Modern hotels are more accommodating to children, from day care, babysitting services and play centres in the building, to the choice of rooms you have as a family. Interconnecting rooms and self-catering facilities make the hotel stay easier for everyone in your family.
 
When choosing which hotel to stay in, use word of mouth, or look up internet reviews and reports on holiday forum sites. Base your initial judgement on the features a hotel has that caters for babies. If there are no high chairs, baths and cots available, then the hotel probably isn't family-friendly. Check what kind of rooms are available, and if there are proper baths – not just showers – installed. Self catering facilities are important for the preparation of formula and cleaning of bottles. Double rooms with a travel cot are fine for families with a toddler, but interconnecting rooms are better if you have older children.
 
There are many ways you can save money when booking, such as booking a double hotel room, with two beds and a sleeper couch, instead of separate rooms for each child. Most hotels offer specials and discounts for families with children, although the will not always advise you about it when you are making your booking. Do not hesitate to ask before confirming your booking. If you have a long holiday, bear in mind that hotel rates can be much lower during the week. Stay at a fancier hotel during the week, and go to a less expensive place for the weekend. Even the hotel restaurants can offer specials for midweek meals.
 
Childcare and babysitting services are essential, if you and your partner are hoping to enjoy a meal in an expensive restaurant, or if you plan on going to a theatrical performance. Check what services are available, what they cost and what level of care is provided. Babysitters need good credentials. Some hotels offer a “listening in” service to mind your children; this means that they are monitored without a responsible adult being in the room. Although intended for older children, it probably isn't the best idea to use this service.
 
Make use of hotel laundries, so that your children have enough clean clothes and so that you don't need to pack too much clothing for your trip. If the hotel has a playground, or child activity area, it will be handy to let them run around for a while. Many larger hotels have kids clubs and family-oriented activities.
 
There are many advantages to booking in to a family hotel; your washing and room cleaning can be done via hotel service; there are childcare facilities; there is family entertainment provided, which is great for rainy days; there are kids clubs and special activities for children; Children love the company of other children, and they can meet new friends and create their own entertainment.
 
Disadvantages of going to a family hotel are; they are more expensive than regular hotels of the same rating; there can be limited space in the hotel, so you will probably be eating out a lot more; your children might be very loud, due to crying or raucous behaviour and this could stress you out, since their noise affects other guests; there is limited privacy in the common areas; you will probably need to do a fair amount of childproofing in your hotel room, such as removing items that pose a danger to your child.

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