unforgettable.

For us, Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower combined the ease of a family-friendly Hilton stay with a location that constantly reminded us exactly where we were. Waking up near the Eiffel Tower, strolling through Champ de Mars and ending the day with sunset cocktails overlooking Paris made it a memorable base for our summer in the city.

Some London stays are all about being in the centre of the action, while others give you the space to slow down and enjoy the city almost like a local. Hilton London Hyde Park offered us a little of both, with one of London’s most iconic green spaces directly across the road and the colourful streets of Notting Hill just a short walk away.

For our family stay, we booked two spacious Queen Guest Rooms with View, both looking out towards Hyde Park. Having two separate rooms gave us plenty of space to spread out, while those leafy park views were a lovely reminder of just how special the location is. Set within a handsome historic building beside Queensway Underground Station, the hotel combines classic London character with the convenience we always appreciate when travelling as a family. Service throughout our stay was genuinely warm and welcoming too.

Mornings began downstairs with breakfast at Aubaine, the hotel’s French-inspired restaurant, before we simply crossed the road into Hyde Park. We spent our days playing tennis, walking around the Serpentine and spotting the swans, with the Princess Diana Memorial Playground another easy stop with the kids. We also returned to Aubaine for a leisurely lunch during our stay.

There is plenty within walking distance beyond the park. Queens is just around the corner for bowling and family activities, while heading towards Notting Hill brings you to the boutiques, cafés and colourful streets surrounding Portobello Road. We loved browsing the shops and market stalls before finishing the day with dinner at one of the neighbourhood pubs.

What we loved most about Hilton London Hyde Park was how effortlessly it fitted into our London routine. With the park, shopping, restaurants, transport and family activities all on the doorstep, we could spend less time getting around and more time simply enjoying the city.

For families looking for a well-connected London base with spacious rooms, beautiful views and Hyde Park quite literally across the street, this location is hard to beat.

Nuremberg was one of those cities that instantly charmed us, with its cobbled streets, colourful old town and fairytale castle views. For our family stay, we checked into Holiday Inn Nürnberg City Centre, an easy and comfortable base for exploring the city together.

Our family room was perfect for travelling with the kids, with bunk beds they immediately claimed as their own and a private terrace that gave us extra space to relax. The room felt spacious and practical without sacrificing comfort, which is always appreciated when travelling as a family.

Location was a huge highlight. Set within Nuremberg’s historic old town, we could walk almost everywhere, from traditional German restaurants and shopping streets to the city’s most famous sights. We wandered through the old town, hiked up to Nuremberg Castle, and spent an afternoon at the Deutsches Museum Nürnberg, an interactive science and technology museum that ended up being one of the kids’ favourite stops.

Mornings started with the hotel’s extensive breakfast buffet, with plenty of choice for both adults and children before heading out for the day. Service throughout our stay was warm, friendly and efficient, making everything feel incredibly easy.

We loved being able to step outside and immediately immerse ourselves in Nuremberg. We ate traditional German food, stopped for ice cream while wandering the old town and enjoyed drinks beside the canal in the evenings.

For families looking for somewhere central, comfortable and uncomplicated, Holiday Inn Nürnberg City Centre is a great choice. The family-friendly room setup and walkable location made it especially well suited to our first family trip to Germany.

We visited Nuremberg, a fairytale-like city of medieval streets, colourful buildings and an impressive hilltop castle, for the kids’ first trip to Germany. Staying at Hotel VICTORIA Nürnberg, right in the heart of the Old Town, meant we could step outside each morning and explore almost everything on foot.

We stayed in one of their family rooms, which felt spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed for travelling with kids. While the property retains the charm and personality you’d expect from a locally run boutique hotel, the rooms have been modernised with contemporary interiors and, very importantly during our summer visit, air conditioning. We also loved waking up to views across Nuremberg’s historic Old Town.

What really stood out was the service. The team were incredibly warm, friendly and helpful throughout our stay, giving Hotel VICTORIA that personal feel you sometimes lose at larger hotels. Thoughtful complimentary touches included filtered water for guests and free ice cream, which was obviously a huge hit with Ever and River after a hot afternoon exploring.

Breakfast was another highlight, with a generous classic European spread of fresh breads, cheeses, cold cuts, fruit and pastries, alongside made-to-order eggs and freshly prepared coffee.

The location made exploring Nuremberg incredibly easy. We wandered through the Old Town, made our way up to the impressive Imperial Castle and spent plenty of time sampling traditional German food. One of our favourite meals was inside the historic town hall, which felt perfectly fitting for our time in the city.

Nuremberg turned out to be such a memorable introduction to Germany for Ever and River, with just the right mix of history, food and family-friendly things to do. Having a small, welcoming hotel in the middle of the Old Town made it even more special and gave us a lovely local base for experiencing the city together.

There’s something about staying right on the Thames that makes a London stay feel extra special, and Sea Containers London gave us exactly that feeling. Set along the South Bank, the hotel combines a brilliant central location with bold design, great dining and a surprisingly relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

We stayed in a Family Room, which worked perfectly for the four of us. It felt spacious and comfortable, with enough room to properly settle in rather than simply using it as a base for sightseeing. I also loved discovering the hotel’s collection of individually designed suites. From statement interiors to incredible river views and sprawling terraces, there are some seriously unique options if you’re looking to make a London stay feel more memorable.

