Top 18 Tips for Happy Hotel Stays with Under-3's

In addition to checking out our Little Jet Setter-rated hotels earlier in this blog, here are a few top tips for hotel stays with babies and toddlers...

TOP 18 TIPS FOR HAPPY HOTEL STAYS WITH UNDER-3's

18. It isn't enough that there is a pool - check that it is a kid-friendly pool with shallow steps they can play on, a kiddie pool area, and shade around the pool.

17. Find out if the hotel grounds make it easy to use your buggy. You do NOT want to carry a buggy complete with sleeping baby up the steps or over a bumpy road after dinner and drinks.

16. Babysitting services - what is on offer?

15. Baby Monitor distances - if you are comfortable using your baby monitor in the hotel, how far does it reach?

14. Restaurants and food - can they make something for hungry toddlers at 5.30pm? If not, you just need to plan for picnics in the room or on the grounds.

13. Adult escape zones (AKA: balconies, suites, dividing walls etc.) - does your room have them for a bit of adult time after baby is asleep?

12. Check that the hotel offers baby cots - some still don't and you do not want to find that out at check-in.

11. Air Conditioning - if you are going somewhere hot hot hot, try to ensure your room is not, not, not when it comes time to sleep.

10. Mosquitos - if they are prevelant in the area, find out if mummy and daddy's bed has mossi nets and if they do, bring a portable one for baby's cot.

9. Especially if there is a time zone difference, sometimes it is tough to get to sleep or stay asleep. Make it easier by packing blackout blinds (ie: babablinds).

8. Pack some emergency milk/formula or buy some upon arrival. Use the stuff that doesn't need refridgeration (UHT milk or premixed formula is great). This takes the stress out of the morning milk bottle.

7. Use the refridgerator in your room for baby's essentials like milk. You can take a prepared bottle to the restaurant to heat up for you and keep the rest chilling til the next feed.

6. Pack some dish soap. You will be washing baby bottles - fact. You may as well be prepared to do that in the bathroom sink.

5. If you are in a country that does not have drinkable tap water (I err on the side of more countries than less...), be sure to have bottled water on hand for brushing teeth, bedtime drinks, and rinsing all bottles after washing.

4. Check that kids are allowed in the restaurant after a certain hour. Some hotels discourage children at a certain time. (Same goes for bar areas!).

3. Pool toys - some hotels don't allow them. Check before you bring the life-size inflatable crocodile with you.

2. Bath or shower? It may be easier to have a bath in the room to keep the little one in a bedtime routine.

1. Be prepared to do things differently with baby. That nightcap cocktail may need to be sipped quietly on your balcony, rather than at the rocking beach bar, but you'll still have a wonderful time!