What are Family-Friendly Hotels?

Family-friendly hotels are found in all four corners of the globe. They cater mainly for those traveling with children, but many are also well-placed for teenagers and extended families. Family rooms can offer cribs and extra beds, as well as fridges, microwaves and babysitting services for little or no extra cost. Family hotels in beach resorts usually feature outdoor pools, kids' clubs and play areas, while some offer tennis courts, golf courses and water sports instruction for older kids. In rural areas like the English Lake District or beside the Grand Canyon, family hotels will still offer larger rooms and child-friendly dining.

Where can I find the best deals on Family-Friendly Hotels?

In Florida and California, the theme park capitals of the USA, you'll find a mix of large, full-service hotels, private villas or budget motels. Prices peak during school vacations and national holidays, so the best deals are usually found outside of these dates. In European resorts like Spain or Greece, high season is July and August, but cheap deals can be found in May or September, when the weather is still warm. Family hotels in historic cities like London, Paris and Rome are again always busy in July and August, but prices tend to drop in spring and fall.

Why should I choose a Family-Friendly Hotel?

When you're traveling with babies and children, choosing a family-friendly hotel is always the best option for comfort and ease. Most hotels are equipped with everything a family will need, such as microwaves, minifridges and pull-out sofas in the rooms, and play areas or child-friendly menus in the bars and restaurants. Some family hotels are destinations in themselves and feature water parks, splash pools and even fairgrounds. Also, because family-friendly hotels tend to not attract corporate or business travelers, parents can fully relax without the worry of their children distracting people who might be working in the next room.

How much do Family-Friendly Hotels typically cost?

In major holiday destinations like Florida, family hotels cater for all budgets. You'll find rooms from USD 40 a night in a simple motel in Orlando, up to USD 500 for a suite in a 5-star hotel near Universal Studios Orlando, complete with early-access privileges to the park. Spain's beach resorts attract thousands of families in July and August, and rates can be competitive. Mid-range hotels on the beach in Marbella start around EUR 100 a night in peak season, while family rooms in busy hotels in Torremolinos can be as low as EUR 70 a night.