Traveling with a big family can be an adventure in itself, but finding the right accommodations often feels like a challenge. With six or more people in your group, booking a hotel means making sure everyone has enough space, comfort, and fun—all while staying within budget. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended vacation, these tips will help you find family-friendly hotels and maximize your stay. Let’s dive into some practical tips to make your hotel booking smooth and stress-free!
1. Look for Suite-Style Rooms or Family Rooms 🛋️
Why it’s helpful: Many hotels now offer suite-style rooms or family rooms specifically designed for larger groups. These suites often include multiple bedrooms, a living area, and even a kitchenette, making them ideal for family gatherings without feeling cramped. You’ll enjoy a bit more privacy while still being able to keep everyone close.
How to do it: When booking, search for “family suites” or “connecting rooms” to ensure you’re getting the right setup. Contact the hotel directly to confirm bed arrangements, as some suites may still be limited in sleeping capacity.
Extra Tip: Check for amenities like a refrigerator or microwave, which can make it easier to handle snacks and meals without leaving the room constantly.
2. Consider Vacation Rentals as an Alternative 🏠
Why it’s helpful: Vacation rentals through sites like Airbnb or Vrbo can often accommodate larger groups more comfortably than traditional hotel rooms. They typically come with full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, and living spaces, making them feel like a home away from home.
How to do it: Look for properties that offer enough beds and bedrooms for your group, and check reviews to ensure the space is clean and family-friendly. Also, consider the location in relation to the attractions you plan to visit to save on commute time and cost.
Extra Tip: Many vacation rentals have laundry facilities, which can be a game-changer for large families on longer trips.
3. Ask About Rollaway Beds or Sofa Beds 🛏️
Why it’s helpful: Some hotels offer rollaway beds or rooms with sofa beds, which can add extra sleeping options without needing a second room. This option is budget-friendly and allows more people to comfortably share a suite or larger room.
How to do it: Call the hotel ahead of time to ask about rollaway beds or sofa beds, as availability can be limited. Confirm any extra fees, as some hotels may charge for additional bedding arrangements.
Extra Tip: If you’re bringing young children, see if the hotel offers complimentary cribs or pack-and-plays to free up space for others to sleep comfortably.
4. Look for Hotels with Free Breakfast and Kid-Friendly Amenities 🍳
Why it’s helpful: Feeding a large family can add up quickly, so a hotel with complimentary breakfast is a huge perk. Breakfast buffets or self-serve options make mornings easier, especially if you have picky eaters. Kid-friendly amenities like pools or game rooms can also keep everyone entertained without extra expense.
How to do it: When booking, filter options for hotels that include breakfast, and read reviews to see if it’s worth it (some breakfasts offer more variety than others). Look for other kid-friendly amenities that will keep everyone entertained without leaving the property.
Extra Tip: Some hotels offer “kids eat free” policies in their on-site restaurants, so check to see if your family can take advantage of these deals to save even more.
5. Book Directly with the Hotel for Perks and Flexibility 📞
Why it’s helpful: Booking directly with the hotel often gives you more flexibility with special requests and cancellations. Hotels may also offer perks like free upgrades, extra amenities, or discounts for booking directly, which can make a big difference when traveling with a large group.
How to do it: Call the hotel or use their website to book, and don’t be afraid to mention your family size to see if they can offer any special accommodations. Ask about things like early check-in or late check-out, which can make your trip more relaxed.
Extra Tip: Mentioning a special occasion, like a family reunion or birthday, may sometimes lead to complimentary perks or upgrades!
6. Check for On-Site Laundry Facilities 🧺
Why it’s helpful: With a large family, laundry can pile up quickly, especially on longer trips. Hotels with on-site laundry facilities allow you to pack lighter, save on checked baggage fees, and avoid coming home with suitcases full of dirty clothes.
How to do it: Look for hotels with coin-operated laundry facilities, or confirm if your room or suite has a washer and dryer. Vacation rentals often have this amenity, making it even easier to do a quick load as needed.
