5 Things Parents Should Avoid When Choosing a Holiday Hotel

Choosing a hotel for a family holiday is a little like choosing a house to live in for a week. It has to work at breakfast time, at nap time, at bedtime and in the middle of a rainy afternoon. Most families who end up disappointed did not pick a bad hotel; they picked a good hotel that simply did not suit children. Here are five common mistakes and, more usefully, what to do instead.

1. Trusting the photos and star rating alone

Hotel photos are taken to look their best, often with wide-angle lenses that make rooms appear larger. Star ratings are useful but limited: they describe facilities and service standards, and the criteria differ between countries. A four-star city hotel aimed at business travellers can be a worse fit for a family than a simpler, friendly three-star with a garden.

What to do instead:

• Read recent reviews and filter for families where the booking site allows it. Look for comments about noise, cleanliness, staff attitude towards children and the size of family rooms.
• Look for room sizes in square metres or square feet in the room description. It is the most honest measure of space.
• Check guest photos as well as official ones. They show the room as it really is, including the view.
• Pay attention to patterns rather than single complaints. One grumpy review means little; the same issue mentioned many times means a lot.

2. Ignoring the room layout and sleeping arrangements

"Sleeps four" can mean many things. It might be a spacious family room with two proper double beds, or a standard room with a sofa bed squeezed in beside the window. If everyone shares one small space, parents may find themselves sitting in the dark at 8pm while the children sleep.

What to do instead:

• Check exactly what the beds are: doubles, singles, bunks, sofa beds or rollaways.
• Consider interconnecting rooms or a suite with a separate living area. They often cost less than you might think compared with two separate rooms.
• Ask whether a cot or extra bed is guaranteed and whether it fits alongside the other beds.
• Look for blackout curtains or blinds if your children are early risers or need daytime naps.
• If you need more space and a kitchen, an aparthotel or apartment can be a smart alternative. We weigh up the options in hotel or apartment for a family city break.

3. Overlooking safety

Most hotels take safety seriously, but standards and designs vary around the world, and nobody knows your children better than you. A few minutes of checking before you book, and again when you arrive, can prevent problems.

What to do instead:

• Balconies: if you are booking a room with a balcony, check the railing height and whether furniture could be climbed. You can ask for a lower-floor room or one without a balcony if you prefer.
• Pools: look for whether pools are fenced and whether there is a lifeguard, and at what times. Many resort pools are unsupervised, so plan for an adult to be watching at all times.
• Room features: on arrival, check windows, plug sockets, door locks and anything breakable at child height.
• Emergency information: note the fire exits and ask at reception where to find the nearest pharmacy and medical help.

4. Forgetting about food logistics

Children rarely run to a restaurant timetable. Hunger arrives early, late and at inconvenient moments. A hotel where dinner starts late, the room has no fridge and the nearest shop is a taxi ride away can make every evening a challenge.

What to do instead:

• Check whether the room has a fridge, kettle or microwave. Even a small fridge makes storing milk, fruit and snacks easier.
• Look at restaurant times and menus. In some countries dinner is traditionally served late, so find out whether the hotel offers earlier sittings or a children's menu.
• Consider the board basis carefully. Breakfast included is useful for almost every family; half-board or all-inclusive suits some families well and others not at all.
• Find out whether there is a supermarket or bakery within walking distance.
• Check allergy and dietary support before booking if anyone in your family needs it, and ask the hotel to confirm in writing.

5. Choosing the wrong location

Location affects everything, from how tired everyone feels to how much you spend on taxis. Two mistakes come up again and again: staying in the middle of a busy nightlife area, and staying so far from the airport or the sights that every day starts with a long journey.

What to do instead:

• Read reviews for mentions of late-night noise, bars and music. A street that is lively and fun for young adults may be less restful with a toddler.
• Check the real transfer time from the airport. After a long flight, a short, simple journey is worth a lot.
• Look at what is within walking distance: a beach, a park, a playground, places to eat.
• In cities, choose somewhere close to public transport or the main sights, so you can pop back for a rest in the afternoon.

For a wider look at planning, see our guide to the seven things to consider when booking a family holiday.

How to put it all together

Once you have a shortlist, contact your top choice directly with any questions. A friendly, clear reply about cots, room layouts or pool supervision is a good sign of how the hotel treats families. Compare the full price, including taxes and any extras, across a couple of sites and the hotel's own website; our hotel booking hacks explain how. Where possible, choose a rate with free cancellation so you can switch if something better appears.

Key takeaways

• Use recent family reviews and room sizes, not just photos and stars.
• Confirm the exact sleeping arrangements, including cots and extra beds.
• Check balconies, pools and room safety, and pack a few safety extras.
• Make sure food works for your family: fridge, early meals, nearby shops.
• Pick a location that is calm at night and quick to reach.

Frequently asked questions

Are adults-only areas a problem for families?

Not usually. Many resorts have adults-only pools or restaurants alongside family areas. Just check that the family facilities are good in their own right and that the parts you need are open to children.

Should we always book a family room?

Not necessarily. Interconnecting rooms, suites or an apartment-style room can work better depending on your children's ages. Compare the space and price of each option before deciding.

Is it worth calling the hotel before booking?

Yes, if you have specific needs. It is the best way to confirm details such as cots, interconnecting rooms and dietary requirements, and the response tells you a lot about the hotel.