The 3 best types of hotels for holidays with children

The 3 best types of hotels for holidays with children: All Inclusive, hotel with waterslides, mountain guesthouse with a playground

Family holidays are an excellent opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time together, relax and create beautiful memories. However, choosing the right accommodation is what can make all the difference between a good and an unforgettable holiday experience! Especially if, as parents, you also want to relax for a while.

When travelling with children, their comfort, entertainment and safety are among the key criteria that should be taken for granted. The place you holiday with children is a key factor for their success, as it must offer the necessary amenities and activities to keep children happy and occupied.

Below are three types of hotels that are ideal for holidays with children: all-inclusive hotels, hotels with waterslides, and mountain guesthouses with playgrounds.

All-inclusive hotels provide comfort and convenience, offering meals and activities included in the price of accommodation. Hotels with waterslides are ideal for children who love water and adventure, while mountain guesthouses with playgrounds offer a more natural and relaxing experience close to nature. 

All-Inclusive hotels

Comfort and convenience

Staying at a seaside all-inclusive hotel means that meals, drinks, and many activities will be included in the price of accommodation. This allows parents to enjoy their holidays without worrying about the cost of extra activities or meals.

In many cases, all-inclusive hotels offer additional amenities such as children's menus, specially designed family rooms, and childcare services. This way, parents can have some free time to relax or enjoy adult activities, knowing their children are in good hands.

Variety of activities

Most all-inclusive hotels offer a wide range of activities for children of all ages. From kids' clubs with various activities and sports to creative activities and themed evenings, there's always something for children to do. 

Often, these hotels have specially trained staff who engage with children, organising activities such as painting, crafts, games, and even theatrical performances. These activities not only entertain children but also help them develop new skills and socialise with other children their age!

Meals for all ages

One of the biggest advantages of all-inclusive hotels is the variety of meals offered. Most hotels have buffets with a wide selection of food, catering to the needs and preferences of children. This is particularly important for families with children who have fussy eating habits or allergies.

In addition, many all-inclusive hotels also offer special children's menus, which include favourite children's dishes such as pasta, pizza, and burgers, as well as healthier options. Parents can be sure that their children will always find something they like and that is nutritious.

3 All-Inclusive hotels

Luxury: Ikos Oceania (Nea Moudania, Halkidiki)

Ikos Oceania offers a high-quality all-inclusive experience with luxurious facilities and services. It features spacious rooms and suites, a variety of restaurants with gastronomic options, children's clubs and many activities for the whole family. Its private beach and excellent amenities make it ideal for luxury holidays.

Mid-Range: Grecotel Meli Palace (Crete)

Grecotel Meli Palace is an ideal all-inclusive hotel for families, offering comfortable accommodation and many amenities. It features a kids' club, a variety of restaurants, sports activities and a beautiful beach. Its friendly atmosphere and many activities for children make it an excellent choice for family holidays!

Budget: Blue Lagoon Village (Kos)

Blue Lagoon Village offers affordable all-inclusive holidays without compromising on amenities and services. It features many dining options, children's activities, swimming pools and a beautiful beach. It is ideal for families who want to enjoy their holidays without spending a lot of money.

Hotels with waterslides

Water fun

Hotels with waterslides are a paradise for children who love water and adventure. Waterslides, wave pools and water parks offer hours of fun and are ideal for keeping children occupied and happy. These types of hotels are usually equipped with a variety of waterslides and pools that cater to all age groups.

Often, these hotels also have children's pools with very shallow depths where even very young children can play. The larger waterslides offer more adrenaline and excitement for older children and teenagers.

Safety and supervision

Safety is an absolute priority in these hotels. Lifeguards supervise the pools and waterslides, ensuring that children can have fun safely. Parents can relax and enjoy the sun, knowing their children are in good hands.

Beyond lifeguards, these hotels often have strict safety rules and restrictions for waterslide use, depending on the children's age and height. This means you can be a little more at ease, knowing your children are playing in a safe environment that reduces the risk of accidents.

Family activities

Beyond the waterslides, these hotels often offer other family activities such as pool games, water aerobics, and competitions. These activities strengthen family bonds and create beautiful memories.

In addition, many hotels organise themed evenings and shows, such as magic shows, karaoke, and movie screenings, which are ideal for family entertainment. These activities offer families the opportunity to spend time together and enjoy fun moments.

3 Hotels with waterslides

Luxury: Atlantica Porto Bello Royal (Kos)

Atlantica Porto Bello Royal offers luxurious facilities and an impressive water park. It features many swimming pools, waterslides, restaurants, and children's clubs. The high quality of its services and the wide variety of activities make it ideal for luxurious family holidays.

