Hotels International

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Hotels International Novotel 

	Novotel
tel: France +33 1 69 36 79 00; UK (020) 8283 4530

Part of the Accor group.

Where

Around 330 hotels and resorts in 54 countries, 24 being in the UK with ore planned.

Style

Mostly three and four-stars on the outskirts of towns, usually with easy motorway access though occasionally more central in big cities. The vast majority are with swimming pool, usually outdoors.

Child Facilities

One of the most child-friendly options, particularly among middle ranking hotels. In the UK at one point consulted children about how to improve facilities for younger visitors. The youth board voted out fast food and preferred vegetarian options and pasta found on the adult menu.
In addition welcome packs cater to two age groups 3-8 and 9-14, the older kids not getting a cuddly toy but instead getting pop gossip and games reviews or a copy of R L Stevenson's Treasure Island. Children are also offered a soft drink in the room instead of the parental tea or coffee.
A family charter details the provision of cots, bottle warmers, high chairs, a children's corner in the hotel and more. Novotel's mascot, Dolfi the Dolphin, welcomes children with gifts, and games. There are children's menus plus a playground and shops sell items to keep children interested. Rooms include TV and Playstations.
In Europe there is the Dolfi Club, in the Caribbean Ti Pirate Club and in Asia Gecko Kids Club. The brochure, available on the above number, details facilities of interest like indoor and outdoor pools. In the UK offers free entrance for four to a family attraction local to the chosen hotel when staying a minimum of two nights.

Sample Price

€450-930, cheaper at weekends at some hotels. In the UK £55 to £110.

Child Prices

Children under 16 sharing with their parents or grandparents stay free. Breakfast eaten with parents is also free. A majority of Novotels offer a discount of up to 50% for a second room for children, subject to availability.