Staying In Hotels With Children
Apr 22nd, 2008 by Jimmy
Staying in a hotel with your children can be enough to frazzle any parent. Close quarters with not much to do and neighbors on the other side of the wall can be a recipe for disaster. Especially if the kids get loud and restless.
But, it doesn’t have to be all bad. You and your kids can make the best out of hotel travel with a few simple ideas.
Before you leave home, call several hotels in your destination area and shop for the best price. Many hotels offer “kids stay free” weekends. Some have even adopted the policy for all but their busiest times. Also, if your children are older, check into the availability of adjoining rooms. The kids will be close by, but mom and dad can get some privacy as well.
Not all hotels offer cribs, so be sure to ask when you call.
In addition to staying free, kids can eat free, too. Continental breakfasts, kids menus, and time locked specials mean your hotel may offer free food for your little one to.
Most hotels have heated swimming pools. Be sure to bring swim suits and take advantage of entertainment and exercise you may not be able to access at home. Not only will the kids have fun splashing around, but they’ll sleep well, too.
In today’s techno-centric world, most hotels have free cable television, and a many offer video game rooms and free internet access.
A few travel hotels offer game and book libraries where bored kids can check out board games or good books.
Depending on how long you’re staying, evaluate your family’s need for a kitchen. Some hotels offer rooms with small kitchens, while others do not.
With a little research, you can make your child’s hotel experience fun, without annoying others on the floor.
i liked your article about a hotel living with children. i believe that children can turn your holiday into a nightmare. but most of those holidays can end up with family happiness.
Jimmy, sound sensible advice and a great guide to researching the hotels, as a parent myself it can be frustrating with the kids in tow and keeping their minds occupied and i have holidayed with them in places where the facilities have been lacking and when the boredom kicks in it really does kick in as every parent knows.
Probably the biggest challenge of most holidays is occupying their minds as well as finding a cheap way to sap their energy enough for you to relax knowing they will hit the pillows and sleep within seconds.
Nice post Jimmy! I do agree with you that staying in a hotel with your children can be hassle free. I research alot in the web specially when I travel with my children and surprisingly, I do get special treats for my them. All you need to do is to take advantage of the web and whalaa! You’ll definitely enjoy your stay in a hotel or resort.
If you are able to control your children at home you shouldn’t have a problem in hotels…
You’re right though – keep them occupied. The pool, cable tv, etc. Use them and you should be good to go!
Spend time with the kids and listen to them, play with them. That’s always good…
I’ve given up with the ordering a cot(crib) when I book a room. My two year old just climbs out and gets in our bed. We stayed in a room last week though and it had a pull out low bed that was under our bed. We put it next to our bed and our daughter slept soundly in it all night.
yeah, staying in hotels with kids can be quite a challenge… instead, some people might benefit from renting a room or apartment instead. It’s like living in your own private place while you’re on vacation
Good tips! Another option is to consider staying in a vacation home. Check this out : http://www.surftoskiretreats.com/Vacation-Rentals/Children-Welcome
Thanks, a lot of interesting tips. I don’t have children (yet), but my friends do and i will try to remember this stuff and forward it to them.
Don’t forget the kids favorite DVDs. They have always been a life saver for us in the car and the hotel rooms.