Family room for kids
10 tips for a kid-friendly space |
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
Whether young or old, every member of the household needs family living room ideas that cater to their own personal style of relaxation.
While the first reception room may be the place for more formal living room ideas aimed at hosting guests, a family room is the part of the house where movie nights reign supreme, the kids can get a little silly, and the whole clan can relax in each other’s company.
If your home has just one dedicated living space, you’ll need to work out how to balance even more eventualities – luckily, we’ve pulled together a whole host of solutions to make any living room fit for a family.
Family living room ideas
From clutter-beating storage solutions to seating strategies with enough room for everyone to kick back and relax, we’ve sought out some truly inspiring spaces, and asked the experts to share family living room ideas that will keep the whole brood happy.
1. Tackle mess with built-in storage
(Image credit: Alexis Hughes & Co/Raquel Langworthy)
When you’re sharing a living room with the kids, keeping the space tidy isn’t the easiest task. Smart storage solutions are therefore crucial for being able to easily tuck away the day’s mess.
‘We will often do built-in cabinetry to frame the TV, or an enclosed sideboard with shelf options,’ says interior designer Claudia Afshar . ‘This allows you to keep playthings nearby, without compromising aesthetic.’
Built-in storage is a great addition to small living room ideas in particular, as it will help maximize limited space. ‘Another useful feature is to add a blanket basket or magazine holder on the side of the sofa,’ says Afshar. ‘This creates an accessible area for the kids’ toys. Alternatively utilize the areas underneath the side table.’
2. Create a family room in the kitchen
(Image credit: Claudia Afshar Design/Meghan Bob Photography)
If you’re looking for open-plan living room ideas, consider turning an area of a large kitchen-dining space into a family room.
‘The family room is a bit more relaxed and is generally near the kitchen where you spend most of your time with family members, whereas the living room is a bit more formal,’ says interior designer Leslie Close .
In this room by Afshar, a large kitchen and informal breakfast area extends into a family room with a television and comfortable sofa. This layout creates a seamless space that is perfect for accommodating meal times, after-school relaxation or a bit of homework all at once.
3. Include a variety of seating styles
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)
When planning living room seating ideas, variety is key in keeping all members of the family happy. ‘You need different kinds of seating,’ says interior designer Linda Eyles . ‘Sofas and lounge chairs – swivels are great – are obvious choices, but it is also good to have a couple of smaller, more upright chairs if possible. Not everyone wants to sink into a low, deep sofa.’
‘One of my favorite tricks is to use a higher coffee table and tuck one or two ottomans on wheels underneath the table.
The ottomans pull out easily to work as extra seating or as a footstool, and the higher table is perfect when you are serving snacks.’
This strategy is demonstrated in this living room, where the coffee table design incorporates multiple storage ottomans, that fit snugly in designated sections below the tabletop.
4. Keep the kids comfortable with a corner sofa
(Image credit: Mark Bolton)
When designing a space for the whole family to spend time together, go big with your living room sofa ideas. To ensure the entire household can settle down comfortably at once, consider a corner sofa. Not only a contemporary and stylish choice, an L-shaped arrangement can usually accommodate in excess of four people sat upright, and offers ample opportunity for sprawling.
‘Large sectionals and ottomans can help to create a fluid path for kids to play safely and freely, with beautifully selected accent pillows that keep more shape and an overall lovely touch,’ says Afshar.
5. Incorporate a separated snug or playroom area
(Image credit: Yellow London/Matt Clayton)
If you have one space that needs to function as both a formal living room and a relaxed family or playroom, consider if it’s possible to zone the room – or even close part of it off.
‘If we have the opportunity, what we like to do is to create a sort of ante-chamber,’ says Eyles, ‘a space off the living room that has big sliding doors so that it is completely open to the living area but can also be closed off when need be. Let’s be honest, bright orange and yellow toys don’t typically suit your pretty decor.’
In this townhouse, interior designers Yellow London took the smaller section of an L-shaped drawing room and turned it into a library snug, complete with television and squashy sectional sofa to accommodate more relaxed moments.