Mid-Range: Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel (Kos)

Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel is an excellent mid-range hotel with many waterslides and pools for children. It offers all-inclusive accommodation, a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as children's clubs and activities. It is ideal for families who want comfortable holidays with plenty of activities.

Budget: Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort (Crete)

Fodele Beach & Water Park Holiday Resort offers affordable holidays with an impressive water park. It features many waterslides, children's clubs, restaurants, and sports activities. It is ideal for families who want to enjoy holidays with many activities at an affordable price.

Mountain guesthouses with a playground

Contact with nature

Mountain guesthouses with a playground offer a unique holiday experience close to nature. The mountain atmosphere, hikes, and outdoor activities are ideal for families who want to escape daily routine and relax in a natural environment.

Contact with nature has been shown to have many benefits for children, including physical health, mental well-being, and the development of social skills. Mountain guesthouses offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and nature observation.

Playground and activities

The playgrounds in these guesthouses are usually equipped with a variety of games and activities that keep children busy and happy. From swings and slides to interactive games, children have the opportunity to play and explore safely.

In addition, many guesthouses offer organised activities such as crafts, painting, and gardening lessons, which help children develop creative and practical skills. These activities are designed to promote teamwork and social interaction among children.

Opportunity for learning

Contact with nature offers many educational opportunities for children. Families can explore local trails, learn about local fauna and flora, and enjoy activities such as cycling, hiking, and kayaking. These activities not only entertain children but also teach them important skills and knowledge.

For example, hikes can be accompanied by natural history lessons, where children learn about the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the area. This enhances their understanding and respect for nature and promotes environmental awareness.

Relaxation and rejuvenation

Mountain guesthouses also offer the opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. The peace and tranquillity of nature, the clean air, and the beautiful scenery help families escape the stress of everyday life and recharge their batteries.

Many guesthouses offer additional amenities such as spas, heated pools, and jacuzzis, which are ideal for parents to relax. Children can be occupied in the playground or with other activities, while parents enjoy some peace and relaxation.

3 Mountain guesthouses with a playground

Luxury: Grand Forest Metsovo (Metsovo)

Grand Forest Metsovo offers luxurious accommodation in a beautiful natural environment. It features spacious rooms, a spa, restaurants with excellent cuisine and many activities for children, including a playground. It is ideal for luxurious family holidays in the mountains.

Mid-Range: Aegli Resort & Spa (Arachova)

Aegli Resort & Spa is an excellent mid-range hotel in Arachova, offering comfortable accommodation and many amenities. It features a playground, spa, restaurants and activities for children and adults. Its location and comfortable facilities make it ideal for families who want to enjoy the mountains.

Budget: Vasilikia Mountain Farm & Retreat (Pavliani, Phthiotis)

Vasilikia Mountain Farm & Retreat offers affordable accommodation in a beautiful natural environment. It features a playground, nature activities, and comfortable rooms. It is ideal for families who want to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without spending a lot of money.

Tips for choosing the right hotel

When choosing a hotel for holidays with children, it's important to consider certain factors. Here are some tips that can help you make the right choice:

# Determine your family's needs

Every family is unique and has different needs and preferences. Determine what is most important for you and your children. If you prefer comfort and convenience, all-inclusive hotels might be the best option. If your children love water and adventure, hotels with waterslides could be ideal. If you want to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, a mountain guesthouse might be the best choice.

# Check amenities and activities

Ensure that the hotel offers the necessary amenities and activities that will keep your children occupied and happy. Check if there are children's clubs, activities, swimming pools, waterslides, playgrounds and other amenities that will make your holidays more enjoyable.

# Pay attention to safety

Safety is an absolute priority when travelling with children. Make sure the hotel has adequate safety measures, such as lifeguards at pools and waterslides, as well as safe playgrounds. Also, check reviews from other families to see if the hotel is safe and suitable for children.

# Look for reviews and recommendations

Before booking a hotel, read reviews and recommendations from other families who have stayed at the same hotel. Reviews can give you a better idea of the quality of services, cleanliness, safety, and activities the hotel offers.

# Plan ahead

Preparation is key to successful holidays with children. Plan ahead and make sure you have everything you need for your trip. Book your hotel well in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak season, to ensure availability and the best prices.

Choosing the right hotel for holidays with children depends on the needs and preferences of each family. All-inclusive hotels offer comfort and convenience, hotels with waterslides provide endless hours of fun in the water, while mountain guesthouses with playgrounds offer a relaxing and natural experience. Each type of hotel has its own advantages and can offer unforgettable moments for the whole family. Consider your family's needs and choose the type of hotel that will make your holidays unforgettable.

Choosing the right hotel can make all the difference between a good and an unforgettable experience. Determine your priorities, review the amenities and activities offered, pay attention to safety, and seek reviews and recommendations from other families. With proper preparation and the right hotel choice, family holidays can become one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences for you and your children.