Best Tips for Booking Accommodations with Kids
Planning a family vacation is exciting, but Booking Accommodations with Kids requires thoughtful consideration. Discover how to choose family-friendly stays that ensure comfort and fun for everyone.
When traveling with kids, I look at apartments and holiday homes first. They usually have more space and family-friendly amenities. Before booking, I always check the photos and make sure the amenities match what’s promised. This helps avoid surprises when we arrive.
A cozy family-friendly hotel lobby with colorful decorations, child-sized furniture, a play area with toys, and warm lighting, featuring a welcoming atmosphere and smiling staff.
Choosing a central location is crucial for a family vacation. It makes it easy to see sights and get back to the room for naps or forgotten things. Booking directly with hotels often gets you better rates and more flexible policies. Some places even offer extra services like airport transfers and babysitting, which are huge helps when traveling with kids.
Key Takeaways
- Consider apartments and holiday homes for more space
- Always check photos and verify amenities before booking
- Choose central locations for convenience
- Book directly with hotels for better rates and flexibility
- Look for accommodations offering family-friendly services
- Use booking platforms like Booking.com for extensive options
- Read guest reviews on sites like TripAdvisor for real experiences
Understanding Hotel Occupancy Rules for Families
Traveling with kids can be tricky due to hotel occupancy limits. These rules differ a lot, especially between domestic and international travel. It’s key to know the policies of family-friendly hotels before booking.
Domestic vs International Occupancy Limits
In the U.S., most hotels let up to four people per room for free, if kids are under 18. This makes traveling with family here more affordable. But, international travel often has stricter rules and extra fees for more guests.
Age Restrictions and Children Policies
Hotels have age rules and policies for kids. They might ask for kids’ ages when you book. This helps them prepare and follow safety rules. Family-friendly hotels usually have more flexible rules.
Additional Guest Charges
Charges for extra guests can add up, especially abroad. In Europe and the Middle East, hotels might charge for guests beyond the third. They say it’s because of higher costs like laundry and cleaning.
| Region | Typical Occupancy Limit | Extra Guest Policy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Up to 4 people | Often free for children under 18 |
| Europe | Varies by hotel | May charge for guests beyond 3rd occupant |
| Middle East | Varies by hotel | Often charges for extra guests |
Knowing these rules helps me plan better and avoid surprises. I always check each hotel’s policies before booking. This ensures a great family vacation.
Booking Accommodations with Kids: Essential Strategies
Planning a family vacation can be challenging, especially finding places to stay. I’ve found some tips for booking hotels that are great for families. Look for hotels with “suite” in their name. Places like Candlewood Suites, Country Inn and Suites, and Embassy Suites are perfect for big families.
For bigger families, I suggest two main strategies. First, find “suites” hotels that can fit up to eight people. These rooms have plenty of space. Second, book two rooms next to each other. This way, everyone has their own area but can still be together.
Here’s a list of some family-friendly hotel chains:
- Residence Inn (Marriott)
- Homewood Suites (Hilton)
- Staybridge Suites (IHG)
These hotels have suites with separate bedrooms, perfect for families. For even more room, consider vacation rentals like Wyndham Vacation Resorts or Marriott Vacation Club’s units with multiple bedrooms.
Don’t forget to look for amenities that make your stay better. Free breakfast, evening snacks, kitchens, and laundry facilities can really help. With these tips, you’ll have a stress-free family vacation.
Suite-Style Hotels and Extended Stay Options
Extended stay hotels and family suites are a big help when traveling with kids. They offer the space and amenities needed for a comfortable and fun family trip.
Residence Inn and Homewood Suites Benefits
Residence Inn by Marriott and Homewood Suites by Hilton are great for families. They have big suites with separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and living areas. Plus, they offer free breakfast and evening socials, which can save money.
Staybridge Suites Family Features
Staybridge Suites, part of IHG, focuses on longer stays. Their suites have kitchens, workspaces, and separate living areas. They also have outdoor spaces and BBQ areas for family fun.
