11 tips for staying at a hotel with a baby

It’s safe to say staying at a hotel with a baby is a little different than an adults-only vacation. But staying in a hotel with a baby doesn’t have to be difficult – in fact, some hotels offer amazing child-friendly amenities, making it easier than staying at home. 

That’s why we’re sharing hotel room hacks for families to increase the chances of a smooth and enjoyable trip for the whole family.

Staying at a baby-friendly hotel can make all the difference for your vacation experience. The best hotels for travelers with little ones have babysitting and daycare services, sterilized rooms, and available cribs, baby baths, and high chairs. Often, they’ll offer free stays for infants or children – Booking.com offers accommodations with free stays for children and free cribs. These hotels cater to the whole family without sacrificing the luxury that makes a vacation so special. 

The Principal, Madrid—a sophisticated boutique hotel—pairs luxury with baby-friendly amenities, including free cribs and a babysitting service, giving parents the freedom and peace of mind to explore the vibrant Spanish capital. 

Hotel Esprit Saint-Germain is a five-star hotel located in the heart of Paris, close to Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s also super child-friendly. Here, you’ll find stylish family rooms and a babysitting service. 

Just 650 feet from the beach in Skala Eresou, Greece, Aeolion Village Beach Resort offers top-tier childcare facilities. Infants older than four months can be booked into childcare sessions in the mornings or afternoons for six days of their stay. Evenings are covered too, with a sleepover service supervised by the nanny team.

If you’re traveling with a baby, it’s always best to alert the hotel in advance, with clear instructions on your requirements. 

For example, you could ask for a crib and baby bath to be put in your room before you arrive, or check that high chairs are available in the dining room. 

If you have any extra requirements—like a room with a fridge or kettle—let the hotel know in advance.

Babies may be little, but they take up a surprising amount of space! If it’s within your budget, booking a larger room or suite can help make your stay smoother. This means you’ll have plenty of space for a crib and playpen—as well as all for your baby’s things—to provide a better sleep set-up.

Some hotels offer room sanitization before you arrive, but you may also want to give high-touch areas a wipe yourself for extra peace of mind. Upon arrival, sanitize items like crib rails, TV remotes, and phones to minimize germs.

Sticking to your feeding schedule is one of the most stressful parts of a vacation for new parents – after all, this can be hard enough back home! While there are certain foods like formula you’ll need to bring and prepare yourself, don’t be afraid to ask room service or the hotel restaurant to help you out. 

They’ll often be more than willing to warm up bottles or serve up baby-friendly food that might not be on the menu.

Every new parent understands the pain of a sudden noise waking the baby, just as they’ve finally gotten them down for a nap. Unfortunately, some hotels can be a little loud. Reduce the chance of noise ruining your little one’s sleep schedule by requesting a quiet room away from busy roads, noisy bars, and elevators. 

Bringing a portable white noise machine can also help drown out any unfamiliar sounds and ensure better sleep.

When you’re staying at a hotel with a baby, having a fridge and a microwave in your room can make a serious difference. A fridge is a must for keeping milk and formula cold, while a microwave can be useful for heating up baby food or milk. 

These days, most hotel rooms come with a fridge. While this may be full of minibar goodies, you can still use it for your bottles and food. 

Microwaves are harder to come by. You’ll be more likely to have one in larger rooms and suites, so it’s worth calling ahead to find out whether any of the other rooms have one. If not, simply ask the concierge what your best option is when it comes to heating up baby bottles and food. Alternatively, you can pack your own travel bottle warmer.

A playpen is very handy to have around – especially in an unfamiliar environment. Being able to pop your little one in a playpen frees up your hands and allows them to play without the risk of falling or getting hurt. 

Some hotels supply playpens, so it’s worth checking beforehand. If not, you can bring a foldable travel playpen as extra baggage. You’ll have to pay extra to bring this on your flight (unless it fits in your suitcase), but it’s worth it for an easier trip.

Whether your baby loses their pacifier, you run out of diapers, or you need more formula, it’s best to be in an area with plenty of amenities when traveling with a little one. 

Before your trip, find your hotel on Google Maps. Then locate the nearest grocery store, baby supply store, pharmacist, and doctor, and make a note of their names and addresses. This way you’ll be covered for whatever you need on your trip.

Babies generally have strict sleep and feeding routines, and if they miss a nap or a meal, tantrums can ensue. That’s why it’s important to stick to your established routine as much as possible – factoring in any time differences. 

If you’re traveling to a different time zone, consider gradually shifting sleep and feeding times before leaving home to ease the transition. 

It’s also helpful to recreate your home feeding set-up, whether this means using the same high chair, a familiar bib, or sitting in a quiet corner.

Pick a family-friendly hotel and you’ll find plenty of perks for little ones and their parents or guardians. Think babysitting services, sleepover services, nurseries, kids’ clubs, children’s menus, and entertainment for guests of all ages. 

When looking after an infant, you need and deserve breaks – especially on vacation! Don’t be afraid to make the most of these perks to give the adults on your trip some much needed downtime, whether you want to go sightseeing or simply relax by the pool.