Vacation with kids: 15 things to check with the hotel in advance

Vacationing with a child starts long before the beach, and more often than not the trip is ruined not by the hotel, but by a mistake at the booking stage. You pick a room based on price and photos, and then it turns out that the walk to the sea is uphill and you have to pay extra for a crib.

It comes down to details you can't see in the pictures: shade, the beach, the kids' pool, food, and a car seat. All of this can actually be checked in advance without leaving home, and below are 15 points worth clarifying before you pay. Each one should be confirmed in writing by the hotel or on its official website.

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What to check before booking

💡 In short:

• Check the distance from the airport and whether the hotel grounds have shade.
• Ask about a private beach, a kids' pool, and a playground.
• Request a crib, a high chair, and a kids' buffet in writing.
• Check the rules for transporting a child and whether a doctor is on duty.
• Rules for safe child transport (as of 09/2026, ADAC rules).

1. The road from the airport: after a flight, children handle a long transfer poorly, while a short drive goes smoothly. A long trip ends in tantrums and tears, so look at the distance from the airport to the hotel. Ask the hotel for kilometers, not a vague "not far," and you'll get the real picture before you pay.

2. Trees and shade: what the hotel looks like is visible on its website and on review platforms. Separately ask about a park or mature trees, where a child can play in the shade without the risk of overheating and sleep in a stroller. An open area with no canopy won't help you in summer.

Beach and hotel grounds

3. Private beach: if you're going for the sea, the hotel should have its own beach or be on the first line. First line means there is no road between the hotel and the beach. Loungers and umbrellas may be included in the price or come at an extra cost. Clarify this right away.

4. Beach quality: children have an easier time on sand, where they build castles and dig holes while you swim. Pebble beaches also work if you check the water entry in advance.

5. Terrain and stroller: if you're bringing a stroller, look at the terrain, because lots of stairs turn a walk into an ordeal. Ask about ramps and elevators to the beach, especially if your room is on an upper floor.

For kids on the grounds

6. Playground: slides, swings, and a sandbox make a child happy, but quality matters too. The playground should be in the shade and far from the road, otherwise there won't be any relaxed play.

7. Kids' club staff: children's entertainers keep your child busy while you swim in the pool or relax on a lounger. Ask about languages and working hours so you don't end up with a program in a language you don't know.

8. Kids' pool: a wading pool gives your child safe water, since kids' pools always have a shallow bottom. Check whether there is a separate area for toddlers or only an adult pool with deep water.

Food, sleep, and everyday details

9. Crib: family hotels provide a crib, but ask in advance whether it's included in the price or is a paid service.

10. Kids' buffet: hotels offer children's food like porridge, purees, and soups, and instead of a buffet there may be a microwave for reheating or a room with a kitchen. You can also cook yourself if your child only eats familiar food.

11. High chair: a toddler needs a special high chair, so check availability when choosing a hotel, not after you arrive.

12. Nanny: some family hotels let you leave your child with a nanny who will put them to bed or play with them while you're on an excursion or at a restaurant. Ask about the hourly rate and the nanny's language.

13. Hygiene: this means a potty, a baby bath, extra towels, and a bottle sterilizer. At many hotels this is included by default, but sometimes the set needs to be ordered in advance.

Safety: car seat and doctor

14. Car seat: for a road trip you need a car with a suitable seat. According to ADAC, a child under 12 or under 150 cm must ride in a car seat, and driving without one in Germany carries a fine of €60 and a point (as of 06/2026, ADAC rules). If the hotel doesn't have enough seats, book one in advance.

15. Doctor on duty: it's better not to have any reason to see a doctor, but it's worth having a backup. Check at booking whether there is a doctor on duty or an on-call doctor.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How close to the airport should I book a hotel with children?

The closer, the better. If the hotel is far away, book a transfer with a child seat in advance, and you won't have to look for a car on the spot with suitcases and a sleepy child.

Why is a sandy beach better than a pebble beach for a child?

On sand, a child won't cut themselves on rocks. The main thing is to check the water entry: sandy beaches have a gentle slope, pebble beaches can be steep, and there a child needs special water shoes.

Is a car seat mandatory in a taxi?

Yes, according to ADAC the rule also applies in taxis, so seats are required there too. Book a family taxi in advance, because a regular car may arrive without a seat, and you'll have to cancel the ride.

What if the hotel doesn't have a kids' buffet?

Many hotels are accommodating and will warm up a jar of baby food in the kitchen. If your child only eats familiar food, bring a supply for the first few days until you find a suitable cafe.

Do I need written confirmation of hotel services?

Yes, that's the main rule, because verbal promises at the front desk are worth nothing. Write to the hotel in advance and keep the reply about the crib, high chair, nanny, and transfer. With written confirmation, a dispute gets resolved quickly, and a family on vacation doesn't waste time sorting things out.

In short: what to clarify before booking

Make a list of questions before booking and send it to the hotel in a single email so you get answers in one place rather than piecemeal. If you're traveling with a baby, start with the crib, high chair, and kids' pool, and if you're bringing a stroller, check the terrain and ramps first. For a road trip, book a car seat in advance, and for the beach, check the water entry.

• Traveling with a baby: crib, baby food, and a doctor.
• Bringing a stroller: flat terrain, ramps, and elevators.
• Need childcare: nanny and kids' club.
• Going for the sea: private sandy beach and a gentle water entry.

A written reply from the hotel closes almost all risks before you even pay. Family hotels are easier to find in advance: find a hotel on Trip.com.