This article does not rank or name five chains. It lists the kids-oriented features worth checking at a chain hotel, and the questions to ask, since offerings vary a great deal between properties of the same brand. Room layouts and sleeping capacity are covered in a separate article.
Features that look good on a page
Hotel listings often highlight a pool, a games room or a kids’ menu. These can be useful, but a listing is only a start. A pool described as family-friendly could be small, indoor only, or closed for part of the year. Before you count on a feature, confirm:
- That it is open on your dates, and at what hours.
- Whether it is free or carries a fee.
- Whether there is an age or height limit.
- Whether it is shared with other guests or an adjacent property.
Pools
For many children, the pool decides the trip. Things to check include:
- Indoor or outdoor: this matters for the season and weather.
- Depth and layout: a shallow area or a separate small pool suits younger swimmers.
- Supervision: most hotels expect adults to watch their own children, and many have rules for minors. Lifeguards are not always present. Read the posted rules.
- Hours: some pools close early in the evening, which matters for late arrivals.
- Crowding: comments from recent families give a better picture than photos. Our guide to hotel pools covers what to look for.
Never assume a hotel pool is a substitute for adult supervision, and check local safety advice and the hotel’s own rules.
Kids eat free, and similar policies
Many hotels and their restaurants run offers where children eat free or at a reduced price. Such policies are common to ask about, but they vary:
- They may apply only to certain meals, such as breakfast, or only with an adult’s purchase.
- They may have an age cutoff, and the ages can differ between properties.
- They may be limited to certain days or to the on-site restaurant.
- Breakfast included in a rate may or may not cover children.
Ask for the policy at booking, and get it in writing if it matters to your budget. Dietary needs and allergies need separate attention, so see our guide to dietary needs. A hotel with a fridge or microwave in the room can also take pressure off meal times, as can a hotel that serves a hotel breakfast with simple options kids will eat.
Play areas and activities
Some hotels have a games room, a playground, or organized kids’ programs, though these are more common at resorts than at city properties. If activities matter to you:
- Ask what is available during your stay, since some programs run only in school holidays.
- Check the ages covered and whether parents must stay.
- Ask whether supervised programs, if any, carry a charge.
- Think about the weather and what the nearest park or attraction offers.
City hotels may have fewer on-site options but better access to museums, parks and public play spaces nearby. Our guide to kid amenities looks at this kind of detail.
Age rules for children
Policies about children are among the most variable in hotels. Check:
- Free stay for children: many hotels allow children under a stated age to stay free in an existing bed. Others count every guest toward occupancy and charge extra.
- Who counts as a child: the cutoff age differs by property and region.
- Rooms and occupancy: infants may or may not count in the maximum.
- Pool and gym rules: minors often need an adult present, and some areas are adults only.
- Lodging rules: a hotel may require a guest to be a minimum age to book a room, so if teens are traveling with another adult, check.
If a property says one thing in its listing and another on the phone, ask for the answer in an email.
Safety and comfort
Look at child proofing in the room, including window and balcony locks, outlets and sharp furniture edges, and bring items from home if needed. Cribs and cots are another point; our guide on cribs and cots covers what to ask. Keep a small first-aid kit and know where the nearest pharmacy is. If your child has a medical need, tell the hotel in advance.
Choosing between properties
When comparing, ask:
- Which features will we really use, and are they available on our dates?
- What is the total cost with food, parking and any extra-person fees?
- How far are the main activities, and how will we get there?
- How flexible is cancellation, since children’s illnesses can change plans?
Fees, hours and rules differ by hotel and change often, so confirm all details with the property before booking.