Need to find last-minute family-friendly accommodation for the summer, and not sure where to start?! You may be dealing with unexpected travel plans or just looking for a spontaneous break… Booking a family trip at the last minute can be a bit of a nightmare, especially when it comes to finding accommodation that’s suitable for young children.
Whatever the reason, I’ve put together this guide to help you find family friendly accommodation at short notice! I’ve looked at apps, right through to negotiating with hotels, and have some practical tips to prioritise comfort, safety, and convenience when booking at the very last minute! Read on to see my top tips for finding the perfect last minute family accommodation.
The Challenges of Last Minute Family Accommodation Bookings
Unlike solo travellers or couples, parents of young children have to consider a whole heap of things to make sure they’re booking somewhere that will be safe and comfortable for their kids, and an enjoyable stay for the adults. Over my time, I’ve experienced:
- Limited availability of family rooms or suites
- No baby cots or toddler beds
- Lack of child friendly locations
- Higher prices due to last minute booking premiums
Family friendly accommodation is harder to find at the last minute because these are the rooms that get booked up well in advance, especially during peak season and school holidays. And hotels and holidays that cater for families fill up fast so that leaves limited options for those booking at the last minute.
Using Technology for Quick Bookings
I’m a firm believer that technology is our best friend when it comes to last minute family holidays and accommodation. Here’s how I’d use it:
Last minute family accommodation apps:
- HotelTonight: Discounted rates on unsold rooms
- Booking.com: Wide range of options with a “family friendly” filter
- Airbnb: Find entire homes or apartments for families
- VRBO: An alternative holiday rental site and app
Using filters to narrow down family friendly accommodation options:
Most booking apps and websites have filters to help you find suitable accommodation. Look for:
- Family rooms or interconnecting rooms
- Baby cots
- Kitchenette or full kitchen
- Pool
- Child friendly rating or reviews from other families
Mobile app only deals:
Many hotel chains and booking platforms offer mobile app only deals. These can include:
- Last minute discounts
- Room upgrades
- Added perks like free breakfast or late check-out
Alternative Family Accommodation Options
When hotels are fully booked or don’t meet your family’s needs consider these alternatives:
Last minute family holiday rentals:
Websites like VRBO, HomeAway and Airbnb often have last minute cancellations which means sudden availability. These options give you more space than a hotel room and home like amenities. When you’re travelling with a baby and need things like a microwave and another bedroom to get the baby down early whilst everyone else stays up later – rentals are far more convenient than a hotel.
Family friendly hostels and guesthouses:
Some hostels and guesthouses offer family rooms or private rooms for groups. These can be more budget friendly and definitely more local.
Apart-hotels for more space and amenities:
Apart-hotels are a hotel with the space and amenities of an apartment. They often have separate bedrooms and full kitchens – perfect for families!
How to Find Family Friendly Hotel Deals
You can still find good deals on family friendly hotel rooms at the last minute:
Opaque booking sites for discounted rates:
Websites like Hotwire and Priceline offer mega discounted rates on unknown hotels. This does require some flexibility, but can save you money big time.
Same day booking apps:
Apps like HotelTonight and One:Night specialise in last minute bookings often at discounted rates. They’re perfect for spontaneous trips.
Social media for flash deals and promotions:
Follow hotel chains and travel deal accounts on social media. They often post last minute deals and flash sales that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
Contact the Hotel Directly
Sometimes the best way to get a family friendly room at the last minute is to call the hotel:
Tips for calling hotels to ask about family rooms
- Be nice and explain your situation
- Ask about cancellations or last minute availability
- Ask about connecting rooms if family rooms are not available
Child friendly amenities and services to ask for:
- Cots and Cribs
- High chairs
- Rollaway beds
- Child proofing services or kits
- Kids activities or kids clubs
- Sterilising machines
- White noise machines
Use your loyalty program for last minute perks:
If you’re a member of a hotel’s loyalty program mention this when booking and you may get room upgrades, late check-out or other family friendly perks.
Family Friendly Amenities
When booking last minute for your family make sure the property can cater to your needs:
What to look for in last minute accommodation:
- Big rooms or suites
- In-room fridge
- Bathtub (especially important for families with babies or toddlers)
- On-site laundry
- Safe play areas or playgrounds
Ask about cots, cribs, high chairs and child safety:
- Do you have cribs or play pens? Is there a fee to add them to the room?
- Do you have high chairs in the restaurant?
- Do you provide baby puree or baby food in the restaurant?
- Are there child safety locks on windows and balcony doors? This is one you may not automatically consider as we just assume everywhere is safe, but it absolutely isn’t worth the risk to find out too late.
- Is the pool area enclosed?
Family Friendly Locations:
Close to:
- Family friendly attractions
- Restaurants with kids menus
- Grocery stores or pharmacies
- Public transport
- Parks or green spaces
Be Flexible
Being flexible can increase your chances of finding last minute deals and availability:
Look at nearby suburbs or alternative areas:
Widen your search area and look at family friendly suburbs or neighbourhoods just outside the city centre. You may find the transport is super convenient and it doesn’t take you too long to get into the centre via bus, tram, underground subway, or taxi.
Consider non-traditional accommodation:
Look at farm stays, eco-lodges, university accommodation that’s free when all the students are away for summer, or even family camps. These can offer a unique experience and may have more last minute availability.
Be open to different room types
A standard room with two queen beds may work just as well as a family suite. Be creative with how you can make different room types work for your family.
Be Ready to Act Fast
When booking last minute you’ll need to make decisions quickly before someone else with the same idea snaps up your room! Get prepared by:
Create a family accommodation checklist:
List your must haves and nice to haves. This will help you quickly evaluate properties.
Set a last minute budget:
Last minute bookings may come at a cost. Set a budget but be prepared to be a little flexible if needed.
Have your documents ready for fast booking:
Keep digital copies of IDs, passports and credit cards easily accessible for online bookings.
What to do when things go wrong
Even with planning last minute bookings can go wrong. Here’s how to handle common problems:
What to do if your first choice is not available:
Always have a backup plan. Research several options in advance so you’re not starting from scratch if your first choice falls through.
Over-bookings or reservation errors:
If you arrive and your room has been overbooked:
- Stay calm and polite
- Ask the hotel to find you a similar room nearby
- Ask for compensation for the inconvenience, eg free transport to the new hotel or meal vouchers
Plan for accommodation changes:
Pack a separate overnight bag with essentials for each family member. This way if you need to move to a new accommodation unexpectedly you won’t have to unpack and repack everything.
Make the most of last minute
Once you’ve booked your last minute family friendly accommodation make the most of your stay:
Check in with kids:
- If possible have one parent check in while the other stays with the kids
- Bring small activities or snacks to keep kids occupied during the process
- Ask about kids welcome amenities or programs at check in
Childproof your temporary home:
- Do a quick room sweep for hazards
- Use brought from home outlet covers and corner guards
- Move breakables out of reach
Find family friendly activities and amenities nearby:
- Ask the front desk for recommendations
- Use apps like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to find highly rated family attractions nearby
- Look for local parenting groups on social media for insider tips
Conclusion: How to find Last Minute Family Friendly Holiday Accommodation
Finding last minute family friendly accommodation requires you to roll up your sleeves a bit and use a combination of technology, flexibility and quick decision making. By using the tips in this guide you can increase your chances of finding comfortable and suitable accommodation for your family, even when you’re booking at the last minute. Remember to always have a Plan B, just in case things don’t quite go to plan. With these tips in mind, your last minute family holiday can be just as enjoyable and low-stress as one you planned well in advance!