Lucas Maikapar 
Family-Friendly Accommodations: Finding The Perfect Place To Stay – I’m here to help you with a pretty critical part of planning a family vacation: finding the perfect place to stay. It’s not just about getting a roof over your heads, but ensuring that the accommodation enhances the joy and comfort of your trip. I’m going to show you why this is so important and what you should keep an eye out for.
When it comes to family holidays, the idea of ‘one size fits all’ no longer applies. Each family has its unique needs and preferences, there are key things that can make or break your stay, from safety features and room configurations to the amenities that are offered.
The right accommodation does more than just provide a place to sleep; it becomes a home away from home, a cocoon of comfort where your family can unwind after a day of adventure. It’s the backdrop for your family memories, the place where you’ll laugh over the day’s experiences and plan tomorrow’s escapades.
Criteria for Family-Friendly Environments
I’m going to let you on a tip: Not all accommodations that claim to be family-friendly are a good fit. For example some accommodations may promote family friendly, but there isn’t a lot for kids to do, or the location tends to be a popular spot for parties that go late into the night making it challenging to get a good night of sleep, so choose wisely. I’m here to help you understand exactly what to look for.
First there’s the space issue. Choose something that resonates with you, like family suites or rooms with a connecting door, the layout of the room, bathroom space and amenities. A nice bathroom with a lot of space is really helpful with a family. And a room with a desk, coffee tables or eating table is also really great to have. This way, you can maintain a watchful eye and everyone has room to breathe.
It’s not just about a place to crash. Think entertainment and amenities – does the accommodation have a kids’ club, a playground, or a pool (with a shallow end or a slide? ), or a restaurant? These features can turn a good vacation into a great one.
When you’re traveling with kids, you want to make sure everyone’s going to sleep soundly. Is there a lot of noise coming in from outside the room, like an elevator, restaurant, street or pool area? These are things you can inquire or stipulate at the time of booking or when you check-in that can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep and ensuring everyone is energized and excited about your vacation adventures! And if you need a crib, ask if the hotel has a crib or if you need to bring your own baby sleeping gear. If they have a crib, let them know as soon as possible to ensure you have it available to you during peak season.
Pro-tip 1: Definitely ask for a room away from the elevator – I’ve had the unfortunate experience of waking up to some late night guests conversing loudly in the hallway waiting for the elevator or straggling out of the elevator after a night of fun.
Pro-tip 2: Ask for a room away from restaurants and busy streets, and a higher level floor whenever possible. These are things you can request ahead of time or inquire about at the time of booking or when you check-in that can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep and ensuring everyone is energized and excited about your vacation adventures!
Pro-tip 3: It’s always worth checking a few things in your room before unpacking your luggage. On at least two different family vacations when we got to our room, it was not at all like we expected. One time our window of the pool area was not facing the pool, it was looking directly onto the patio of the room next to us, very strange, we immediately went back to the front desk and asked for a different room.
Safety is also a non-negotiable. If you have really young kids and toddlers, check the floor and room for choking hazards. Make sure the phone and lock work, take a look under the covers to ensure the bed is clean, and make sure patio doors are locked or child proof. Pro-tip: Don’t forget to pack your travel first-aid kit.
It can also include handy features like pool fences and babysitting services. Premium hotels can often baby-proof a room for you if you ask in advance, which can include covering wall sockets, putting corners on tables, securing windows, etc. Pro-tip: Bring your own role of painters or masking tape.
What about when everyone is hungry and it’s meal time? That’s when facilities like on-site dining options such as a restaurant or cafe become crucial and add convenience to your stay. It’s also smart to inquire about equipment for little ones, such as high chairs or booster seats. Some places offer special children’s menus or continental breakfast that include a variety of foods for everyone to enjoy. Pro-tip: Book a hotel with free breakfast, it can add a lot of savings.
Now what about when the kids are in bed? Does the room come with a large TV provided with free shows or family friendly movies to watch? Are there chargers for phones, tablets and laptops?
Keep these criteria in mind, and you’re going to find out about researching and booking your stay in a bit, where planning ahead can make all the difference. Remember, a family trip should be enjoyable for everyone, from the tiniest tots to the grown-ups.
Researching and Booking Your Stay
The research and booking process for your next family adventure isn’t just about scrolling through endless hotel pages (even though that is an exciting part of it, for me anyway!), it’s about finding a place where your entire family will feel at home and you look forward to going there.
