Booking hotels vs. resorts
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A big question I get as a travel advisor is “what do you recommend for accommodations with our kids?” While we love booking with independent hotels because it forces us to get out & about to explore, we understand that every family has different wants/needs. Larger resorts are great for families who want a hands-off approach, and we plan for every type of family!
If you’re wondering what accommodation is best for you, my answer depends on a couple factors…
Your family size
Suite style hotel rooms are usually made for a max family size of 4, which means if you have more than 2 kids, they may try to put you in separate rooms. Those rooms may or may not connect, with few exceptions. Hilton reports that they confirm connecting rooms ahead of your stay but most hotels won’t do that.
Your kids’ ages
My toddler liked to bang hot wheels on the floor. So a hotel or apartment can be hard for us. An independent condo or house allows us the privacy we need, both for our sake and to not disrupt other families. However, a hotel may offer kid-friendly activities for your little ones. We use Expedia or Booking.com to see overviews and ratings from other families!
If you need laundry
This is a huge deciding factor for us, as we always needs laundry. This is a non-negotiable for us when traveling. I can’t explain how, but my kids somehow wear so many more clothes on vacation. I’m sure of it! We always need laundry facilities on trips.
If you’re bringing pets
This is usually a non-factor for international, but if you’re heading to the beach or another drivable destination, you may want to bring a furry friend! Resorts are likely to not allow pets of any kind, so a stand-alone house or condo may be best for you.
If you want great food
Resorts are usually NOT know for great food, which is a major downside for our foodie family. You’re also paying a price for the meals at a resort. If it’s all inclusive, so you may not want to venture out and pay double. When booking a house through VRBO, you’ll just need to make sure that eating out or groceries are factored into your travel budget!
What kinds of activities you like
Want to hang out and lay at the beach and pool all day with an easy dinner already waiting for you? An all-inclusive could work great for your family. Want to be in the thick of the city and walk around? You’ll probably want a hotel to be within walking distance to many activities and food options.
Since we have 3 wild kids and need laundry, we usually end up in house or apartment rentals. We value allowing our kids to experience new cultures, and we feel the best way to do that is to truly immerse ourselves in the travel—usually more difficult when staying at an all-inclusive.
Wherever your family decides, just know that it will be what is right for you. Be sure to weigh all options to know if a resort, hotel, apartment, or house is best for you.