The Amenities & Features Families Need in Accommodation

Accommodation

Some families like to be in the middle of the tourist hot spots and others like the quiet accommodation in the suburbs provide. Perhaps an infinity pool at sunset tops your list or a beach front bungalow. Hotel, Motel or Air BnB, these are the tops amenities and features that will make your family holiday a breeze. 

❋ Laundry Facilities

Kids are messy, no matter what age and having laundry facilities on-site make all the difference. Look for accommodation options that either include laundry facilities in the room, on property, or are close to a laundromat. Some hotels even do your washing for you - for free! This is pure gold star service for us mums! One that comes to mind is The Magic Castle in Hollywood - they even wrap it in brown paper and tie it with a piece of lavendar. While you’re out exploring, they’ll do your washing in a day - pure perfection! One less worry for mum. 

❋ Close to grocers, supermarkets & restaurants

Having a grocer or super market literally around the corner makes things easier. Left the baby wipes at the beach? No worries, be back in five minutes with more. Need some more Oreo’s for the hangry teen? No worries, be back in five with more. I think you catch my drift by now.

A restaurant or cafe nearby also means easy dinners, good coffee is within reach and when you get back late and don’t want to cook that meal you said you would, just pop across the road and order take out. 

❋ Central to attractions

Being close to attractions means a fews things:

1) Less time for kids to whinge, argue or moan whilst travelling to and from the attractions,

2) Less money spent on public transport, Uber’s and taxi’s, and

3) More time exporing attractions, being present and having a holiday than driving 2-3 hours every day because you saved $20/night on your hotel. 

❋ Have sufficient beds & space

Don’t book accommodation and think you’ll pack a blow up mattress to save money. It won’t work and it’ll become more hassle than anything. Always book enough beds and enough space. If you have a crawling toddler, be sure to book accommodation where there is space for them to crawl around safely. If travelling with teens, book apartments or adjoining rooms for their own space. 

❋ Close to transport

I am a big fan of hiring a car, especially when we’re exploring countries like America. If you don’t have a hire car (mini-van’s are my favourie - oh the space!), staying close to train lines, bus stops and Taxi ranks are a must. If Uber is safe to use, use Uber to get around as well. Sometimes, even hiring a private driver is cost effective

❋ Include breakfast

Always include breakfast. Then when at breakfast, always put extra pastries, fruit and yogurts on your plate. You will then take them with you for later - saves money & saves waste. This is a game-changer having breakfast served on property.

Tip One

Cheapest doesn’t always mean best

Don’t be tempted by a cheap price. Often the price reflects what you’ll get in return. If you want wifi, laundry facilities, free shuttle to/from airport, breakfast, pool, free parking and so on, you will need to set a realistic budget for your accommodation. Common features and amenities that will increase the price of accommodation include:

Early Check-In

Free Wi-Fi 

Laundry facilities

Free Breakfast

Car Parking - Valet or Self

Central Location

Airport Shuttle

Pool, Gym, Sauna & Spa

Rooms with a View

Large Rooms

Decide what’s negotiable and what isn’t

Tip Two

Considering the above list, the next step is to determine what is negotiable and what isn’t. If you want to spend more time out exploring than in the hotel room, perhaps a room with a view is not important. Alternatively, if you are going on holiday to relax at a resort, getting the room overlooking the ocean or pool is exactly what you are chasing. Now’s the time to map out what features and amenities you are looking for in your accommodation. Once you’ve mad ethat list, you can start your search for suitable accommodation. If you’re using a travel agent, be sure to give them a copy of this list so they select the right accommodation option for your family.

Booking: cancellations, payments & refunds

Tip Three

When booking your accommodation, the earlier is generally better. But, be sure to always read the fine print. If you book well in advance, try and get free cancellations, pay when you stay and full refunds. This allows for flexiblity in your plans, without having to lodge insurance claims if you cancel your trip.

Always get travel insurance the moment you pay for your first holiday booking. Always have travel insurance!

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