6 factors I consider when selecting a hotel for my young family

Traveling with little ones doesn’t mean you have to compromise on luxury and comfort.

In fact, I’d argue that when you travel with children, you might desire even more of the convenience found in four- and five-star hotels compared to traveling alone.

With so many accommodation options available today, while my family enjoys Airbnb stays, there are times when I crave the experience a hotel provides, such as room service, a beach club, and a spa.

I always prioritize points-friendly hotels, but I don’t let the desire to redeem points dictate my hotel choice completely. When traveling with young kids, my top priority is comfort and convenience above all else.

Here are six key factors I consider when selecting a hotel for my family, which includes two young children.

Safety and cleanliness protocols

I must acknowledge that we are still navigating a pandemic, and choosing to travel with children who are too young to be vaccinated (at least for now) is a decision my husband and I take very seriously.

Last year, we delayed a highly anticipated trip to Kauai because we were worried about the long flight from the Bay Area, unsure if our 2-year-old would keep her mask on throughout the journey, and we wanted to avoid any potential exposure.

Regarding safety, when we opt for a hotel instead of a home rental, we confirm that masks are mandatory for all guests, rather than just recommended for those unvaccinated. It’s straightforward to find a hotel’s policy on its website, but I often take it a step further by calling the hotel to inquire about their COVID-19 protocols before making a reservation.

When selecting a destination, I also want to ensure that the city or state we’re considering has indoor mask mandates in place. The first step to enjoying a family vacation nowadays is confirming that our family's risk tolerance aligns with the destination.

Family-friendly amenities

When my son was around 6 months old, we took our first international family trip to the Four Seasons Punta Mita in Mexico. We were impressed by how well they anticipated the needs of families traveling with such a young child.

Our room was equipped with a diaper genie, a real crib (not just a Pack n' Play like some hotels provide), baby sunscreen, baby body wash, and age-appropriate toys ready for us upon arrival.

The resort even supplied a stroller for us to use on the property and while we explored Puerto Vallarta. When we headed to the hotel pool, they provided a Pack n' Play for our son to relax in (in the shade, of course) while my husband and I enjoyed lunch by the pool.

During a recent stay at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Southern California, the hotel provided toddler-sized bathrobes for our kids to wear over their swimsuits at the pool. At the private beach club, we found buckets, shovels, and other sand toys available for rent during our visit.

It’s these thoughtful details that show a hotel truly caters to every guest, regardless of age, and these are the aspects I look forward to when staying at a hotel with my family.

Dining options, including in-room service

Any parent knows that dining out can easily turn chaotic depending on a baby's or toddler's mood. That’s why having in-room dining options is a priority for me when selecting a hotel for my family. If room service isn’t available, it’s crucial to ensure there are restaurants on-site or nearby.

At the Four Seasons Punta Mita, not only was the food delicious (with vegan options available), but I was also impressed by how well they catered to their youngest guests.

The hotel provided baby plates—small plates with bananas and other finger foods that little ones can easily feed themselves—right as we took our seats. They also had baby-friendly utensils and bibs adorned with the Four Seasons logo.

Essential elements for a pleasant dining experience with kids include high chairs or booster seats and a children’s menu, ideally one that offers more than just chicken tenders and fries.

These may appear to be minor details in the context of a larger vacation, but when every guest is thoughtfully considered, everyone enjoys themselves.

Personalized service

When it comes to personalized service, even small gestures can make a big difference.

I don’t mean to dwell on a single experience, but my husband and I often recall how wonderful it was when the staff at the Four Seasons Punta Mita greeted our son by name as we arrived. It made us feel instantly welcomed and reassured that we were well taken care of. We often worry about how our children will be treated, particularly at luxury hotels, so such a friendly reception was heartwarming.

When choosing between hotels, I always look into whether they provide special amenities for families with young kids, like the kid-sized gift bags we received at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, which contained a candy cane, coloring book, rubber duck for bath time, and a few other fun items. Other TPG team members have shared that their kids also enjoy thoughtful little gifts, such as the basket of complimentary stuffed animals available at the new Cloudveil hotel in Wyoming.

These little tokens keep the kids eager for the adventures that lie ahead — which is always a bonus.

Room size

Typically, I can gauge a room's size by examining photos on a hotel’s website. When assessing the space, I focus on the area between the beds, the closet's placement, and whether the room has more furnishings than open living space.

Upscale hotels often provide larger guest rooms, even in their standard categories. The more spacious the room, the better, especially when traveling with kids who are accustomed to having ample space to play. For us, the additional cost in cash or points is worth it to ensure everyone can move around freely and comfortably.

Something for parents, too

Our family vacations aren't solely focused on the kids. The hotel experience is just as important for me as it is for them.

When I opt for a hotel stay, I prefer one that features a spa, allowing my husband and me to take turns indulging in some pampering and enjoying a bit of tranquility away from the kids.

Dining options matter to us as well. Although we're not particularly fussy eaters, we appreciate high-quality ingredients and exploring new dishes, so it's a delight when we can do that while also catering to our kids' tastes.

And let's not forget room service: 24-hour room service is a luxury I truly enjoy, as my introverted side loves the option to relax in my room all day if I choose. It's also a convenient meal solution when the kids are feeling cranky.

Having a valet service that lets me leave my car at the hotel entrance and call for it when we're ready not only saves time but can also prevent meltdowns from tired toddlers. Plus, a bellhop who can help carry our luggage in one trip is incredibly convenient when we’re trying to manage little ones.

I appreciate that a fantastic hotel can simplify trip planning. Whenever I'm uncertain about our activities for the day, I can easily ask the concierge for suggestions. Staying at family-friendly hotels, like those with kids' clubs or beach facilities, alleviates my worries about keeping my toddlers entertained or whether I've packed enough toys.

It's a family vacation, and every family member should have a great time, don’t you think?

The bottom line

When I spend my hard-earned money or points on accommodations while traveling with my family, I look for certain key features to guarantee a fun experience for everyone.

Currently, COVID-19 safety measures are essential for us, especially when traveling with our unvaccinated toddlers. Hotel facilities, dining options, and personalized service also significantly enhance our experience, along with spacious rooms that help prevent that cramped feeling.

However, picking a hotel isn't solely about keeping my kids entertained; my happiness and enjoyment of the space matter too.

Amenities like on-site spas and restaurants, room service, valet, and concierge services not only simplify my travel experience but also offer my husband and me a chance to unwind and enjoy ourselves as well.