6. Swap sharp edges for upholstered options
(Image credit: Davide Lovati)
For younger families, safety is a crucial aspect of planning any living room furniture ideas.
‘We like to consider sharp edges and corners,’ says Afshar. ‘Sometimes a glass coffee table isn’t ideal – instead we might suggest a large ottoman and tray or a wooden or marble alternative.’
To avoid bumps and breakages, keep any glass at a high level in the room, and consider seating and table options that are upholstered. At its lower levels, this room features an upholstered coffee table, soft woven storage baskets and a padded fireplace guard – but careful choices in fabrics and finishes ensure safety comes with style.
7. Get creative to disguise the television
(Image credit: Tiffany Leigh Design/Lauren Miller)
For most families, a television is an essential tool for helping adults unwind, keeping the kids entertained, and facilitating cozy movie nights. The problem is, it’s not the prettiest piece of interior decor – when switched off, it’s essentially a large black rectangle.
Think outside the box, and consider ways you can disguise a television.
Built-in cabinetry that allows you to hide away the TV behind sliding doors is one option, or you can get creative like designer Tiffany Leigh did with this family living room. Leigh chose to place a Samsung Frame over the marble mantle, which doubles as a TV and a space to display digital art and photography.
8. Kid-safe textiles don’t have to be dull
(Image credit: Kitesgrove)
‘We don't believe that aesthetics need to be compromised by functionality,’ says Clara Ewart, Head of Design at Kitesgrove. ‘Clients are often understandably worried about using expensive materials or finishes in rooms used by young children, but we've found some fabulous products that are easy to clean and maintain. These include Perennial's performance fabrics and Jennifer Manners' wonderful repurposed rugs made out of recycled plastic that seem almost impossible to stain.’
‘Child-friendly, pet-friendly fabrics and finishes are a must in every household because it makes parties a lot more fun,’ adds Close.
‘Flor’s carpet tiles are a great way to maintain acoustics, keep floors warm and prevent slipping. They’re great for family rooms, offices and kids rooms – you can even use them on a wall if you wish.’
9. Swap a family photo wall for open shelving
(Image credit: Paul Raeside)
Informal living rooms are a great place to display family photographs. A photo gallery wall is one option, but for a growing family consider a strategy that’s a little more adaptable.
‘We love to use rows of cantilevered shelves for a family photo wall,’ says Eyles. ‘It’s great because it isn’t so set in stone as an ‘art wall’. As kids grow or you have new holiday photos, it is easy to update your images with fresh ones. We do the same thing with all the art the children bring home – you want to display it, but there are so many new creations. This way, you can change out the pieces as new ones show up.’
10. Embrace color to make the kids feel welcome
(Image credit: Chris Everard)
Don’t be afraid to go a little wild in the family living room – bold colors are a great fit for a space dedicated to fun and games.
Providing a chromatic distinction between the formal living room and the family space will help children understand the roles of each, and attract them towards the room better suited to play.
‘In general, prints and patterns are very child-friendly,’ says Eyles. On a practical level, choosing deeper colors and complex patterns will help disguise any stains left behind by messy mishaps.
How do I decorate my family room interior?
‘The best rooms are those that can be flexible,’ says Eyles ‘I love to have a game table in the family room – we have a jigsaw puzzle open on ours all the time, but they are great for an impromptu game, or even homework if need be.’
‘To design a family room that is both functional and decorative, select furnishings that avoid overcrowding the space,’ advises Bankston May. ‘Incorporate furniture that allows for mobility and multi-use activities such as eating, playing games, and binge-watching your favorite shows.’
‘We would recommend curated art, positioning decorative items above consoles, coffee tables and sideboards,’ says Afshar.
‘We love to incorporate a variety of floral arrangements, selective sculpture pieces, beautiful accessories and decor. The smallest touches can make the biggest impact.’
Ailis started out at British GQ, where a month of work experience turned into 18 months of working on all sorts of projects, writing about everything from motorsport to interiors, and helping to put together the GQ Food & Drink Awards. She then spent three years at the London Evening Standard, covering restaurants and bars. After a period of freelancing, writing about food, drink and homes for publications including Conde Nast Traveller, Luxury London and Departures, she started at Homes & Gardens as a Digital Writer, allowing her to fully indulge her love of good interior design. She is now a fully fledged food PR but still writes for Homes & Gardens as a contributing editor.
