Surviving a hotel stay with kids can feel like trying to contain a circus in a shoebox. Between the constant snack requests, the mystery of where everyone’s shoes disappeared to, and the eternal question of “How did they already use ALL the towels???” – it’s enough to make any parent wonder why we don’t just vacation in our own home.
But here’s the thing: hotel stays with kids don’t have to be a stress fest that drains both your sanity and your wallet. After years of trial and error (and yes, that one very questionable hotel 😬), I’ve gathered some game-changing hotel hacks to make your family travel so much smoother and save you money!
Whether you’re trying to stretch your vacation budget, keep your crew comfortable, or just maintain a shred of parental dignity while living out of suitcases – I’ve got you covered. These easy tips will help you transform your hotel room into a family-friendly home base without breaking the bank or losing your mind in the process.
So grab a coffee (or whatever beverage helps you cope with travel planning), and let’s dive into these sanity-saving hotel hacks for families that actually work.
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My Favorite Hotel Hacks for Families:
Here are my top hotel hacks for families who are traveling with kids:
1. Book During Off-Peak Times
Business hotels often slash rates on weekends and during non-peak seasons, with savings up to 30-40%. For example, a room that costs $200/night during the week might drop to $140 on weekends. Look for hotels in business districts of major cities – they’re usually well-maintained but desperate for weekend guests.
Bonus tip: Book Sunday night stays for extra savings, as these are typically the slowest nights for hotels.
2. Join Hotel Loyalty Programs
Don’t wait until you’ve planned multiple trips – sign up before your first stay. Even basic memberships often include:
- Free WiFi (saving $12-15 per day)
- Late checkout options
- Points on every stay
- Member-exclusive rates
- Room upgrade eligibility
- Gain access to lounges after earning status
For example, Hilton Honors members can use a digital key through their app, choose their exact room, and often get free breakfast even at hotels that typically charge.
3. Request Corner Rooms
Corner rooms typically offer 20-30% more space than standard rooms and are typically quieter, due to being farther away from elevators.
These rooms often feature extra windows and better views, plus they share fewer walls with neighbors – perfect for families worried about noise. Some corner rooms even have space for a rollaway bed without feeling cramped.
You may have to pay extra for the corner room, but if you’re part of a hotel loyalty program, you may receive the upgraded room for free. You can request the room when you call to book or ask if they have one available when you’re checking in.
4. Pack Magnetic Hooks
These inexpensive magnetic hooks (usually under $10 for a pack) can transform your room’s storage capabilities. They work on any metal surface, including most hotel room doors, air conditioning units, and fridges. You can use them for:
- Creating a drying station for swimsuits and towels
- Hanging backpacks and purses
- Organizing outerwear
5. Bring a Portable Sound Machine
A compact sound machine can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a disaster. Even if you don’t sleep with one at home, you’ll want to drown out any road or hallway noise. Choose one that:
- Runs on batteries or USB power
- Offers multiple sound options (white noise, rain, fan sounds)
- Is lightweight (under 1 pound)
Pro tip: Download a backup white noise app on your phone as a backup. I love the White Noise Ambience Lite app! It’s free and has tons of sounds to choose from.
6. Use Packing Cubes as Drawer Organizers
Transform standard hotel drawers into organized spaces for each family member:
- Use different colored cubes for each person
- Designate specific cubes for types of clothing (swim gear, pajamas, etc.)
- Keep one empty cube for dirty laundry
- Use smaller cubes for socks and underwear
7. Request a Mini-Fridge and Microwave
Most hotels provide fridges and microwaves free in the rooms, but some only provide them upon request.
- Request during booking AND confirm at check-in
- Confirm the fridge has a freezer section before buying cartons of ice cream (ask me how I know)
- Check that it’s plugged in and cooling BEFORE stocking it with groceries. We once filled a hotel fridge, without realizing that it had been unplugged. All of our groceries were ruined by the time we realized it the following day.
- Money-saving strategy: Stock breakfast items (think yogurt, boiled eggs, instant oatmeal), snacks (string cheese, carrot sticks, fruit), and drinks from a local grocery store. A family of four can easily save $20-30 daily on beverages alone!
8. Choose Rooms Away From Noise
When booking, specifically request rooms away from:
- Ice machines (constant motor noise and late-night ice-getters)
- Elevators (ding sounds and guest chatter)
- Housekeeping stations (early morning cart noise)
- Vending areas (late-night snackers)
- Pool/fitness center (early morning swimmers/workout enthusiasts)
- Ask for a room between the 3rd and 6th floors – high enough to avoid street noise but low enough for quick stair access if needed! I love those top floors but ever tried to make it down 12 flights of stairs with kids in tow during a fire alarm? Me neither, and I really don’t want to.
