We’re all counting the pennies these days – and holidays with the family can prove a bit costly if you don’t do your homework first. Always make sure you ask about any deals available in the hotel you want to stay in before you book.
Many hotels offer free – or discounted at least – kid’s rooms and meals. And family rooms can be a great way of saving a few extra pounds, but they do mean you’re at the mercy of your children for the whole of your stay and you get no privacy whatsoever. At least with them out of your hair but safe and sound nearby you can relax for a while and enjoy some you time!
Once you’ve decided what sort of holiday you’re looking for, you can begin narrowing your search a little. There are hotels by a sandy beach, in the countryside or slap bang in the middle of a city. If you’re not bothered where you go – and you’re really clever – you can find one that covers all these locations – giving you even greater choice for days out and sightseeing.
Before you book, do make sure your hotel welcomes children with open arms. Some hotels merely tolerate children, which can lead to a totally stress filled holiday. On the other hand, many have on site crèches, adventure playgrounds and holiday clubs full to the brim with fun loving over excited five year olds. It can be a bit much for some families, but for those who love the thrill and excitement of daily activities and interaction with other children, it’s the perfect way to spend a holiday. If you’d prefer a more understated approach, many hotels simply have designated children’s games room with flat screen TV, DVDs, games and comfy chairs. Kids are always up for an opportunity to get away from mum and dad for a bit so everyone wins. Either way, make sure before you book that your chosen hotel offers enough entertainment to keep everyone in your clan happy.
Tell you’re kids that the hotel you’ve chosen has a pool and they’ll probably be very pleased, so try not to ruin to ruin by forgetting their bathing suites. Some hotels have designated times when it’s kids only in the pool – giving them some fun, and you some peace and quiet.
If you’re travelling with a baby, but you think you might just fancy a little grown up time whilst you’re on your holiday, it’s worth asking if there’s a babysitting service offered at the hotel. And many child friendly hotels give their younger guests little extras to make their stay even more memorable, such as milk and cookies at bedtime, craft activity kits or goody bags. They’re small gestures but they show the hotel cares – and that it’s willing to go the extra distance for you and your family.
If your child has an opinion about food – and most do – it’s perhaps a good idea to check the menus before you book. You can usually view hotel menus online – or enquire over the phone when you book. And some hotels are even happy to oblige if your child has a particular favourite dish – but obviously you would have to agree this when you make your reservation.
