Reflecting on Past Travels: How Large Families Can Improve Their Hotel Selection

Have you ever wondered how your choice of hotels influences the overall quality of your family trips? Reflecting on past travels might hold the answers to this. Here are my top considerations based on experiences so far with an eight-year-old and 4-year-old twins:

1. The Rooming / Floor Plan

Think really carefully about what you need from your room space.

Having bedrooms for everyone to sleep in is a big plus for a family versus needing to use a sofa bed in a living space. Suites or apartments will give you generally more space if you are going to be spending time in the hotel room. Is there somewhere you can an evening (living space/balcony) that isn’t a bedroom? When booking look at all the different room types – check what you are guaranteed in terms of space.

A small investment in time for research of paying a little extra for a higher room type can make for a much-improved holiday.

2. The Facilities

Facilities at the hotel are going to make a big difference.

If you have children who want to swim what is the pool set-up? Are the pools heated, are there separate kids pools? Are there kids clubs that cover the ages of you children – check carefully for under 4s). Are there playgrounds and games rooms?

Think what your main priority is – ask everyone coming with you so you know what to prioritise.

3. Food

How are you going to approach meals so that everyone has the options they need?

Is it best for you to self-cater, in which case you will need a well-equipped kitchen space as possible. What are the restaurant facilities on-site and do they cater for children with kids’ menus, or somewhere for them to play nearby. Are there shops and other restaurant options nearby and how are you going to get there? Is there a microwave and fridge?

The answer might be all or none of the above but hungry children (or adults!) does not make a good time for anyone so be realistic in planning.

4. What extras that can be provided?

Check with your hotel what can be provided for you – it will save you a lot of baggage allowance and hassle.

This could be baby friendly items like cots, cribs, highchairs. If there are stairs are stair gates in place? Are there laundry facilities in room or on-site? Are there games or toys that can be provided?

Some of these items may need to be booked in advance – certainly for sleeping items check what is guaranteed.

Finally remember your needs will change – what worked as a hotel/room for you last year might not this year. The room that would have been gorgeous for a break as a couple could be unsuitable for children. A hotel recommended by a family with preschoolers might offer much less for teenagers. Keep considering what is best for you right now.