9. Pack a Streaming Stick
Bring either a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast for TV entertainment options. You never know what kind of tv the room will have and if there are any streaming options available. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be stuck watching a Sponge Bob marathon on Cartoon Network.
- Load it with your subscriptions and log in to the streaming platforms before leaving home
- Bring an HDMI extension cord if you have one (sometimes hotel TV ports are hard to reach)
10. Bring a Power Strip
If you’re traveling with older kids and teens, pack a compact power strip with USB ports for charging multiple devices:
- Look for one with at least 3 outlets and 2-3 USB ports
- Position it on the desk or nightstand for easy access This prevents arguments over charging priority and makes sure all your devices are charged and ready for the next day.
11. Pack Night Lights
If your kiddos are used to sleeping with a nightlight, don’t forget to pack one or two.
- Consider battery-operated ones (no outlet hunting needed)
- Place one in the bathroom- hotel bathrooms are extra dark since there are typically no windows. Instead of blinding yourself with the overhead light or running into cabinets in the pitch black, keep a dim nightlight plugged in.
12. Request Late Checkout
Maximize your final day by requesting a late checkout:
- Ask during check-in AND the night before departure
- Typical free extensions: 1-2 hours
- Loyalty members often get until 2 pm or later for free (Marriott Bonvoy gives us 4 pm late check-out!)
- Some hotels offer half-day rates for even later departures– perfect for families with naptime schedules or afternoon flights!
13. Use Grocery Delivery Services
Take advantage of delivery services to stock your room:
- Instacart or local grocery delivery (order before arrival)
- Amazon Fresh in major cities
- Target/Walmart delivery for snacks and supplies
- Common items to order:
- Breakfast foods (cereal, milk, fruit, yogurt, boiled eggs)
- Sandwich supplies, cut-up veggies, and chips for quick lunches
- Individual snack packs
- Juice boxes and water bottles
14. Pack a Collapsible Cooler
A soft-sided collapsible cooler (this one folds completely flat!) serves multiple purposes:
- Use for extra souvenir space during travel home
- Store drinks and lunch for picnics, beach days, etc.
- Keep damp swimsuits and towels separate from other luggage
Size recommendation: 16-24 quart capacity fits easily in luggage when collapsed but holds enough for a family of four.
15. Take Advantage of Hotel Laundry Rooms
Self-service laundry can be a trip-saver when you’re trying to pack light. Especially if you have messy kids!
- Pack travel-size detergent pods or laundry sheets
- Bring quarters or check if machines take cards
- Ask about peak usage times to avoid crowds
- Pack a pop-up mesh laundry hamper
- In a pinch, the hotel sink works great for small loads! And those magnetic hooks I mentioned earlier will help with hanging and drying wet clothes!
16. Ask About Baby Gear
Hotels often provide more than just cribs. A few items you may find at your hotel include:
- Playpens or full-size cribs
- High chairs for in-room dining
- Strollers (less likely but becoming more popular)
- Baby-proofing kits
- Kid snacks
Just be sure to call ahead to reserve items – they’re often first-come, first-served.
17. Book Hotels with Free Breakfast
Maximize the free breakfast benefit:
- Check breakfast hours and arrive early
- Grab fruit, yogurt, or packaged items for snacks
- If you’re a hotel loyalty member, you may have access to the lounge with breakfast included.
Average hotel breakfast costs $15-20 per person, so this can be a huge savings!
18. Create a Mini Kitchen Setup
If you’re planning to eat meals in a regular hotel room, you’ll want to pack a few things. Essential items for your hotel room kitchen:
- Collapsible silicone bowls
- Paper plates
- Reusable travel utensils or plastic ware
- Zip-top bags for sandwiches and snacks on-the-go
- Two-in-one compact can opener and bottle opener
- Paper towels
- Travel-sized dish soap
19. Bring a Roll of Painters Tape
No, we’re not redecorating the hotel rooms…the people on the internet have found tons of uses for painter’s tape that you might have not even thought of!
- Use it for baby proofing: cover outlets, tape drawers closed, tape up dangling cords, etc.
- Block out light: Put a strip of tape along the crack in the door and frame to block out light, tape curtains closed, cover annoying lights from clocks and electronics, etc
- Seal bags of chips and snacks
- Remove lint from clothing
- Use it to create games like hopscotch
Painter’s tape doesn’t leave sticky residue- that’s why it’s our tape of choice. Bring at least one roll on your next trip.
20. Pack Door Stoppers
Stick a couple of these in your bag. Multiple uses for rubber door stoppers:
- Extra security for the main door
- Hold connecting doors open during family time
- Prop main door while moving luggage
- Keep bathroom door from slamming
- Improve air circulation
21. Bring Compact Games
Create a portable entertainment kit for the kids to keep them entertained in the hotel room:
- Card games (Uno, Skip-Bo, regular playing cards)
- Travel-sized board games
- Magnetic games that won’t lose pieces
- Coloring books and crayons
- Small LEGO sets in zip-top bags or travel Lego case
Organization tip: Use plastic pencil cases to create individual activity kits for each child.
