Traveling with kids comes with a lot to think about. For hotels and vacation properties, a few thoughtfully chosen amenities can make the difference between a stay that simply works and one families remember.
And thoughtful touches don't have to mean completely redesigning your property. From nursery essentials to family-friendly entertainment, small additions can create a stay that feels more comfortable, convenient and welcoming.
Here are six ways to create a more family-friendly guest experience:
1. Hotel Cribs
For parents traveling with a baby, having a safe, comfortable place for their little one to sleep can immediately make a room feel more like home.
Providing a hotel crib gives families one less bulky item to pack, transport, and set up themselves. Hotel cribs are also specially designed for repeated use, with dependable construction and easy-to-move features that make setup and storage simpler between stays.
Whether your property is a hotel, resort, or vacation rental, a quality crib is a simple way to show families you've thought about even your smallest guests.
2. High Chairs
Giving parents an easy place to seat their little one at mealtime can make breakfast, room service and everything in between feel a little more manageable.
High chairs are a natural fit for hotel restaurants and cafés, but they can also be a thoughtful in-room amenity for families who prefer to dine privately. Choose designs that prioritize stability and secure seating while remaining easy for staff to clean, store and have ready for the next family.
3. Diaper Pails
A diaper pail may be a small addition to a guest room, but for parents traveling with a baby, it's one that can make a world of difference.
Providing a dedicated place for diaper disposal helps contain odors and keeps the room feeling fresher throughout the stay. It's convenient for parents, helpful for housekeeping, and one less everyday detail families have to stress about while they're away from home.
4. In-Suite Baby Rooms
Comforting a restless baby in an unfamiliar environment can lead to a sleepless night for the whole family. A separate area for babies to sleep allows parents and other children the freedom to stay active into the nighttime hours without worrying about waking sleeping babies.
Including a glider chair, bottle warmer, baby bathtub, hooded towels or other baby-friendly amenities in the baby room can also help transform an unfamiliar hotel into a space that feels ready for family life.
5. Outdoor Amenities
Pools, playgrounds, gardens, and other outdoor spaces give families more opportunities to enjoy their stay without ever leaving the property.
These spaces give little ones room to move, explore and play while creating opportunities for families to spend time together. Even smaller properties can think creatively about outdoor areas, from lawn games and splash areas to comfortable spaces where families can relax together.
6. Streaming Services
Smart TVs or streaming-enabled entertainment give families the flexibility to access the shows and movies they already enjoy at home. Whether parents are getting everyone ready for the day or winding down before bedtime, familiar entertainment can help make downtime easier.
It's a simple way to add a little piece of home to their stay.
Make Your Property Ready for Little Guests
Creating a family-friendly stay doesn't have to mean adding more complexity. With thoughtfully designed nursery essentials, your hotel, VRBO, or Airbnb can make families feel more at home while keeping setup, storage and everyday use simple.
Want to make your property more welcoming to families? Explore Starling's collections of hotel-ready cribs and diaper pails.