15 Family Stays to Cross Off Your List

Family vacations are moments to treasure, filled with laughter and precious bonding time. Your choice of stay can set the tone for your whole journey. Some places might sound adventurous or even budget-friendly but hide pitfalls that can quickly turn a family getaway into a stressful experience. For a smooth and enjoyable vacation, here are 15 types of accommodations to avoid on a family trip!

Party Hostels

Party hostels are known for their budget rates and lively atmosphere. Typically packed with young backpackers, these hostels often feature loud communal areas, late-night parties, and little privacy. The noise level is also high, and shared bathrooms can make things uncomfortable, especially with kids in tow. So, consider family-focused hotels or vacation rentals.

All-Adult Resorts

Although all-adult resorts sound appealing for their serene atmosphere, these spots often prohibit children entirely and cater to a relaxed adult-only crowd. Even if children are allowed, there’s a lack of family amenities and activities. For instance, restaurants may be formal, and pools might restrict children, leaving your family without suitable entertainment.

Tiny Studio Apartments

While a small studio may offer cost savings, the limited space can quickly feel cramped when shared by multiple family members. Such apartments usually lack adequate space for luggage, sleeping arrangements, and privacy. Plus, their single-room setup can become chaotic, with everyone squeezed into one area.

Historic Inns

Many historic inns lack modern conveniences, with outdated or nonexistent heating and air conditioning, shared bathrooms, and poor noise isolation. These quirks may be tolerable for an adult couple, but kids often need more consistent comfort, especially at night. Meanwhile, newer accommodations can offer a better experience for the whole family.

Budget Motels 

Highway-side motels are a go-to for budget-friendly stays, but let’s be real – the roar of trucks, paper-thin walls, and Spartan rooms don’t exactly scream “vacation.” Forget about peaceful sleep when the noise from passing traffic is your midnight lullaby, and don’t even get started on the lack of dining options or kid-friendly activities. 

Overbooked Hotels

Popular tourist-area hotels are often crowded, leading to overworked staff, long check-in lines, and potential booking issues. Cleanliness can suffer due to high turnover, and services may feel rushed. If you’re hoping for a stress-free stay, opt for accommodations in less tourist-heavy areas where hotels have the time to focus on quality service.

Vacation Rentals 

Vacation rentals may feel homier than hotels, but their strict house rules—like no noise after 9 pm, limited kitchen use, and fines for minor damages—can add stress. And when you’re with kids, you might need to monitor their behavior frequently, which takes away from the relaxation that a getaway is meant to provide. To avoid this, seek out rentals with more lenient policies.

Hotels Near Nightlife Districts

Staying close to nightlife might seem convenient for city exploration. In reality, hotels in these areas are often plagued by loud music and street noise late into the night. This constant noise, along with busy streets outside the hotel, can be challenging for young kids. The disruption to sleep can leave families feeling exhausted the next day.

Remote Cottages 

For families seeking a peaceful retreat, secluded cottages can become a challenge with their lack of phone service and nearby amenities. In many scenarios, emergencies become more difficult to manage, and children might feel isolated without entertainment. If you are looking for both privacy and practicality, choose accommodations that provide convenient access to nearby services.

Super Luxe Hotels

These high-end properties typically cater to adult guests seeking a quiet, refined atmosphere, which may not suit children or families with specific needs. Also, exclusive amenities, strict noise policies, and limited family-friendly services can make the environment less relaxed. Besides, the high cost can limit your budget for other activities.

Eco-Lodges

Eco-lodges are ideal for travelers focused on sustainability; for families, though, reduced water and electricity use can make things uncomfortable. This limits simple necessities like heating and charging devices. Even though this eco-friendly lifestyle works for adults, children’s routines could face disruptions and cause stress during the whole stay.

Rental Homes With Unfenced Pools

Rental homes with unfenced pools pose a significant risk, as children can easily access the pool area without supervision. Even when the pool is located in a private backyard, the lack of barriers increases the chance of an accident. To ensure peace of mind, it’s worth reaching out to the property owner about safety measures before booking.

Pet-Friendly Hotels

These hotels often attract many pet owners, creating a noisy environment with barking dogs and pets roaming the halls. Rooms may also have lingering pet odors or not meet the same cleanliness standards. Additionally, pets of other guests may jump on you or clutter the furniture around you, making it hard to feel at ease.

High-Rise Apartments

High-rise apartment rentals often come with features like balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, which can pose serious risks for young children. Typically designed with adults in mind, these rentals often lack childproofing measures like window locks or stair gates. For a safer stay, look for family-friendly accommodations that offer childproofed spaces or ground-level options.

Campervans

A campervan vacation sounds adventurous, but limited space quickly becomes challenging for families. With cramped sleeping quarters, limited privacy, and small bathrooms, it’s hard to manage with kids. Additionally, restricted kitchen and bathroom facilities lead to frequent stops for meals and breaks. Hence, a larger RV is a better choice when traveling with family.