Family living room ideas to create a space everyone loves
Lounges have different requirements depending on who they're accommodating.
More than any other, family living room ideas have to work that bit harder in order to satisfy everyone's needs.
Traditionally, living room ideas were centred around comfort and entertainment - both in terms of socialising as technology. However, a family space needs to cater to much more. Not only are you catering to a range of ages, but you may also have to integrate a desk space for WFH days or homework.
Storage also becomes even more important than usual. 'When it comes to family living rooms, it’s important to create an inviting space that the whole family can enjoy,' notes Lou Petersen, Creative Director, dwell . 'Often these rooms can also be short on space, therefore maximising on storage is crucial. In a home with a big family, it can be difficult to find room to store toys as well as other items.'
Family living room ideas
'The living room is the heart of the home, so creating a living room which is a perfect space for every family member is key,' says Jen Porter, Senior Design Consultant, Neville Johnson .
'Keeping in line with seasonal colour trends and ensuring family living room ideas are kept fresh with practical, bespoke renovations will guarantee an enviable home.'
1. Try the broken plan layout
(Image credit: Future PLC/David Merewether)
Although open-plan living room ideas are still very popular, recently the trends are starting to turn towards the more versatile broken plan.
This layout is essentially halfway between closed floor plans and the open-plan style. The reason why it works so well for family living room ideas is because of its flexibility. The rooms can be separated by pocket, sliding or glass doors, so you keep them open when you're having family time, but can close them away if the kids are playing or watching TV and you're trying to have a conversation in the kitchen. It's a win-win.
2. Be playful with decor
(Image credit: Future PLC/Carolyn Barber)
When decorating family living room ideas, use it as an excuse to have a bit of fun.
Living room wall decor is a great place to start, as you can experiment on a budget and without too much commitment. After all, paint can always be painted over.
'The best finish for family spaces is matt,' advises Justyna Korczynska, senior designer, Crown . 'This is because it can more often than not be wiped clean of any marks and stains and it's tougher than sheen surfaces.'
'Where possible, opt for a paint that’s been classified as ‘wipeable’. It’s perfect for pen marks and sticky fingers and it’s been designed and tested for the best stain and scrub resistance.'
3. Build in storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)
'A key thing to consider is ample storage,' says Juliette Thomas, Founder, Juliettes Interiors . 'The living room is often the most used room for families, so it needs to remain a clutter-free and relaxing environment, whilst also being multifunctional.'
'Bear in mind how best to use the space and where living room storage ideas can be incorporated.
If you have alcoves, optimise them with built in cupboards of shelves to store away items like toys and games.'
4. Prioritise seating
(Image credit: Future PLC/James Balston)
'It’s important to ensure that your home works for you, rather than you work for your home,' says Dani Burroughs, Head of Product, Snug . 'Comfort is King when it comes to seating. Whether you want a large corner sofa with deep hugging seats, or a compact 2-seater that fits like a glove into alcoves or smaller areas, it’s all about the space available and personal preference.'
'Ideally you want enough seats for each member of the family to have a place to sit back and relax,' continues Dani. 'But if you're working with small living room ideas a great alternative is a 1.5 seater snuggler that offers all of the comfort of a regular sofa.'
'If you have then space, then a deep and cosy sofa, large enough for the whole family is ideal. Something just as luxurious to look at as it is to flop on is a real winner.
We would recommend a plush corner or even a corner chaise for ultimate TV viewing comfort.'
5. Think practically
(Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb)
‘When taking into account family living, nothing is bomb proof but it’s always wise to think ahead,' says Martin Waller, Founder, Andrew Martin . 'If you don’t want to be rummaging under a sofa for a button-eyed animal, try looking for living room sofa ideas without legs.'
'If your stomach fills with dread every time you hear a clatter in the living room, swap cream linen upholstery for a thicker, darker plain or a fabric with a colourful pattern.'
