Skip Hotels: 7 Better Accommodation Options For Families with Kids

If you’re planning to go on a vacation, booking a hotel accommodation in your preferred destination might be the first thing that comes to mind. Hotels have everything you need for a relaxing stay: a comfortable room, pool area, free breakfast buffet, and top-notch hospitality. But if you’re traveling as a family, staying in a standard hotel might not be the best choice. 

A standard hotel room is not spacious enough to accommodate a family, especially when there are little children on board. If you want a bigger room for a longer stay, you should be prepared for the extra costs. Aside from the smaller size and higher price, standard hotels might not have the essential amenities and exciting experiences you need for a perfect family getaway. 

Do your research well and you can find better family-friendly accommodation options that’ll give a bang for your buck! Listed below are our top picks. 

1. Serviced apartments or Apartment-Hotel

Looking for a hotel-like accommodation but bigger and better? Booking a serviced apartment is the way to go. As opposed to hotels that simply look like a bigger version of your bedroom, serviced apartments are complete with a living room, dining space, bedroom/s, and fully equipped kitchen space. No need to eat out three times a day — you have a stove, pots, and pans, and fridge to use to whip up healthy meals from your suite. 

What sets it apart from self-catering accommodation properties is it functions like a hotel: it has housekeeping, reception service and concierge, and 24/7 security. Most properties, like this serviced apartment in Ballsbridge Dublin, even have elevators. Serviced apartments are also perfect for extended stays —  the longer you stay, the cheaper the final cost would be. 

2. Airbnb

Thanks to the vacation rental company Airbnb, you can find private home accommodation properties you can rent. You can also have some peace of mind that your vacation rental is verified and reputable. 

Airbnb has a wide array of properties in its listing. You can find a homestay, granny flat, yurt, apartment, cabins, beach houses, tree houses, and even unique accommodation options you can think of. Perhaps staying in a castle with your kiddos sounds fun?

3. Kid-friendly resorts

If you’re looking to have a self-contained holiday that the kids will surely love, go for family-focused resorts. Unless you’re planning to go out for some sightseeing experiences, resorts have everything your family needs on-site. These accommodation properties have pools or even on-site beaches, bars, shops, restaurants, spas, and entertainment. There’s plenty of activities for kids and parents to enjoy. They may also include day trips to must-see local attractions. 

There are different resorts to choose from based on your ideal family vacation. We’ve got beach resorts, island resorts, lake or river resorts that include fishing and boating trips, rustic ranch resorts, and many more. 

4. Classic bed and breakfasts

Longing for a short vacation with a homey vibe without having to worry about what you’re going to cook? Consider bed and breakfasts or B&Bs are small lodging establishments that offer overnight accommodation and, of course, breakfast. 

Unlike hotels, B&Bs are independently owned. And they offer consistently gourmet-quality meals prepared by the owners. 

5. Self-catering guest houses/ vacation rentals 

Looking for a “home away from home” kind of lodging? Try checking out self-catering guest houses. It’s perfect if you’re seeking a private and secluded temporary home that’s tucked away from the noise of the city. 

You can find private apartments and houses that are complete with a living room, dining room, a few bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Most of these houses are situated in a charming estate, where kids can play and roam freely. You can even tap into guesthouses with beautiful amenities, like a swimming pool, patio, manicured lawns and gardens, barbeque areas, and a beachfront location. 

6. Hostels 

Hostels are often associated with backpackers and noisy dormers, sharing a cramped space full of bunk beds. However, hostels have made vast progress. Today, you can find private hostels that cater to families with kids. You have the option to pick from smaller rooms for 2, 4, or 6, shared or private. 

If there’s one thing that didn’t change, it’s the fact that hostels are still a cheaper alternative to hotels. If your family doesn’t care much about deluxe amenities and is simply looking for a comfortable room to sleep in after a long day of exploring, why not use hostels? 

7. Cabins and huts 

Want a close-to-nature experience that has nothing to do with pitching tents and making bonfires in the wilderness? Try staying in cabins, huts, or cottages set in a picturesque location with access to beaches, lakes, and hiking trails. You and your family can enjoy the beauty of nature while still having a legitimate roof on top of your head. 

Before you go…

The best accommodation option is the one that’s closest to your family’s vacation goals. Sure, a resort may offer amenities and packages that a typical family would love. However, they won’t make sense if you’re looking for a different kind of buzz. 

To help you decide which accommodation is perfect for your family getaway, consider the following factors: 

• What’s your budget? 
• How big is your group? 
• How long do you plan to stay?
• What are the amenities that mean the most to you?
• What’s your ideal location? 
• What are the activities your family would love to do during the trip? 
• Are you looking for an adventurous escape or a laidback one? 
• Are you looking for self-contained accommodation or decent lodging to provide shelter after exploring? 
• Do you want serviced properties or self-catering ones? 

These guide questions may help you narrow down your options until you find the best lodging for your dream family getaway. 

Enjoy your family trip! 

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a content writer during the weekends, and a travel and food blogger 24/7. She may be an awkward introvert but she’s got a lot to say about travel, food, and cultural appreciation. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES PLUS Ballsbridge.