Choosing the right place to stay on holiday is not just about finding a bed; it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with you and your family.
As a parent, especially with a little one in tow, it becomes even more critical to find accommodations that hit all the right notes. After all, a cozy retreat sets the tone for your adventure.
Location is key. I’m someone known to scout the closest coffee shops before confirming a hotel booking. I want a space that not only feels inviting but also reflects the charm of the surroundings.
It’s all about balance. My ideal space feels like a getaway yet retains the comforts of home—quirky decor, convenient access, and a sprinkle of luxury for good measure. While it might sound demanding, these essentials help me feel at ease while traveling.
With a baby in the mix, it’s crucial to have accommodations that cater to the array of child-friendly gear we need on our travels.
Fortunately, we’ve come across stunning properties that meet our picky criteria during our family travels, and I’d love to share how we unearthed these exceptional family-friendly gems, alongside other stylish options for 2020.
For anyone looking to maintain their travel flair post-kids, here are five strategies to land chic family-friendly accommodations.
(Note: None of our stays were sponsored, but this post contains affiliate links. Click here for details.)
5 ways to find stylish, child-friendly holiday homes & hotels
Airbnb Plus
We stumbled upon this snug, welcoming bedroom during a visit to friends in Melbourne.
Thanks to my husband, we discovered Airbnb Plus, an exclusive collection of stylish Airbnb properties recognized for their quality and comfort, hosted by users known for great reviews and meticulous attention to detail.
Every property is quality-checked in person, guaranteeing what you see in listings is what you get, sometimes with extensive additional amenities listed.
Our Airbnb Plus in Melbourne surpassed our expectations. It was a chic yet homely cottage, thoughtfully equipped with luxurious touches. Picture sumptuous linen bedding, Aesop toiletries, a curated foodie guide, and a fresh loaf of sourdough ready on arrival.
Impressed by the tasteful decor (I took mental notes for future home inspiration), I immediately filtered for Plus listings while planning a trip to Puglia later this year. I’ve booked an Airbnb Plus Private Trulli and a farmhouse complete with a pool, jacuzzi, and steam room for May, so I’ll keep you updated on how those turn out.
New to Airbnb? Use this link to get £34 off your first stay.
Here’s a tip for families navigating Airbnb:
While the site has filters for child-friendly properties, I often avoid using them because they can exclude potential options that might suit your needs, especially if you have a single child and can bring your own travel cot. The Melbourne place was initially deemed not suitable for kids, but after reaching out to the owner with details about our setup, they easily agreed to our stay.
Of course, for parents looking to travel lighter, filtering for family-friendly properties can offer a lot of necessary gear awaiting your arrival. The farmhouse we booked in Puglia provides cots, high chairs, changing tables, and even children’s cutlery, making things much easier for us.
Sonder
Our son Miles nestled in his travel cot during our stay at a Sonder apartment.
We discovered Sonder while searching for a place to stay in New York for seven weeks last Spring. This approach marries the intimacy of a home with the convenience of hotel services, minus the hassle of dealing with owners or their belongings.
Our Chelsea Sonder was beautifully decorated with a cozy couch that felt perfect for relaxing while we recovered from jet lag and adjusted Miles’ sleep schedule. With a laundry room in the basement and a rooftop terrace boasting views of the Empire State Building, we felt right at home.
While not strictly child-centric, the space allowed us to bring all the baby gear we needed, complemented by a spacious kitchen and bathroom. The walk-in closet ensured we weren’t tripping over suitcases during our stay.
Prior to booking, I engaged with the concierge to ensure room for our baby gear, and they had a cot waiting in the bedroom upon arrival, complete with a local gourmet welcome basket from Eataly to kick off our first dinner.
Don’t forget to use filters when searching, allowing you to find amenities like in-suite laundry or outdoor spaces.
Sonder operates in cities across the US and internationally, with locations in London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and Dubai.
Booking.com
While we’ve often opted for apartment stays as a family, I occasionally crave the perks of a hotel, like room service and housekeeping.
Finding a hotel room that suits families can be challenging, but we have discovered some beautiful options over the past year.
During our trip to Mykonos, we made a hotel room work by opting for one with a ground-floor terrace, providing a soothing escape while Miles napped. Although the cot and kettle were not publicly listed, the hotel graciously accommodated us upon request.
Booking.com also offers holiday homes and apartments. The lovely three-storey, three-bedroom property we stayed at in Devon was one of their finds and surpassed our expectations. Imagine discovering drawers filled with kids’ cutlery and a laundry room stocked with detergent.
As someone who appreciates ease, I’m not shy about booking through third-party sites. I’ve reserved numerous properties without issues. While I can’t confirm it’s always the cheapest option, it’s undeniably the most convenient, especially with saved details for quick bookings. The app also simplifies communication with property owners for any questions or adjustments.
Using this service, I managed to secure refunds on two non-cancellable bookings last year when unforeseen circumstances arose.
Canopy & Stars
This year, we plan to explore more of the UK, inspired by various factors, including reducing travels and rediscovering local gems.
I’m enamored with searching for unique accommodations on Canopy & Stars, contemplating whether I’d prefer a Shepherd’s Hut in Somerset, a treehouse in Norfolk, or a geodome in Cornwall.
(Note: I’m not affiliated with this company, but I certainly wouldn’t mind partnering with them one day.)
While I’m still deciding on our first stay, I’m delighted by how easily I can find child and baby-friendly quirky properties and get detailed information on nearby activities and dining options. Expect reviews of some of these unique choices later this year!
Kid & Coe
Last but not least, I’d like to introduce Kid & Coe—a platform that curates beautiful, upscale family-friendly properties in various global locations. Whether they’re family homes or agency rentals, each of these accommodations is a feast for the eyes, perfect for those seeking interior inspiration.
Prices here may lean toward the higher side, but they can rival luxury hotels while providing so much more value. Each property typically comes equipped with essential child safety measures, plus perks like baby gear rentals and customized kid-friendly itineraries.
If we get another chance for a few weeks overseas, I’ll definitely look into Kid & Coe first to avoid carting toys and books along!
Have you found any websites that showcase stylish family-friendly holiday homes? Share your favorites in the comments.