'You might consider using throws or covering the arms with sleeves,' suggests Emma Sims-Hilditch, Founder, Sims-Hilditch . 'These can be taken off and washed, keeping the sofa good as new.'
'It is wise to avoid fabrics such as velvets and silks when planning the upholstery in a child’s or family room. These are fragile and are best saved for formal sitting rooms or entertaining spaces suited for adults.
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6. Make it multifunctional
(Image credit: Kelling Designs)
Use a range of furniture to keep your family living room ideas as flexible as possible. When deciding how to design a living room, keep this in mind. Ottomans are a great example as they can work as coffee table or seating, depending upon what is required.
A couple of smaller chairs are a great addition, too. You can separate these when more privacy is desired, or situate them by the sofa when it's a social gathering.
7. Go for fitted furniture
(Image credit: Neville Johnson)
To make the most of modern living room ideas, if you can afford it, then bespoke is the way to go. You can use your space cannily, so every inch is utilised and you're making sure your family living room ideas are serving the family as you desire.
'The cost of fitted furniture is more than freestanding furniture,' notes Jen from Neville Johnson. 'However if you go for a premium fitted furniture specialist, your furniture will be durable and will retain its quality for a long time.
This means it really is a fantastic investment, especially for families who need that extra durability.'
8. Zone areas for all the family
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
When deciding how to arrange living room furniture, keep everyone's needs in mind. Design allocated zones for lounging, dining and working to keep the room organised.
Dedicate an area of the room, whether large or small, to ensure everyone has a place for their needs. Set up a workstation at a small table in the corner of the room away from the central hub of entertainment to avoid any distractions.
9. Welcome a sizeable sofa bed
(Image credit: Snug)
It may be one of the more simple living room ideas, but consider adding in a sofa bed. It's a great bonus so little ones can lay down for a nap but still be within sight.
They'll stay in use through the years, too, as teenagers might need a place for friends to crash. Plus, they're a godsend when extended family has come to visit.
10. Create a gallery wall
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Family living room ideas shouldn't have to take themselves too seriously, so use this as a chance to create a fun gallery wall.
Decorate the wall behind the sofa with a mixture of prints, photos and your children's artwork. For ultimate flexibility you may want to include a picture wall so you can swap the home-made creations in and out with ease.
11. Stay on top of clutter with a storage wall
(Image credit: Future PLC/Joanna Henderson)
If storage space is at a premium or you want to avoid plastic boxes lined up in the living room, look to the wall to help clear the clutter with savvy storage solutions. As well as being practical, it's a cool alternative to living room feature wall ideas.
Hang wall baskets for a quick end-of-day tidy-ups for toys, books, magazines, iPads and other stuff that tends to lay about. Tech can be stored out of reach in the higher baskets. Use sturdy, decorative metal hooks that can take plenty of weight.
12. Set up a flexible work space
(Image credit: TBC)
A full family house may mean space is at a premium and a separate room for an office or homework station just isn't an option. To create a slimline workspace within a living room, use adjoining floating shelves within an alcove or across an empty wall. Bear in mind the shelves may be leaned on, so secure with heavy duty floating brackets.
Using this minimalist trick in place of a desk or traditional home office furniture means it won't intrude on the living room. Pick a comfortable and supportive chair that doesn't look too 'officey' allowing it to blend into the decor of the room.
13. Utilise every nook for storage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
Make the most of the floor areas with a built-to-fit seat in bay window ideas. Drawers under the seat add storage and are more practical than a lift-up lid.
The storage space is perfect for the speedy tidy up before guests arrive.
Give each drawer a purpose to help keep it organised. Stash anything from toys and books to tech, chargers, consoles and games. The angled end section doubles up as a built-in side table.
14. Invest in adaptable modular furniture
Sofa.com; Harry Three Seat Unit And Footstool Unit In Eucalyptus Smart Cotton, £2070, Sofa.com X Jack Wills
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
'If you’re looking for something versatile, think modular,' advises Dani from Snug. 'Look for a sofa that grows with you and your lifestyle as the needs of your living room seating ideas change. This will mean you never have to worry about your sofa being left or right aligned.'
