Why Your Family Should Look Beyond Hotels for Your Next Holiday

A hotel used to feel like the automatic answer for a family trip. Well, it still is for a lot of families; you just book the room, throw everybody’s stuff in a couple of bags, show up, and figure it out from there. Which, sure, easy enough, well, at least in theory. But yeah, family vacations have a funny way of exposing every tiny inconvenience all at once. 

Not that it’s bad for anything but one bathroom, not enough room for anybody to spread out (family rooms are super crammed and getting 2 rooms is way too expensive), wet towels everywhere, kids getting restless, parents getting overstimulated, and maybe you get the picture here. Basically, doing a city trip with a hotel can feel somewhat similar to everyday life compared to a camping trip, for example. While you could knock on hotels. It’s mostly just having the same enviroment, and the same comfort zone all the time. 

So, why not consider something a little different for your upcoming holiday?

More Room Makes Everybody Nicer

Yeah, that sounds a little blunt, but it’s true, and well, maybe fairly obvious here too. So, people usually get along better when they’re not packed into one room tripping over suitcases and listening to somebody else breathe in stereo all night. Kids need room. Parents need room. Even the nicest family on earth is probably going to enjoy the trip more if there’s some space to exist without being on top of each other every second. 

And like what was mentioned earlier, hotel rooms are so small, even family suites are really small. And that’s a huge part of why cabins, rentals, and more outdoor-style stays keep sounding better. At least with those, you’re guaranteed at least two bedrooms. 

It’s Also About Feeling the Fun

Should your accommodation only be a place to sleep and eat breakfast? Well, some people are totally okay with that, but it’s usually better if there are more things to offer outside the basic amenities, right? It can help with there’s something nice to add. That’s why families love cruiseships, it’s basically a floating hotel with plenty of things to do and see. 

Besides, kids usually don’t get excited over a standard room with two beds and a TV mounted on the wall. That’s just not exactly thrilling, which, for anyone, it’s not. But outside of just eating, bathing, and sleeping, it just helps to have an accommodation that offers more. More RV resorts tend to have a pool or playground for kids. If you’re at a lake house, well, you’ve got the whole lake and surroundings, same goes for a beach house rental, and so on. Just having some things to do really can make the whole holiday feel more special. 

Trips Shoudn’t Feel Like More Work

That part is so real. Sometimes a family trip is supposed to be relaxing, but instead it just becomes parenting in a smaller space with more logistical nonsense attached to it. Which, of course, is not fun at all! So, just go ahead and think about it all for a moment here; everybody’s off their routine, meals get well, kinda unenjoyable, naps get messy if you have otddlers, nothing has a proper place, and by day two, the adults are already doing mental math on how much longer is left. 

You don’t want that extra work; it’s not even a holiday, it’s just more work for you in a new location, that’s it.

FAQs About Choosing Alternatives to Hotels for Family Holidays

Are holiday rentals better than hotels for families?
For many families, yes. Rentals often offer more space, separate bedrooms, and facilities like kitchens, which can make trips more comfortable.

Do alternatives to hotels cost more?
Not always. While some options can be more expensive, many offer better value when you factor in space, amenities, and the ability to cook your own meals.

What are some good alternatives to hotels for families?
Popular options include holiday rentals, cabins, RV parks, beach houses, and family-friendly resorts.

Is it harder to plan a trip without a hotel?
It can take a bit more planning, but many platforms make booking rentals and alternative stays simple and straightforward.

Are alternative stays suitable for young children?
Yes, many are ideal for families with children as they provide more space, outdoor areas, and a home-like environment.

What should I look for when booking a family-friendly stay?
Check for space, safety features, nearby activities, and amenities like kitchens, laundry, and outdoor areas.

Do alternative stays offer enough entertainment?
Often more than hotels. Many include access to outdoor spaces, pools, or local attractions that keep both kids and adults entertained.

Can alternative accommodation make holidays less stressful?
Yes, having more space, flexibility, and facilities can reduce stress and make the trip feel more like a break rather than extra work.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.