The location is one of Sea Containers’ biggest draws. You can step outside and walk along the Thames towards Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, while crossing the river puts Covent Garden and the heart of central London within easy reach.

Food and drink are also a huge part of the experience. We had dinner at Sea Containers Restaurant, where the menu revolves around seasonal ingredients and dishes designed for sharing. There’s also rooftop bar 12th Knot for cocktails with a view and Lyaness, the hotel’s award-winning cocktail bar.

One of the hotel’s most unexpected features is its own Curzon cinema, a beautifully intimate screening room that adds another layer to the stay. There’s also agua London, the hotel’s serene spa, offering treatments and a welcome escape from busy days exploring the city.

Despite its stylish interiors and buzzy dining scene, Sea Containers never felt too grown-up for a family stay. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, and there’s enough happening within the hotel to make it feel like a destination in itself.

For us, it was the kind of London hotel that works on every level: cool enough for the adults, easy with kids, and perfectly placed for exploring one of our favourite parts of the city.

Just a quick train journey over the border from HK, Shenzhen is fast becoming the ideal short getaway.  Now brimming with amazing eats, world class modern shopping malls, art museums, kid friendly amusement parks, and captivating tech you’ll be spoilt with options throughout your stay.  Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen was the perfect choice for our family weekend trip.  Rising high above Shenzhen Bay within the striking Huiyun Center, it feels wonderfully removed from the energy of the city below. The “above the clouds” concept is reflected throughout the design, with calming interiors inspired by Lingnan gardens, natural textures and floor-to-ceiling windows that constantly draw your eyes to the spectacular skyline. Although Shenzhen is a fast paced city, stepping into the hotel immediately creates a sense of calm.

Travelling as a family of four, our Executive Suite was the perfect choice. The separate living room gave us the extra space that makes such a difference when travelling with children, with a large sofa bed where Ever and River could relax after busy days exploring. The bedroom felt beautifully serene, while the oversized marble bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and incredible city views, became my favourite place to unwind each evening. Watching the lights come on across Shenzhen from our suite was one of those simple travel moments I’ll always remember.

One of the highlights of our stay was having access to the Horizon Club Executive Lounge. It became our little sanctuary throughout the day, whether we were enjoying a leisurely breakfast, stopping in for afternoon tea or returning for evening cocktails and beautifully presented canapés before dinner. It added another level of luxury to the experience and is something I would highly recommend when booking. We also loved starting our mornings at Café 66, where an extensive buffet features everything from Chinese specialities to Japanese and Western favourites, all served in an elegant dining room overlooking the city. Dinner at Summer Palace was another standout, showcasing refined Cantonese cuisine with impeccable service in one of Shenzhen’s most beautiful dining rooms.

The location worked brilliantly for our family. Being directly connected to RAIL IN made everything incredibly convenient, with excellent restaurants, cafés and shopping just steps from the lobby. One afternoon the children spent hours at Block by Amfun Sports Super Park while we explored the surrounding shops, and it was one of those effortless family travel days where everyone found something they loved. With Shenzhen Bay nearby, easy metro access and thoughtful facilities including a beautiful indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and Executive Lounge, Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen is a hotel I would happily recommend to families and couples alike looking for a luxurious base in one of China’s most exciting cities.

Set on Bali’s spectacular Bukit Peninsula, Lyvin Melasti is a collection of contemporary private pool villas designed for travellers who appreciate beautiful architecture, thoughtful design and the freedom of villa living. Every space has been carefully curated with clean modern lines, warm natural materials and lush tropical landscaping, creating a peaceful retreat that feels both stylish and welcoming. While it offers complete privacy, its location places guests just moments from some of southern Bali’s most spectacular beaches and the vibrant dining scene that has made this corner of the island one of our favourites.

During our stay, we called one of the beautiful Two Bedroom Pool Villas home. Floor to ceiling glass fills the villa with natural light, while the open plan living spaces flow effortlessly onto the sun terrace and private pool. The minimalist aesthetic is softened with natural wood, stone and earthy tones, creating an atmosphere that feels luxurious without ever being overdone. It is the kind of space that immediately encourages you to slow down, whether that means lingering over breakfast, reading by the pool or enjoying a quiet evening after a day exploring. Despite being so close to everything, the villas are wonderfully quiet and tranquil, making it easy to completely switch off and enjoy the slower pace of island life. The warm, attentive team elevated the experience even further, delivering thoughtful service throughout our stay and making us feel genuinely welcomed from the moment we arrived.

One of the biggest reasons we loved Lyvin Melasti was its proximity to Melasti Beach, which has become one of our favourite beaches in Bali. Framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and known for its crystal clear turquoise water and powdery white sand, it is the perfect place to spend a morning swimming, relaxing or simply taking in the incredible scenery. Being just a few minutes away meant we could visit whenever we liked before retreating back to the privacy of the villa.

The location also makes it easy to discover the best of the Bukit Peninsula, from Uluwatu’s cafés and restaurants to beach clubs and hidden coves, while still returning each evening to a peaceful sanctuary away from the crowds. For travellers looking for contemporary design, generous living space and one of Bali’s most desirable beach locations, Lyvin Melasti is a wonderful base for experiencing this beautiful part of the island.