'Want to give you sofa a makeover? Try swapping out the arms and feet for other options to give you sofa a completely new look for that new home you just moved into. Young family that's growing? Turn your 3-seater sofa into a corner sofa by simply adding new pieces.'
15. Add a hidden bed
(Image credit: Loaf)
A multifunctional piece like a bed in a box or a trundle bed this is ideal if you don’t have space for a guest bed in a spare room or bedroom – it's a sleepover saviour!
These options are are great for smaller spaces, as you're not as limited with only having to look for sofa beds when it comes to sofa ideas for small living rooms.
16. Create an area that's made for play
(Image credit: TBC)
If you don't have a separate space, it's wise to turn one corner of your living room into playroom ideas for the kids. Without one, toys could spread everywhere turning your entire living room into one big playroom – not ideal!
Family living rooms require plenty of storage, so make sure everyone in the family has an assigned cupboard, drawer or trunk to hide their things inside. Make sure there is plenty of it – at the end of the day, you'll be glad of somewhere to banish the toys so that you can enjoy some much-needed adult time.
17. Display photographs
(Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young)
Personalise your living room with an arrangement of favourite family photographs. If you're wondering how to break up a large wall in a living room, use this as the perfect spot to display family snapshots.
Choose frames that are identical in size and colour and arrange in a grid formation to make a visual impact.
18. Incorporate media units
(Image credit: TBC)
Although we love to find ways for how to hide a TV, sometimes it's easier to keep it on display. In these cases, create a media-friendly arrangement in your family living room ideas Choose low units that won’t overwhelm the room and keep the wall space above feeling open by putting up simple floating shelves.
‘TV units are a great way to hide away those game consoles and controllers that can clutter a snug/family/TV room,’ says Dani from Snug. 'Choosing something in a natural finish will help keep the space cosy.’
19. Childproof furniture for young kids
(Image credit: IKEA)
While you don't want to compromise on style, your furniture choices need to be thoughtful in family living rooms with very young children. An easy way to make furniture more child-friendly is to soften the edges on coffee tables.
Budget living room ideas this simple and effective check all the design boxes for a busy family home.
20. Choose durable furniture
(Image credit: Future PLc/James Merrell for Livingetc)
Who says you can't have a stylish and sleek family living room ideas? Just pay attention to the materials you're using.
'Consider durability when selecting materials,' advises Emma Sims-Hilditch.'It is a good idea to select durable fabrics, particularly if you have children and pets. For living room upholstery we recommend choosing fabrics with a Martindale rub count of more than 18,000. This should ensure the longevity of your furniture for years to come.'
21. Use family-friendly flooring
(Image credit: Future PLC/Clare Lloyd Davies for Style at Home)
There are numerous living room flooring ideas to choose from, but for a family space consider the most practical options.
Choose wooden floors for a classic look that is easy to clean. Keep it feeling snug with one large or several smaller rugs and look for machine washable versions so you're not as concerned about the inevitable spillages.
22. Go for wall-to-wall storage
(Image credit: TBC)
Use a basic free-standing unit in multiples to create a bank of storage to fit your space. You can keep all your items in this one unit so you're not having to deal with pieces stored all over the places.
If you have a piece that includes both open and closed storage then keep the messier items tucked away and use the shelves on view as display for your prettier belongings.
How do I make my living room family friendly?
'Think about child and pet friendly soft furnishings when dealing with family living room ideas,' advises Juliette from Juliettes Interiors. 'Avoid incorporating expensive materials that are easily stained or damaged. Instead, opt for fabrics that are easily to clean and maintain, paired with accessories that won’t break if dropped or knocked over.'
'The sofa is at the heart of a living room, so there are a few things to consider for a family space. As above, the fabric is essential so choose a low maintenance fabric that can stand the test of time.
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'Think about the size of the sofa - avoid choosing a piece which is too large and therefore won’t allow for space on the floor for activities / games etc. However, make sure the sofa is large enough for every family member to enjoy - whilst also being comfortable. The living room is a social space, so it needs to be inviting.'
What is the difference between a living room and a family room?
