The Hilton Hotel Barbados could give you and your family a wonderful couple of weeks, a real luxury family vacation on what some people describe as the best beach on Barbados Island. The Hilton is actually situated on a peninsula, and whilst there are places you can walk to a hire car would be advised

One recurring problem with hotels is that if you want to go upmarket, then it is generally not really suitable for children, but the Hilton Barbados is a notable exception. Here you get the atmosphere and the facilities of a top luxury hotel and the children are very welcome. In fact atmosphere for a large hotel is surprisingly quiet and intimate, so don't be put off if you prefer small hotels.

The suites in the Hilton are huge, and they all have a view to die for. If you can, then get accommodated at the Executive Level as you get free breakfast and drinks and eats in the evening, plus free internet access, and all these normal costs can add up over a fortnight.

The beach at the Hilton Hotel Barbados is stunning, and surprisingly more people will choose the pool, so you may have to reserve deck chairs. As the beach has quite a surf running, if you have small children you may prefer the safety of the pool, which by the way is excellent.

If you want seats and umbrellas on the beach the staff are more than happy to oblige.

For older teenagers they will find many surfers, boogie boarders, and body surfers, so if they are so inclined will be occupied happily for hours, although they will need to go further down the beach off the hotel area.

For the active families golf can be arranged, and there are catamaran excursions, where snorkelling is available. If you are lucky there could be just your family on the boat, which makes you feel as if you own it, especially as they give you lunch as well!!

If there is a disappointment with the Hilton, it is the restaurant food, which seems a bit pricey and not great value, but happily there are a good many choices on Barbados insofar as food is concerned.

You may care to check out some or all of the following, although you should find out about the restaurant food for yourself, and not necessarily take other folk's word for it.

You might try the Brown Sugar, within walking distance serving good island food in a very nice setting, and the service here is very good. Service at table in restaurants, even drinks service in Barbados can be painfully slow.

David's Place at St Lawrence Gap has good service, again local food, and it sits right on the water which is beautiful.

One of the main must do things is to visit Oisten's on a Friday evening. The numbers of people there to buy and eat fish fresh from the sea, has to be seen to be believed. You eat off paper plates, and if you want to know which of the stalls sells the best seafood, then look at the longest queues.

The Hilton Hotel Barbados is good for a luxury family vacation, but it is slightly isolated, making a car essential. There's plenty to do, and an excellent kids club for the younger children with very trustworthy staff.