Guest Author - Angela Thompson
Traveling with kids can be stressful, expensive and even a little daunting. Family vacations are as varied as the families experiencing those trips—so the amenities desired in a hotel stay will likely vary as well. The following basic amenities, however, are sometimes overlooked, but can make or break a trip.
In Room Refrigerator, Microwave or Kitchenettes Make for Easier Meals and Snacks. These are standard in most hotels today, but can be near lifesavers for families traveling with grazing toddlers or growing, always hungry teens. Storing meal leftovers and snacks in the refrigerator helps keep toddlers on typical snack schedules—and keeps the costs down for room service, takeout and vending machines when late night “munchies” strike the older travelers.
Onsite Laundry Makes Stain Removal Easier. You’ll likely want to bring some laundry supplies, or purchase them from a local discount store to avoid paying vending machine pricing—but, having access to laundering tools beyond a bathroom sink and a stain remover stick can save some vacation outfits. Kids are messy—some grown ups are too! While the thought of doing laundry on vacation may be less than appealing, taking home ruined garments with set in stains can be even less desirable.
Look for Complimentary Breakfasts and Onsite Restaurants. The hotel generally offers discounts for onsite restaurants, or even other local ones during booking. Many restaurants allow kids to eat free with adult meal purchases and the convenience of easy on-site access can be quite welcome at the end of a long vacation day!
Digital Age Amenities are “Virtually” Necessary. Kids will be much more content, especially older tweens and teens, if the hotel has Wi-Fi access, in room movies, or even DVD players in addition to basic television cable.
Kids Travel Packs & Onsite Activities Offer Much Needed Distractions. Hotels want to make customers as comfortable as possible—and many offer travel activity packs for kids to keep them entertained during the stay. Pools, onsite playgrounds, or nearby parks also make entertaining the kids much easier during times between itinerary activities.
Hotel Babysitting or Pet Sitting Services Offer Convenience. Many hotels and resorts offer “kids clubs” or onsite babysitters or both human and furry babies. For parents seeking a little alone time, such services can clinch the hotel booking. Just be sure to interview and tour the childcare facilities before leaving your precious little bundles! Most facilities encourage background checks, pre visit interviews and site visits in advance of the stay.
While many hotels make every effort to accommodate the needs of guests, economic conditions often force hotels to make cut backs as well. Verify in advance that there will be adequate toiletries available for your family so that you can pack accordingly. If you have booked far in advance, do not hesitate to make a second call to ensure that the amenities you desire are still available at the time of your trip. Circumstances change—and if specific amenities sold your family on the hotel months ago when the trip was planned, discovering that those little extras were removed will certainly change the enjoyment level of the trip.