Spacious homes with the luxury of a family room and a living room dedicate very different purposes to each living space.
A family room will be a room dedicated to hanging out as a family to play with toys and enjoy movies and home entertainment, while a living room will be more of a formal setting for entertaining guests and enjoying some grown up time.
The best of both worlds, of course, is creating dream family living room ideas so you have two in one.
How to choose the right hotel for families with children?
Author Tatyana Donskova Reading 8 min Views 369 Updated
Hello friends!
Having a good rest with children means not only going to the “right” resort, but also choosing the right hotel for this.
You can read about the options available in this article.
And today we will talk about how to choose a hotel for families with children and about some other aspects that you need to pay attention to when going on vacation with a child, especially a small one. nine0005
Contents
- What to look for when choosing a family hotel?
- that indicates the hotel comfort level
- of the hotels category
- Hotel room fund
- The main types of rooms in hotels
- Cost of the hotel reservation
- Caution, fraudsters
When choosing a hotel, you should be guided by the age of the child. If these are older children, the mass of the problem disappears by itself. If this is a vacation with a baby, it is worth taking into account many important circumstances and moments.
Especially if you are independent travelers who choose accommodation for yourself at your own peril and risk.
What indicates the level of comfort of the hotel
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- How comfortable is the number of rooms for accommodation in the hotel (type and number of rooms, their size, condition of furniture, is it possible to put an extra bed (baby cot), high-quality cleaning)
- Availability of amenities in the room (shower, air conditioning, hairdryer)
- Developed infrastructure: the opportunity to feed the child in a varied and complete way, children's kitchen, laundry, washing machine, clothes dryer, TV, children's mini-clubs and teen clubs, babysitting services
- Large green area around the hotel with playgrounds and attractions, water park, zoo
- The quality of the beach (sandy, clean, preferably private with a convenient slope, well-developed beach infrastructure) and its remoteness from the hotel
- Swimming pool (preferably heated and with sea water)
- Additional services (taxi, car rental, excursion sales, dry cleaning, doctor's services and the presence of a first-aid post)
- Children's animation, family entertainment programs
- Quiet atmosphere and no noise at night
- Opportunity to play sports and improve health (sports fields, gym)
- Price policy for accommodation with children.
As a rule, these are hotels with good infrastructure for children. Among Russian hotels, these are, most often, four- and five-star hotels, for example, in the Crimea or Anapa.
Of course, in order to choose the right option, you need to have at least a superficial understanding of how dozens and hundreds of hotels that are ready to provide their services to accommodate children differ from each other. nine0005
Hotel categories
The level of service and service, the range of services offered, as a rule, corresponds to the category of the hotel, which is usually classified as a star system. There are 5 categories in total (from one to five), and the higher the “star rating”, the more reason we have to count on a wide and high-quality range of services.
But if we exclude "chain" hotels that strictly protect their reputation as high-class hotels with quality service, the level of services in hotels of even one category is completely different depending on their location and country (5* hotel in Europe and 5* hotel Turkey and Egypt are two different concepts).
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Hotel rooms
Each hotel has its own number of rooms. The type and comfort of the rooms can be very different. The most common rooms are: Standard (one-room standard rooms), Suite (improved room compared to the standard), FamilyRoom (family room), Deluxe (with superior comfort), Apartment (consists of several rooms).
There is another category of less common rooms (rooms with a balcony, duplex room, bungalow, chalet, villa, cottage) and rooms with a certain view from the window (sea, mountains, pool, park or garden). nine0005
Family rooms (Family category) and apartments are suitable for tourists with children.
Family room is either a large one-room suite conditionally divided into two parts, with an extra sofa or a children's bed, or a room with two rooms.
An ideal accommodation option for small children is apartments. Most often, rooms of this type consist of a bedroom and a living room combined with a kitchen. There are also one-room apartments with their own kitchen - studio apartments.
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Accommodation in standard rooms may not be as comfortable as they are small. It is not always convenient to add an extra bed.
