Family travel
Family hotel stays: what to check before you book
Quick answer. Before booking a family hotel stay, confirm the room type and occupancy, ask about cots and extra beds, check for a kitchenette or fridge, look at the location for parks and public transport, and read the cancellation policy. Always confirm key details in writing with the property.
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Which room type works for a family?
Family rooms often have a double bed plus a sofa bed or bunk beds. Connecting rooms give parents and children separate spaces with a door between them. An apartment with separate sleeping areas can offer more privacy and room to spread out.
Check the booking page for the exact bed configuration and maximum occupancy. Some properties count children of any age towards the room limit. If the description is unclear, contact the property before you book.
Look for photos that show the actual room layout, not just a sample room. Reviews from other families can be useful, but remember that room types vary within a property. Confirm the specific room you are booking, not just the hotel.
How do you arrange cots and extra beds?
Many hotels provide a cot or crib for a baby, often free of charge, but some charge a fee. Extra beds for older children may be available as rollaway beds or sofa beds. Age limits can apply: a child aged 12 may not be allowed in a cot, and some hotels do not permit extra beds in certain room types.
Ask about availability before you book, because cots and extra beds are often limited. Request them in writing, and get confirmation from the property. Do not assume a request made in the booking notes will be honoured.
If you are using a booking site, the cot or extra bed request may be passed to the hotel, but the hotel makes the final decision. Check the booking page for any notes on children and bed policies. When in doubt, contact the property directly.
Why a kitchenette or fridge helps
A kitchenette with a small hob, microwave and fridge lets you prepare simple meals and snacks. This can be helpful with young children who eat at different times or have specific preferences. A fridge alone is useful for storing milk, fruit and drinks.
Check what equipment is included: some kitchenettes have only a microwave and kettle, while others have a full set of pots and pans. Look at the photos and read the room description carefully. If you need a high chair, ask whether one is available.
Having even a small fridge can reduce the number of times you need to eat out. It also helps with storing leftovers or baby food. If a kitchenette is important to you, filter for it when you compare options.
How important is the location for families?
Look at how far the property is from parks, playgrounds and public transport. A short walk to a green space can make a big difference with children. Being near a bus stop or train station helps when little legs get tired.
Check the distance to the nearest supermarket or convenience store. You may need to buy nappies, snacks or other essentials. A property in a quiet residential area may suit families better than one on a busy main road.
Use the map on the booking site to see the surrounding area. Some sites show nearby attractions and transport links. You can also check the property's own description for distances to key places, but verify with a map.
Confirming bed types and occupancy in writing
Before you pay, confirm the bed types and room occupancy in writing. This means an email or message from the property stating exactly what you will get. A phone call is useful, but a written confirmation is stronger.
Ask for the specific room type, bed configuration, and the number of adults and children allowed. If you need a cot or extra bed, include that in the same message. Keep the confirmation to show at check-in if there is any disagreement.
Some booking sites allow you to send a message to the property before booking. You can also find the property's contact details on the booking page. Do not rely on verbal promises from a call centre; get it in writing from the property itself.
Why the cancellation policy matters for families
Children get ill, school schedules change, and travel plans shift. A flexible cancellation policy gives you room to adjust without losing money. Read the policy carefully before you book, because it varies by property and rate.
Some rates are non-refundable, while others allow free cancellation up to a certain date. The cancellation deadline is usually based on the property's local time. Check what happens if you cancel after the deadline or fail to show up.
If you book through a partner site, the cancellation policy is set by the property or the site, not by FindMyHotel. Look for the policy on the booking page before you confirm. When in doubt, contact the property or the booking site for clarification.
What else should you check before booking?
Look at the property's facilities: is there a lift if you have a pushchair? Is there a laundry room or washing machine? These small things can make a family stay much easier.
Check the check-in and check-out times, especially if you arrive late or leave early. Some properties offer luggage storage, which helps if your flight is outside those hours. Ask about any additional charges for late check-out.
Read recent reviews from other families, but focus on factual comments about noise, cleanliness and bed comfort. Remember that every family is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Use the reviews to spot potential issues, then confirm with the property.
- Confirm room type and occupancy in writing
- Ask about cot and extra bed availability and any fees
- Check for kitchenette or fridge if you plan to prepare food
- Look at the location for parks, playgrounds and public transport
- Read the cancellation policy and note the deadline
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Questions and answers
Do hotels charge extra for children?
It depends on the property and the child's age. Some hotels allow children under a certain age to stay free in existing beds, while others charge for an extra bed or cot. Check the booking page or contact the property directly.
Can I request a cot after booking?
Yes, but availability is not certain. Contact the property as soon as possible to request a cot or extra bed, and ask for written confirmation. Some properties have a limited number of cots.
What if the room is not as described when we arrive?
Show your written confirmation to the front desk and explain the difference. If the property cannot provide the room you booked, ask for a suitable alternative or contact the booking site for help. Keep records of all communication.
Are connecting rooms always available?
No. Connecting rooms are limited and often requested but not certain. If you need connecting rooms, contact the property before booking and ask for written confirmation that they can be reserved.
How do I find family-friendly hotels without seeing prices?
Use a comparison site like FindMyHotel to see options from multiple booking sites with your dates and guests filled in. You can compare room types, facilities and locations, then open the booking site to see the price and book directly.