22. Use Shower Caps for Shoes
Creative uses for those free hotel shower caps:
- Cover muddy shoes in suitcases
- Wrap wet swimsuits for travel
- Protect electronics from spills
- Cover TV remote (germ protection)
Ask housekeeping for extra caps – they’re usually happy to provide them.
23. Request Kid-Specific Amenities
Some hotels (especially upscale, resort properties, or hotels near theme parks) offer special perks for kids if you ask:
- Welcome bags with coloring or activity books
- Special kids’ toiletries
- Scavenger hunt maps
- Cookie delivery at bedtime
- Kids’ robes and slippers
Note: An affordable, kind-friendly option is the Aloft Hotel by Marriott. They offer Camp Aloft, where the kids get a little tent and bed, treats, and games to play for no extra cost!
24. Choose Hotels Near Public Transit
The best hotel we stayed at wasn’t fancy. But it was right next to the subway station in DC! We couldn’t have asked for better! Benefits of transit-friendly locations:
- Save $30-50 daily on parking fees
- Avoid rental car costs ($50+ daily)
- Easy access to attractions
- No traffic or navigation stress
- Often near restaurants and shops
Pro Tip: Research the area’s transit passes for families – many offer multi-day discounts or free transit for children.
25. Bring Your Own Microfiber Towels
Some hotels will charge you if the hotel room towels become stained. You can avoid this by bring a couple of microfiber towels from home that you can use for:
- Makeup removal
- Nosebleeds, cuts, etc.
- Messy spills
- Muddy shoes
Save the bath towels for bathing, so you’re not stuck paying exorbitant replacement fees. Stash one of these easy-to-pack travel microfibers instead.
26. Pack Clothespins or Binder Clips
Stash a few clothespins or binder clips in your luggage for uses like:
- Closing the annoying gap in the drapes
- Closing open bags of snacks
- Hang multiple wet swimsuits on closet hangers
27. Pack Travel Sized Disinfectant Spray
Before your kiddos grab the remote, pull out that travel-sized Lysol or Clorox spray, and disinfect it. The same goes for any other surfaces or things in the room, that might not be regularly cleaned, like chairs, clock radios, drawer handles, etc.
28. Create Makeshift Bed Rails with Rolled Towels
Traveling with wiggly preschoolers? You don’t need to pack bulky bed rails to keep your little one from rolling off the bed. Instead, ask for extra towels that you can roll up and wedge under the fitted sheet. It’s easy, saves luggage space, and is free.
Pro Tips for Making Hotel Reservations
Here are some booking strategies that can help elevate your next hotel stay:
- Call the hotel directly after finding the best online rate and see if they can beat it
- Ask about unadvertised family packages, kids’ amenities, or special deals
- Mention special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries)
- Request specific room locations
- Confirm all special requests in writing
Extra Money-Saving Hotel Hacks for Families:
Here are a few extra tips that can help stretch your hotel budget:
- Sign up for hotel email newsletters for exclusive deals. Hotels will often offer extra points, free bonus nights, and other big savings!
- Book refundable rates and check prices again closer to stay. This has saved me so much money! I’ll sometimes cancel and rebook 5-10 times before a stay, as the prices fluctuate so much.
- Use cashback sites for booking. Some of my favorites are Rakuten, Capitol One, and Ibotta.
- Stack credit card rewards with hotel points. (Note: A travel rewards credit card is only worth it if you pay it off each month!)
- Check AAA, AARP, or military discounts, if applicable. (Note: Anyone can sign up for AARP! It’s $20 a year to join, but you can save a lot on
Final Family-Friendly Advice
Here are a few more hotel tips to make your family vacation extra smooth and enjoyable:
- A lot of hotel policies are flexible – always ask!
- Get to know the front desk staff. Being polite makes a huge difference!
- Document special requests in writing, so you can challenge them if unexpected charges appear after your stay.
- Take photos of room condition at check-in
Planning a Hotel Staycation with Kids?
If you’re planning a hotel staycation with kids, check out this article before you go!
Wrapping Up: Hotel Hacks for Families
Using these hotel hacks for families can transform your next family vacation from stressful to spectacular. The key is planning ahead and not being afraid to ask for what your family needs – remember, hotels want happy guests who’ll return and recommend them to others.
While traveling with kids will never be completely chaos-free, these strategies will help you create a comfortable home base without breaking the bank. Let me know which hotel tips and tricks you’ve tried and feel free to share any other hotel room hacks we haven’t thought of!