Embassy Suites and Similar Alternatives
Embassy Suites has unique two-room suites, perfect for families needing privacy. They offer free breakfast and evening receptions, adding value to your stay. Hyatt House and Element by Westin also offer apartment-style rooms.
| Hotel Chain | Suite Features | Family-Friendly Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Residence Inn | Separate bedrooms, full kitchen | Free breakfast, evening socials |
| Homewood Suites | Spacious suites, kitchen | Complimentary dinner (Mon-Thu) |
| Staybridge Suites | Fully-equipped kitchen, workspace | Outdoor spaces, BBQ areas |
| Embassy Suites | Two-room layout | Made-to-order breakfast, evening reception |
Maximizing Hotel Loyalty Programs for Family Stays
Hotel rewards programs can really change the game for family travel. They offer perks that make stays more comfortable and affordable. Let’s explore some top programs and their benefits for families.
The World of Hyatt program is great for families. Globalist status, earned after 60 nights or 100,000 points, gives four suite upgrades. This is perfect for bigger families. Hyatt’s program is easy to use, needing fewer points for free nights than others.
Marriott Bonvoy’s Titanium Elite status, earned at 75 nights, offers a premium experience. With the most hotels, Marriott has many options for families. But, remember, resort fees and parking charges apply even on free stays.
Hilton Honors Diamond status, earned after 60 nights or $40,000 on Hilton cards, has great perks. It includes free breakfast, now as a daily credit. Hilton doesn’t charge resort fees on free stays, saving families money.
For families on road trips, IHG Rewards Club is good, especially for boutique hotels overseas. Wyndham Rewards is also worth it, with hotels, vacation rentals, and timeshares. This gives families more options.
To get the most out of these programs, use credit cards with transferable points. Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards are good choices. They let you transfer points 1:1 to hotel programs, making your points more valuable for family travel perks.
Alternative Accommodation Options for Large Families
Finding places for big families can be tough. I’ve found some awesome spots that are not hotels. They have more room and cool features for groups.
Vacation Rentals and Points Redemption
Vacation rentals are now a top choice for families. Sites like Airbnb and VRBO have lots of options. If you have hotel points, some programs let you use them for these rentals. It’s a smart way to get more space without spending a lot.
Apartment-Style Accommodations
Serviced apartments are a fancy option for longer stays. They have big kitchens and living areas. Companies like Vacasa offer rentals in over 400 places, including North America and Belize. They have homes with lots of family-friendly stuff.
Holiday Homes with Family Amenities
Holiday homes give families a real home feel. They come with private pools, game rooms, and outdoor areas. VillaKey, for example, has seen a big jump in bookings since the pandemic. They focus on rentals that are great for families with Autism, making sure everyone has a good time.
When looking for these places, think about using travel advisors. Some companies, like Vrbo with Classic Vacations, give advisors a 5% commission. They also have a secure booking process covered by Vrbo’s “Book With Confidence Guarantee.”
Smart Room Upgrade Strategies
I’ve found some smart ways to get hotel room upgrades for family trips. These tips can improve comfort and space without costing too much.
Email and Call Techniques
Direct contact with the hotel can lead to great results. I’ve had luck emailing or calling ahead for family suite upgrades. Hotels often say yes when you ask nicely.
A luxurious hotel suite featuring a spacious living area with modern decor, a comfortable king-sized bed adorned with plush pillows, a large window showcasing a scenic view, an inviting children’s corner with fun toys and games, warm ambient lighting, elegant furnishings, and a stylish kitchenette, all conveying a family-friendly atmosphere.
Status-Based Upgrades
Loyalty programs are key for upgrades. Joining Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors can help. Some credit cards even offer upgrade perks.
Paid Upgrade Options
Paying a bit more can be worth it for more room. Booking a pricier room often gets you a free upgrade. Another trick is to make a refundable award reservation and ask for paid upgrades. This can get you discounts or even free upgrades.
| Upgrade Strategy | Success Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Contact | 60% | Free |
| Loyalty Programs | 75% | Free (with membership) |
| Paid Upgrades | 90% | Varies |
Using these strategies has greatly enhanced our family’s travel. Timing is also important. Checking in late, around 6 PM, can increase your chances of getting an upgrade.
