Pavillon de la Reine, Paris

Set on a quiet lane just off the lovely Place des Vosges in Paris' hip Marais neighbourhood, within easy walking distance of Metro stations, countless great restaurants and cafes, and several major sights, this charming, intimate hotel swathed in ivy has an atmosphere of low-key luxury together with hugely welcoming staff who go out of their way to make children feel at home.

Rooms - all plush fabrics and mod cons including iPod docking stations, plus iPads by request - can sleep up to four people in two double beds. The round-the-clock room service makes life easy, as does babysitting for parents who want to step out and enjoy some of Paris' legendary romance, or to take advantage of the luscious on-site spa.

An honesty bar, a terrace and small garden, and free parking and bike loan are all rarities in the French capital that make the Pavillon de la Reine stand out a little from the crowd.