Have you, at some point in your life, been designated planner of your family's next vacation? As you began to research hotels, were you overwhelmed by the sheer volume of accommodations available? Metropolitan areas are, in some cases, home to as many as 500 hotels that vary tremendously in location and rate, offered amenities. An abundance of choices is nice to have as it allows you to be choosy and narrow your choice of hotels based on your selected criteria, including the rate and hotel supplies you want or need. It goes without saying that when you're planning a family vacation, your desired amenities and hotel supplies will differ from those that'd be important were you traveling alone, or for work.
Some hotel chains, and independent hotels, market themselves as family hotels. The hotel supplies they offer often include microwaves, mini refrigerators and roll away beds. Many also feature separate sleeping areas for the kids. Non-slip bath mats, extra towels and durable ice buckets are also family-friendly amenities many hotels provide. Hotels in some areas of the country cater to kids of every age; they're known to offer kid sized hotel supplies and amenities such as step stools and Disney accessories. Kiddie pools and family friendly bathtub/shower combinations are also common amenities in family-centric hotels.
Some hotel supplies and amenities may be of no importance when you're traveling solo; however, when you're traveling with your family, those same necessities and hotel supplies might be deal breakers. Hotels that offer continental breakfast as part of their room rates might save families more than $100 on food during an average vacation. Business travelers may have little or no interest in the hotel pool; however, if your family is like many others, one of your most important criteria is a swimming pool and amenities like extra towels. Newer hotels, and some hotels that are being renovated, are, adding new and innovative hotel supplies to their repertoire, many are aiming not for family-friendly or business-friendly but rather for people friendly.
Conversely, if you're traveling for business, ergonomic work spaces and good lighting are critical hotel supplies that are probably unnecessary for family vacations. Hotel bars, as well as room service, are great amenities when you're away on assignment for work or if you're enjoying a couples weekend. However, they're probably neither necessary nor cost-effective parts of a family trip. Hotels with large bathrooms that are stocked with extra towels, while not useful for people traveling for business, are universally loved by families. When hotels review the amenities and hotel supplies they offer guests, when they cater to a specific clientele, like families, they often gear what they offer to client's common needs and wants.