You’re going to find out the importance of referring to trusted review websites and family travel blogs. Real-parent perspectives and reviews will be very helpful in understanding what truly makes a place great for kids and adults alike. When you are on a travel booking sites that have reviews, look for the option to filter by categories like “family vacation”. At the same time, you can often put filters on your search to include “pools”, or “Family-friendly” buildings to get more insight and photos about the hotel.
If you don’t want to worry too much about last-minute scrambles during school breaks or holidays; early booking is your best friend here. As long as you plan beforehand and secure your spot ahead of time and before peak season starts to approach can mean more options and often better rates.
Make sure you understand the cancellation policies and customer flexibility, especially with the unpredictability of family life. Illness or changes in plans shouldn’t derail your vacation before it even begins. Many hotels allow for cancellation even as short notice as 24 hours before arrival. Vacation rental sites vary and hosts may differ in how they set up their cancellation policy. While we want every trip to be perfect, it’s important to be ready for the unexpected, and knowing cancellation policies is important and can reduce a bit of anxiety too.
If you’re savvy about it, you can compare special deals and packages that are specifically tailored for families. These can include meals, activities, or even child care services, which can significantly enrich your holiday experience without stretching the budget.
Choose something that resonates with you, whether it’s a bustling city hotel with all the trimmings or a cozy countryside inn where the kids can run free. And that’s the perfect segue into the next section, where I’ll be sharing a list of top family-friendly accommodation recommendations that cater to a variety of preferences and needs.
Top Family-Friendly Accommodation Recommendations
Choosing the right family-friendly accommodation isn’t just about having a place to sleep; it’s about making memories and ensuring comfort for the whole family. Here’s a curated list of destinations that are known for their excellent family facilities:
For a beach getaway, consider properties with kids’ clubs, family pools, and easy access to the sand and surf. Resorts in Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean are often designed with families in mind.
If you’re into the urban experience, look for family-oriented hotels in cities like Orlando, Myrtle Beach, San Diego, New York, Singapore or London. These places often offer packages with discounts on family attractions and spacious rooms designed to handle the bustle of city excitement. And these cities offer so much too!
Mountain retreats in areas like the Swiss Alps, the Colorado Rockies, or the Canadian Rockies provide great outdoor activities for families. Choose lodges that offer skiing lessons for kids, guided hikes or snow-showing, and cozy fireplaces.
Vacation rentals can be brilliant for families seeking a home away from home. Destinations like California’s wine country or the countryside of Tuscany are great if you’re looking for a quiet retreat with kitchen facilities to handle fussy eaters.
Don’t forget to use testimonials from other traveling families to guide your decision. It’s one thing to read about the amenities, but another to hear about real experiences from families similar to yours.
Each type of accommodation has its pros and cons. Resorts usually offer a variety of activities on-site, making them convenient but sometimes more costly. Vacation rentals give you space and privacy, but you may miss out on the full-service aspect. Lodges and inns often provide a rustic charm and potential for adventure, which can be a bit outside some families’ comfort zones. Choose something that speaks to you and meets the needs of your family’s ages, interests, and travel style.
Making the Most of Your Family-Friendly Stay
So, you’ve chosen the perfect place to stay. What’s next? From here on, it’s about creating those unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Ensuring everyone has a good time is key, so I’m going to give you some tried and true tips to make the most of your family-friendly accommodation.
First off, explore the range of activities available on-site or nearby. Many family-oriented places have schedules packed with fun things to do, so take advantage of these. Whether it’s a crafting session for the kids or a family movie night under the stars, joining in helps make your stay richer.
Meal planning can save you from the ‘What’s for dinner?’ headache. Look into dining options before you arrive, and if possible, choose accommodation with kitchen facilities. It’s cost-effective and sometimes comforting to have a home-cooked meal away from home, especially with picky eaters.
Sleep is crucial, especially after a day full of activities. Establish a comfortable sleeping situation for everyone. If you’re in a hotel, don’t hesitate to ask for extra pillows or blankets if it means a better rest for your tribe.
Finally, remember to be present. It’s easy to get caught up in the planning of each day. But sometimes, the best moments come from the unplanned—the quiet morning walks or the spontaneous game of hide and seek. These are the moments you and your kids will cherish.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that the goal of your trip is to bond and enjoy each other’s company. While it’s great to have a plan, be flexible. Some of my best travel experiences have happened when plans changed at the last minute.
I’ve no doubt that your upcoming trip is going to be fantastic. So don’t worry too much about ticking every box. Choose something that strikes a chord with your family, be open to new experiences, and above all, make fantastic memories. If you want to share your family travel stories or need more advice, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Travel safe!
