Family hotel booking: rooms that work for everyone

Family room, two rooms or an apartment

There is no single best choice. Which suits you depends on the ages of your children, your budget and how much space you want.

• A family room sleeps three or four in one room. Check the bed layout, because a family room may mean a sofa bed.
• Connecting rooms give you two rooms with a door between them. They are limited, so ask early.
• Two rooms give everyone space but cost more and may not be next to each other.
• An apartment or suite often has a kitchen, which helps with meals and with naps.

What to ask about children

• How is a child's age counted, and what is the price for each age band?
• Is a cot or an extra bed available, and is there a charge?
• Do children eat free or at a reduced price at breakfast, or on a meal plan?
• Is there a children's menu, a high chair and a kids' club?
• Where is the pool, and is it supervised?
• How far is it to the beach, the park or the attractions?
• Are there lifts, and is the room on a quiet floor?

Meal plans

Bed and breakfast is simple, and lets you eat out where you like. Half board adds dinner. All-inclusive suits families who plan to spend most of the day at the hotel, but check which drinks and restaurants are included, and what children pay.

Timing

School holidays are the busiest and dearest weeks, and family rooms go first. Book early if your dates are fixed. If you can travel outside school holidays, prices are often lower, but check what the hotel and the area are like at that time.

Practical points

• Check the check-in and check-out times if you have a long journey, especially with babies.
• If you are driving, ask about parking and the distance from the car park to the room.
• If you are flying, ask about the transfer time from the airport, which matters after a long day with children.
• Ask whether the hotel has laundry facilities or a kitchen.

Choosing the area for a family

Think about how your family spends its day. If the beach or the pool is the main attraction, pick a hotel close to it, so you are not carrying bags and children a long way. If you are travelling with a baby, being near shops and a pharmacy helps. Older children and teenagers often want something to do, so ask what the area and the hotel offer. In a city, a quiet street and a short walk to a park or a station can matter more than a central address.

Get a quote

Tell us your dates, the number and ages of your children and what you want from the stay. An agent will come back with options and what each price includes. Call Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm or use the form on this page. No payment is taken on the form.