Extra Tip: Bring a few laundry pods or detergent packs to make washing clothes easy and cost-effective, especially in hotels where detergent might be more expensive.
7. Join Loyalty Programs for Extra Savings and Rewards 💳
Why it’s helpful: Hotel loyalty programs often come with perks like free Wi-Fi, complimentary upgrades, and discounts. With a large family, these savings can add up fast. Some programs also offer late check-out, which is a lifesaver for big families who need a bit more time to pack up.
How to do it: Sign up for a hotel’s loyalty program, which is usually free. Booking directly through the hotel with your loyalty number often results in points that can be used toward future stays, helping to save on accommodations for your next family vacation.
Extra Tip: Look out for special promotions, as hotels sometimes offer bonus points for booking certain dates or staying multiple nights, giving you even more rewards.
8. Look for “Kids Stay Free” Policies 🧒👶
Why it’s helpful: Many hotels allow children under a certain age to stay for free when sharing a room with adults. This policy can make a big difference when you’re traveling with several kids, reducing costs and making it easier to find accommodations for the whole family.
How to do it: Check the hotel’s policy for any age restrictions or requirements, as some hotels might only allow kids under 12 to stay free. Be sure to factor this into your room choices to maximize your savings.
Extra Tip: Some hotels also offer discounted or free meals for kids, which can make dining out a lot more affordable.
9. Opt for Connecting Rooms if Suites Aren’t Available 🔗
Why it’s helpful: If suites or large family rooms aren’t an option, connecting rooms can be the next best thing. They give you plenty of space for everyone to spread out while keeping the family close together. This setup provides added privacy and flexibility while still being affordable compared to booking multiple separate rooms.
How to do it: When booking, ask the hotel directly if connecting rooms are available and if they can guarantee this setup for your stay. Confirm that there will be an internal door between the rooms for easy access.
Extra Tip: Request connecting rooms early, as they are often in high demand for large families, especially during peak travel times.
10. Choose a Hotel with Kitchenette or Full Kitchen Options 🍳
Why it’s helpful: Eating out for every meal can quickly add up, and having a kitchenette or full kitchen allows you to prepare meals in your room, saving money and making meals easier to coordinate. Plus, this is a great option if you have picky eaters or dietary restrictions.
How to do it: Look for extended-stay hotels or vacation rentals that offer kitchens or kitchenettes. A mini-fridge, microwave, and stovetop will cover most of your needs for breakfast and quick meals.
Extra Tip: Stock up on snacks, breakfast items, and simple lunch ingredients to keep everyone fueled between activities without breaking the bank.
11. Book in Advance for the Best Family-Friendly Options 📅
Why it’s helpful: Family-sized rooms, suites, and connecting rooms are often limited, and booking in advance can secure the best options for your group. Early booking also gives you access to better rates, room preferences, and sometimes discounts on longer stays.
How to do it: Plan as far ahead as possible, especially if you’re traveling during busy seasons or holidays. Set up alerts for price drops, as some booking platforms offer this feature, and consider calling the hotel to ask about large-family accommodations.
Extra Tip: If your plans are flexible, you may find lower rates by avoiding peak travel days, like weekends or school breaks, which can give you better availability on family-friendly rooms.
12. Read Reviews from Other Families 📝
Why it’s helpful: Reviews from other families provide real insights into what a hotel is like for large groups. You’ll get details on room sizes, staff friendliness, cleanliness, and family-specific amenities like kid-friendly pools or play areas. Reviews can also clue you into potential inconveniences, helping you avoid surprises.
How to do it: Look for reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Google, and filter them by family reviews. Pay attention to recent comments and look for mentions of amenities that cater to kids or large groups, like spacious rooms or family-friendly dining options.
Extra Tip: When you find a hotel with consistently positive reviews from other families, don’t hesitate to book—it’s a strong indicator that it’s a good fit for your group.
