Choosing the Best Hotel for Family Trips
*This post features everything you need to know for choosing the best hotel for family trips. It may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you.
Choosing the best hotel for family trips is one of the most important aspect to think of when planning a vacation. Travelling with children requires more organization and preparation in order to avoid unpleasant surprises at your destination. The choice of hotel is no exception to that. In fact, with young children in tow, you will probably spend more time in your hotel room than when you were travelling alone or as a couple (e.g. change of clothes, rest period, naps, etc.). By choosing the right hotel where to stay with your children, you ensure that you have everything you need on site and have a more enjoyable and relaxing vacation.
Here are 7 things to consider for choosing the best hotel for your family trip. They will help you narrow down the options from the thousands of hotels offered to find the perfect place to stay with your kids.
Choosing the best hotel for family trips: 7 things to consider
1- Location
Choosing the right location for your hotel on a family trip can make the difference between a great vacation and one you don’t want to remember. Make a list of activities you want to do during your stay. Choose a hotel which location makes it easy to get to the places you want to visit. Keep in mind that with young children, you will probably have to return to the hotel during the day (change of clothes, rest period, letting them stretch, naps, etc.). It is therefore preferable to choose a hotel located at a reasonable distance from the activities you want to do.
When we choose a hotel for our family trips, we take into consideration the offer of restaurants, grocery stores and pharmacies in the surrounding area. Having a grocery store nearby allows you to stock up on snacks and milk for babies and toddlers. Family-friendly restaurants within walking distance are also a big plus – it’s less tempting to venture out to find a restaurant when everyone is hungry and the kids are tired from their day of sightseeing. Finally, it is always good to have access to a pharmacy very close to the hotel. Even if you brought a first aid kit in your luggage, little surprises can always happen when travelling.
It is also important to think about accessible transport options near the hotel. Is there public transit nearby (bus, metro, train)? Does the hotel offer a shuttle to get to major tourist sites or to get to the airport?
Finally, take into consideration the level of security and the general atmosphere of the neighborhood. Is it a popular neighborhood? Are there several bars and clubs nearby (you may hear a lot of noise during the night)?
➡️ Read Next: Not sure if you should book a hotel room or rent an appartment/house? Make sure to check my blog post on Hotel vs Airbnb with a Baby to help you make the right decision for your family!
2- Room convenience: everything your family needs
Pay attention to the layout of the room. Do you need a small living room space where you can let your children move and play? This space could also be where you meet when the kids are sound asleep. If you are travelling with teenagers, you could also consider choosing connecting rooms to give them more privacy. A room with a balcony may not be essential on family trips, but the balcony may be your quiet place if you have toddlers in tow and want to enjoy some romantic time when they are asleep. If you have young children, it is often best to opt for a hotel room that has a bath and not just a shower. In our opinion, a fridge is also an essential convenience when choosing a hotel for our family trips. It allows us to stock up on milk and snacks for our children.
Also consider making the room safe for babies. The rooms have generally been designed for adult travelers (e.g., toiletry bottles can be within their reach, electrical outlets, door handles, etc.).
It may also be worth checking which services are accessible with the room you choose. For example, does the room include free access to the WiFi network? Do you have access to laundry facilities while staying at this hotel?
Finally, it’s worth checking if the equipment you will need during your stay is available at the hotel (e.g., baby cot with mattress and sheets).
Some rooms are equipped with a small kitchenette or microwave. They may be a better option for families travelling with young children. Heating meals or warming up a bottle is easier in a well-equipped room.
In short, it is important to determine which amenities are essential for you and which are only “extras”. It’s important to consider these elements when choosing a hotel for a family trip.
3. Restaurants on site
In addition to the restaurant offer around the hotel, as mentioned above, the restaurants on site are equally important. Look at the menus offered – are there kids’ menus? In some hotels, children eat free when adults order a meal. Be sure to make the most of the freebies offered by hotels for families.
