Not a hotel for families with babies and/or toddlers but great for a break in this great French city for parents with older children, writes Anne Coates.

A contemporary four-star hotel that caters for families as readily as business travellers and regards both as equally important, the Ramada at Salford Quays is a great base for a visit to this newly-transformed docklands in Greater Manchester, as Anne and Libby Coates discovered.

Anne Coates visited Sirmione as part of her trip to Lake Garda and recommends it as a great destination for families, especially staying at the family-friendly Hotel du Parc.

At first glance this sophisticated hotel may not seem an obvious choice for being family-friendly. Think again, says Anne Coates, children are very well catered for and welcomed at Hotel Caesius.

Staying in a hotel close to Legoland - Holiday Inn, Maidenhead - is a great way to prepare for a day at the park: you can arrive at Legoland early, refreshed and ready for action.