Winning tip: Agriturismo Ferdy, Lombardy
Choose family-friendly interconnecting rooms at this farm in the mountains north of Bergamo. Tons to do, including pony rides, milking the goats, helping with the animals, canoeing, haymaking, donkey trekking up to Ferdy's high-altitude dairy farm (where you can help with the cheese-making and stay the night), or bike rides along the converted railway line with its exciting bridges and tunnels. +39 0345 82235, agriturismoferdy.com, from €50pp half-board
Matthew Thurston
Hotel Piccinelli, Rimini
The Fabbri family have been running Hotel Piccinelli for years and offer a genuine Italian welcome, including a special home-cooked kids' menu with ingredients from local shops and markets. Try Nonna Giuliana's "grandmother's cake" – it's magnifica! Sun beds and changing room facilities are included in the price and the calm, swimmable waters are a short walk from the hotel.
+39 0541 39 10 94, hotelpiccinellirimini.it, doubles from €66 B&B, half-board from €44pp
gonca
La Gradiva, Florence
This lovely pensione is a short stroll from the Ponte Vecchio, and the owner, Mario, blends Florentine wit and warmth with the classic Italian love of children. He is full of tips on how to give younger visitors a great time, and can even steer you to great bilingual locals who will take them off your hands if you want to spend a bit longer in the museums.
+39 328 738 4115, la-gradiva.florencehotelitaly.net, doubles from €99
Denis Greenan
Hotel Bristol, Sorrento, Amalfi coast
Hotel Bristol is run by the friendly Acampori family who love everyone young and old. My granny is treated like royalty and my kids like pop stars. The great food and amazing swimming are just two reasons why the family will never be bored. There's a view to die for to Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples.
+39 08187 84522, bristolsorrento.com, rooms from €170
gallarate
Hotel Dolce Casa, Moena, Trentino
Even without the awesome scenery, hiking, biking and hearty meals, I would recommend the Hotel Dolce Casa. The kids' club offers activities such as cookery, nature trails and evening shows in the on-site theatre, plus supervised sessions in the kids' pool. It caters well for fussy eaters, and there's even a kids' foot massage/pedicure in the spa.
+39 0462 573126, hoteldolcecasa.it, from €70pp half-board, reductions for kids
marthah
I Due Ghiri, Val di Vara, Liguria
This place is a small cluster of beautiful refurbished farm buildings up in the Ligurian hills within 25 minutes' drive of the Cinque Terre. Its owners are welcoming and there is a very relaxed family atmosphere. You join in for breakfast and dinner on long benches with other families and are treated to incredible home cooking, with freshly baked bread and cakes made with organic ingredients.
+39 0187-576500, agriturismoidueghiri.com, from €35pp B&B or €52 half-board
Laurence Carvalho
Fabris Palace, Trani, Puglia
Modestly named after its owner, Fabris (and also refurbished by the architect Fabris), Fabris Palace is the kind of hotel you might expect in the heart of a modern city. Yet you can revel in the family feel and become part of a truly Italian community that makes no concessions to tourists. Fabris and his family love their food, and their tips on cafes and restaurants are well worth following up.
+39 0883 500109, fabrispalace.it, doubles from €100
rwyndham
Hotel Trastevere, Rome
It's tough trying to entertain kids on a city break but Mario at the Trastevere Hotel in the centre of Rome will do his best to help you. You can have fun cooking in the communal kitchen, use the free Wi-Fi and he can set you up with train tickets to Lido di Ostia. Local artist Stefania drops in to give impromptu drawing lessons, too.
+39 0658 14713, hoteltrastevere.net, doubles from €103
willcoy
Hotel Playa, Viareggio, Tuscany
Viareggio is a lovely resort on the Tuscan coast near Pisa and the Hotel Playa makes families welcome. The papa figure on the desk will go out of his way to suggest the calmest spots for swimming or the best ice-cream parlours. Last year he even gave my family of four a spare train ticket he had to Lucca.
+39 0584 44223, hotelplayaviareggio.it, from €70
foxthecox
Residence Holidays, Pietra Ligure, Liguria
Mario and his mamma run this tranquil complex in the charming Italian seaside resort of Pietra Ligure. The spacious rooms have balconies and there's a swimming pool surrounded by palm and olive trees. We joined in a family pool party for the kids last year - complete with home made pasta al pesto and a glass of chilled wine.
+39 019 613072, holidaysresidence.net, rooms from €250 a week
The Cape Cruiser