Some rooms have breakfast included with the reservation. If your room does not have a kitchenette where you can prepare your meals, this option may be advantageous for families. Indeed, eating out three times a day can take up a large part of the budget planned for the holidays. Evaluate if this option could be beneficial for you when choosing a hotel for your family trip.
4. Pools
Swimming pools are a must for kids. Depending on the time of year you are travelling, consider the average temperatures for your destination. Is it better to opt for a hotel that offers an indoor or outdoor pool? Also check that the hotel pool is accessible to children and if there are any restrictions: some hotels require young children to have a float. Remember to bring swimming diapers for your baby since many hotels require them.
Compare all hotel options available in the neighborhood of your choice: some hotels offer heated pools while others even have water parks or lazy rivers.
Before booking, remember to check the opening hours of the pool as well as the opening period during the year… It would be disappointing to arrive and have the pool closed for repairs/maintenance during your stay.
5. Activities for children
The activities that are available on site are an important aspect to consider when choosing the best hotel for family trips. Indeed, hotels that have a park or a playground for children are more interesting, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel.
Some hotels also have a “kids club” where fun activities are offered (treasure hunt, crafts, etc.).
6. Elevators
It might seems obvious, however, elevators are a rare commodity in certain regions of the world, including Europe. So, if you are traveling with toddlers or with a stroller, it is a good idea to take this into consideration when choosing the best hotel for your family trip. If no hotel has an elevator in the destination of your choice, consider requesting a room that is on the lowest floors of the hotel so that you do not have to walk up several flights of stairs with your child and stroller in hands.
7. Budget
Obviously, the budget is the key element to keep in mind when choosing the best hotel for your family trip. Make a list of what is essential for your family and look at the hotel options that are available within your budget.
FAQ: Choosing the Best Hotel for Family Trips
1. What amenities should I prioritize when booking a hotel for my family?
Look for family-friendly amenities like spacious rooms, cribs or rollaway beds, kid-friendly meals, and perhaps even a pool or playground. Some hotels also offer babysitting services or kids’ clubs to make your stay even easier.
2. Is it better to stay in a hotel with a kitchen when traveling with kids?
If you’re planning an extended stay or want to manage meal times on your own schedule, booking a hotel with a kitchenette can be very convenient. You can prepare snacks or meals for picky eaters and save money by not dining out for every meal.
3. How can I find hotels that are close to family-friendly attractions?
Use map tools or hotel search filters to look for accommodations near the places you want to visit. Also, check if the hotel provides shuttle services to popular attractions or if public transport options are easily accessible.
4. Should I prioritize reviews from other parents?
Yes! Reviews from families often highlight things that are particularly important when traveling with kids—like noise levels, staff friendliness, and proximity to activities. Parents can provide honest insights about the overall experience from a family perspective.
5. How do I know if a hotel is truly family-friendly?
Look for hotels that specifically market themselves as family-friendly. Check for mentions of kid-focused amenities, family room options, and special offers for families. You can also contact the hotel directly to ask about their accommodations for kids.
6. Are there any specific safety considerations when choosing a hotel for a family trip?
Yes, check for features like room security (latches, locks), balconies or windows that are safe for little ones, and proximity to safe walking areas or parks. It’s also worth checking if the hotel has a well-lit and secure entrance, especially if you’re arriving late at night.
7. Is location more important than hotel features when choosing family accommodation?
It depends on your priorities. If you’re spending most of your time exploring, staying close to attractions might be more important. But if you plan on spending downtime at the hotel, amenities like a pool, play area, or family-friendly services could be key to a stress-free trip.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Hotel for Family Trips
Picking the right hotel can make all the difference when traveling with kids. Whether you’re looking for convenience, comfort, or fun amenities, knowing what to prioritize will help you find a place that suits your family’s needs. By considering factors like location, safety, and family-focused features, you’ll be better prepared to choose a hotel that not only keeps everyone happy but also makes your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to find the perfect place for your next family adventure, ensuring your stay is as comfortable and stress-free as possible!