The main types of rooms in hotels
Surely, many of you paid attention when booking a hotel to the different designations of rooms in the form of some incomprehensible set of letters for the uninitiated. This is how different categories of hotel rooms are designated, and the ability to decipher them allows you to figure out what is hidden under this or that designation, and not make a mistake in choosing. nine0005
It is not worth studying this whole long list of designations, but still, you should pay closer attention to the main ones and those related to the placement of children in hotels:
- SGL (Single) - single room with one bed and is designed he is for the rest of one person
- DBL(Double) - large one-room suite for two with one bed
- DBL TWN - the same one-room suite for 2 people, but with 2 single beds
- TRPL(Triple) - a room for 3 people with three beds (2 beds plus an extra bed (cot or sofa))
- EXB(ExtraBed) - extra bed (this term is found in combined options, for example, TRPL + EXB, DBL + EXB)
- ADL (adult)
- CHD(Child) - the designation of a child from 2 to 12 years old
- INF (Infant) - baby from 0-2 years old (free accommodation in the room and in the hotel is possible)
Combined options available for children:
- SGL+CHD - single room for 1 adult and child
- SGL+2 CHD - similar to the first, only with two children
- DBL+2 CHD (2–5) – room for 2 adults and 2 children from 2 to 5 years old.
The room can have different options for sleeping places: 1 large bed and a sofa (folding bed) or another option - 2 single beds and 2 folding beds - DBL+CHD - double room (2 adults) plus a bed for a child up to 12 years old
- DBL + 2 CHD - same as in the previous version, only for two children
- DBL+EXB+CHD - double room for 3 adults and a child with extra bed
- TRPL+2 CHLD - room for 3 adults with 2 children
- 4 AD+1 CHD (2-5) - room for 4 adults and 1 child from 2 to 5 years old (various options for the number of beds).
Cost of accommodation
Everything related to the cost of accommodation with children, this information can be found on the room booking website. nine0005
Children under 6 years old can stay free of charge without using extra beds.
Extra bed charges apply, or if the child is 6 years of age or older, but is significantly lower than the adult rate.
If the child is already 12/14 years old, he is provided with an extra bed and, accordingly, it is paid already as for an adult resident.
Booking conditions for hotels
When booking a room, pay attention to the rules that are provided by a particular hotel (each hotel has its own rules). When checking in, especially with children, it is important to take into account the check-in time at the hotel. It depends on the checkout time (set check-in time, from which the daily room rate and check-out time in case of departure are calculated).
In case of early arrival, it is not always possible to check in with the child immediately and you will have to wait for the checkout time, which is not always convenient. You can move in immediately, but only if the hotel has free rooms of the desired type and with a surcharge. nine0005
When traveling with children (if you know in advance that you will arrive in the city at night), it is better to focus on hotels with a 24-hour check-in.
Meals
Sometimes breakfast is included in the price.
But more often the type of food is already paid on the spot or places for meals outside the hotel are chosen.
In addition, some hotels may require you to pay a deposit at check-in (a kind of deposit for renting a room and insurance in case of broken furniture, broken dishes, theft of property) and tourist tax (charged in some countries). In some cases, it is included immediately in the cost of the room, and can be paid only at the time of check-in. nine0005
Please read the cancellation policy. They are different and provide for different penalties: the full cost of the room or some percentage of it is withheld.
For reference: Russian hotels now also work in a new way. The rules for the provision of hotel services were adopted in October 2015. For the first time in Russia, they regulate the issues of booking rooms, the procedure for accommodation, registration and registration in a hotel, the concept of "checkout time" is clarified. Hotel services can only be provided by hotels that have the appropriate category according to the hotel classification system.
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Beware of scammers
When booking hotels on the Internet yourself, there is a chance of encountering scammers who create false hotel websites, the main purpose of which is to charge money from your credit card.
Experts note that although the percentage of such false hotels is small (according to statistics, 6% of independent tourists in different countries have the misfortune to get on them online), it is sometimes very difficult even for experienced users to distinguish them from real ones. They are very similar to the real ones. nine0005
When booking, the low cost of a room in a high-class hotel may alert you. In case of doubt, it will not be superfluous to call the hotel and make sure that the indicated price is correct.
