How to Choose the Best Family-Friendly Hotel

When planning your family vacation, lodging is one of the most significant considerations. After airfare (if you aren't driving), it is often the most expensive part of your vacation. So, you'll want to do plenty of research when choosing where to stay.

This can become especially important when most of your vacation will be spent at the hotel, for example, on a beach vacation or at an all-inclusive resort.

Whether you are looking for a hotel or prefer a family vacation rental, here are the things you should consider when choosing family-friendly lodging. The importance of these items will vary based on the type of vacation, so consider that as well.

How to Choose the Best Family-Friendly Hotel (Or Vacation Rental)

Considering Location

Location is always a major consideration when looking at hotels, and it's especially important when traveling with kids. Convenience is also important.

If you are visiting a beach location, being right on the beach will be much easier. Or, if visiting a theme park, being on property can make your transit to and from the park much quicker.

For city vacations, it's nice to be somewhere where you can walk to some of the major locations. You'll also want to consider safety, noise levels, proximity to restaurants, and parking.

Remember that the best, most convenient locations often have a higher price tag, so you must consider and balance that.

Deals on Your Hotel or Vacation Rental

Price is essential when traveling with kids; if you can get a deal, that is even better. Look for deals like kids travel free or kids eat free.

You'll also want to consider whether the hotel or vacation rental you are staying in allows you to save money in other ways. For instance, staying at a hotel on a theme park property may mean you don't need to rent a car. Alternatively, staying in a hotel suite or vacation rental may allow you to prepare some meals yourself, saving money on eating out.

If you are staying at a hotel chain, sign up for their loyalty program to start accruing points, which can be exchanged for a free stay.

Hotel Activities

Many hotels offer family-friendly activities that can keep the kids occupied. These include kids' clubs, shows, movie nights, arts and crafts, water parks, beach access, beach activities, fitness classes, magicians, and more.

Depending on your vacation type, these activities may not be as important to you. But if they are, you'll want to research the options offered. See if they require advance reservations - in some cases, you may need to do this before your vacation.

Hotel Room or Vacation Rental Home

When booking a hotel, you'll also need to consider the room type. Multi-room hotel suites can be especially useful when booking a vacation with kids, because the kids will be able to have their own space. When your kids go to bed earlier than you go, this can be essential.

In addition, you'll need to know what's in the room. When traveling with very young kids, be sure you can get a portable crib. You should also check to see if there is a bathtub (rather than only a shower), which can make bathing a toddler much easier.

When booking a vacation rental, look for these elements: room configuration, bed types, kid-friendly amenities (like a crib), and other things that are important to you. Also, look for anything that may be dangerous with younger kids, like lofts or open stairways. Ask questions before booking if you can't find what you need to know online.

Hotel Room Views

When booking a hotel room, you often have the option to choose a specific view type. A better view or room location costs more. Is this worth it?

While a better view may enhance the experience, if you are price-sensitive, you can skip this. This is especially true if you aren't planning to spend too much time in the room.

Hotel Amenities

When booking your family vacation, you should also consider hotel amenities. Some hotels offer fantastic amenities that can help you save money and keep you entertained. You can spend much of your vacation time at the resort with the right amenities. Keep in mind that some of these may cost extra/require reservations.

On-site Restaurant

If you plan to spend most of your time at the resort, you'll want to do some research on the hotel restaurant(s). Make sure they are family-friendly, with kids' menus, high chairs, and everything else you need.

Some hotel restaurants may be a little more formal than typical casual restaurants. If so, you'll want to pack the appropriate attire if you plan to eat there.

Reviews and Recommendations

Personal reviews and recommendations, or online reviews, can be invaluable when choosing a hotel for a family vacation. Ask friends or neighbors who have been to the hotel before for tips and general recommendations. Families with similar families (ages of kids, for instance) can be especially helpful when choosing a hotel or vacation rental.

When reading online reviews, remember that people often leave their worst and best impressions. Look for trends, rather than specific reviews.