Deciding on accommodation for a family holiday often takes up most of your planning time. Should you choose a hotel or an apartment for the kids?

The benefits of an apartment

Many families opt for an apartment due to the increased freedom and space it provides, especially during longer stays. With small children, strict schedules for meals and bedtime can be challenging, and habits often change on holiday.

In an apartment, children usually have their own room to play in, allowing parents to plan daily activities and sightseeing. If it rains, having plenty of space for indoor games becomes a lifesaver. An apartment can feel more like a home, offering a familiar atmosphere for kids, with mom preparing meals while dad entertains the little ones.

For those who prefer not to deal with cooking and cleaning, dining out at different restaurants each day is an option. This not only avoids the hassle of kitchen chores but also allows you to enjoy local specialties and meet locals in family-run restaurants and trattorias. 

The benefits of a hotel

On the other hand, staying in hotels provide things that apartments often lack or do not offer at all.

However, not all hotels are designed to be family-friendly, some have limited features, while others are renowned for being kid-friendly. In these hotels, you can request rooms with separate beds, side rails, cribs, bottle warmers, changing tables, and bathtubs.

Their restaurants often offer high chairs, special crockery, and menus for children with flexible dining hours. These hotels might also have dedicated kitchen spaces for parents to prepare personalized baby food.

A good family hotel should also provide rental bikes, a mini-club or play area, and access to a pharmacy for children with pediatric care available in emergencies. High-end hotels may even offer babysitting services and specialized staff to care for your children.