Essential Amenities for Family Accommodations
Traveling with my family means finding the right hotel amenities. These features can make our vacation great. Let’s explore the key amenities that make a stay feel like home.
Kitchen Facilities
Having a full kitchen in our room is a big plus. It lets us save money by cooking our own meals. Plus, it’s great for making food that everyone likes.
Laundry Access
Laundry facilities in the hotel are a big help. They let us pack lighter and deal with messes easily. This amenity makes our trip much better.
Complimentary Meals
Free breakfast is a big money-saver. Some hotels also offer evening meals. These meals help us save money and start our day off right.
| Amenity | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Full Kitchen | Budget-friendly, healthier meal options |
| Laundry Facilities | Pack less, handle messes easily |
| Free Breakfast | Cost savings, convenient start to the day |
Other important amenities include Wi-Fi, child safety features, and family-friendly bathrooms. I always check for these when booking to ensure a comfortable stay for my family.
Location Considerations for Family Stays
Choosing the right location for your family vacation is key. I always look for central hotel locations in places that are great for families. This approach has made our trips much better.
Family-friendly spots usually have lots of fun things to do and places to relax. For example, the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya in Mexico won a 2024 Family Travel Award. It’s perfect for fun and chill times. Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas, also has lots of activities for everyone.
A vibrant family-friendly destination featuring a sunny beach with children playing in the sand, colorful beach umbrellas dotting the shoreline, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and families enjoying picnics on the grass nearby, with a playful atmosphere and clear blue skies.
I also think about how close the hotel is to attractions and how easy it is to get around. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort is a great example. It has rooms that are good for both kids and adults. This is perfect for families who want to be comfortable and close to everything.
If your family loves the outdoors, places like Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, ME, are great. They have outdoor fun and art classes. The Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg, ME, even lets you stay in a lighthouse room. It’s a unique way to experience the coast.
| Resort | Location | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts | Riviera Maya, Mexico | 2024 Family Travel Award Winner |
| Atlantis | Paradise Island, Bahamas | Variety of Family Activities |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton | Aruba | Separate Sleeping Spaces |
| Hidden Pond | Kennebunkport, ME | Nature-Focused Activities |
| Sebasco Harbor Resort | Phippsburg, ME | Lighthouse Room Option |
Cost-Saving Booking Techniques
Planning a budget family trip can be challenging. But, I’ve discovered some effective ways to save on hotels. Let’s explore smart booking tips to get hotel discounts and stretch your travel budget.
Direct Booking Benefits
Booking directly with hotels can save you money. I’ve cut costs by up to 20% by avoiding third-party sites. Hotels may also offer free breakfast or parking when you book directly.
Family Rate Rooms
Many hotels have special family rates that can lower costs. For example, Hyatt offers discounted rates for extra rooms, great for big families. Always ask about these deals when booking – you might be surprised at the savings!
Points and Miles Strategies
Reward points for families can greatly reduce hotel costs. I’ve used points to book suites or extra rooms, saving hundreds. Here’s a quick overview of how families use rewards:
- 54% of families set a budget as their first step in planning affordable trips
- Loyalty programs offer perks like room upgrades and free breakfast
- Some credit cards provide free hotel night certificates
Booking early can lead to big savings. Hotel prices can drop by up to 40% after booking. By using these strategies, you can make your family vacation both memorable and affordable.
Conclusion
I’ve looked into many family travel tips and ways to book places to stay. Finding the right place for families can be tough. But, with the right info, it’s easier.
Hotels with suites or extended stays are great for families. They offer more space and comfort. Even though they cost a bit more, they’re worth it.
Looking into vacation rentals is also a good idea. They have more room and feel like home. This can make your trip better.
Getting a room upgrade and choosing the right amenities can make your trip better. More families want hotels with kitchens now. This shows that having what you need is important.
By picking the right location and using smart ways to save money, you can have a great trip. The goal is to make memories, and with these tips, you can do that without spending too much.