And a note to parents: in addition to their own passports (foreign or general civil), it is necessary to have documents for children with you (foreign passport, birth certificate).
When planning a trip and wanting to choose the best hotel for children and the right room, do not put off finding it for a long time. It is better to do this in advance, and not at the last moment before the trip. Better yet, start looking for it right now. nine0005
Have a good trip and have a good rest with children! In the meantime…
Hotel room with a child. Advice from mothers
You have decided to take a vacation with your child, decided on the place of rest, duration and so on. Next, you are faced with one of the important issues in planning a vacation - the choice of a hotel. In many countries, there are special family rooms in the hotel, separate houses for living, and even entire family hotels with rooms for children. What to look for when choosing hotel room with child :
- room characteristics;
- food;
- children's menu;
- general landscaping of the hotel;
- proximity to the sea;
- pool;
- elevator;
- balcony;
- children's towns and rooms;
- specialists in the organization of children's leisure;
- special price conditions for children.
General recommendations from the experience of holidaymakers
It is more convenient to choose a family hotel with rooms for children, in such a hotel special conditions for small tourists are provided in advance. Less likely to be noise from on-site evening activities disturbing children's sleep.
Choose non-smoking rooms and, if possible, floors. People go to rest and gain strength, and tobacco smoke is not the best factor for this.
The sea must be close, otherwise the trip to it will be a joyless ordeal for the child. For the same reason, the airport and the hotel must be at an acceptable distance so that the trip does not adversely affect the mood and well-being of the baby. nine0005
Food. In addition to the main meals, the child often has snacks at any time of the day. Therefore, ask about the presence in the room of a refrigerator, an electric kettle, a microwave oven, and, if necessary, a high chair. The proximity of grocery stores and a supermarket to the hotel is also important in this case.
Try to take into account all possible holiday scenarios. In rainy weather, if there is a balcony, children can play there, getting their portion of fresh sea air. Do not reduce the role of the elevator. Climbing steep stairs with a child in your arms, and even with a stroller, is dangerous and tiring, and you are going to rest. Don't forget about it! nine0005
It would be useful to ask about the type of furniture in the room: the presence of sharp corners, fragile glass furniture and other items that can cause injury. Photos on the hotel website, reviews and hotel employees will tell about this in direct communication.
Booking a hotel room with a child. What do the abbreviations hide?
When booking a family room at a hotel on your own, it is important to understand the standard abbreviations. The most important abbreviation for a hotel room with a child is Chld (Child) . This is a generally accepted designation of children among hotels in different countries, whose age is from 0 to 12 years.
For the smallest, there is a special number designation - Inf-Infant . In such rooms for infants and older, hotels are ready to offer a separate baby cot.
Extra bed - extra bed in a double room. This option is convenient for families with a child older than 2 years.
Most commonly used abbreviation TRPL (triple) - standard triple room. It consists of two standard beds and one extra bed, it can be a sofa, a folding bed or another bed. Also, such rooms can be designated as DBL + extra bed (EXB) or Dbl / Twn + extra bed .
For those who love "rest like at home" we offer to consider family "bungalows" and "chalets". These options are good for privacy and creating a homely atmosphere, which is unimportant for children. nine0005
Family Bungalow is a small building intended for the residence of one or more families with children in order to separate the rest of small children from the rest of the hotel guests.
The bungalow has everything you need, often equipped with a separate beach.
Family Chalet — a separate holiday house for a company or a large family. The chalet is very similar to the bungalow, but more comfortable.
Be careful when booking a room, be sure to specify the number of children and their age, in addition to the conditions, the cost of the room depends on this. For children, in most cases, significant discounts are provided. Many hotels accommodate children up to two or even up to four years old free of charge, providing a baby cot in the room. If you plan to share the same bed with your child, please indicate this at the time of booking as no need for an extra bed. nine0005
Careful preparation for your vacation will save you from many problems during your vacation. Do not be afraid to seem persistent and meticulous tourists, it is better to "arm yourself to the teeth." Before booking a room, ask all the questions you are interested in, thinking through every detail in detail, and then your vacation will really be carefree and fun, just like your children.
