Preparing UK Hotels for the School Holidays: A Guide to Ensuring a Memorable Stay

The school holidays are an exciting time for families across the United Kingdom, with parents and children alike looking forward to a well-deserved break. For hotels, this presents a significant opportunity to attract families and provide them with a memorable experience. By preparing in advance and catering to the specific needs of families, hotels can ensure that their facilities are ready to accommodate the influx of guests during these busy periods. In this blog post, we will explore some essential steps that UK hotels can take to prepare for the school holidays and create a welcoming environment for families.

Assess and enhance family-friendly amenities

To appeal to families, hotels should evaluate their current amenities and consider enhancements that will make the stay more enjoyable for children and their parents. This may include features like spacious family rooms, cribs or extra beds, children’s menus in the restaurant, high chairs, and play areas. Moreover, consider providing age-appropriate activities such as board games, toys, and entertainment options suitable for different age groups.

Develop special packages and promotions

Creating attractive packages and promotions specifically targeted at families can entice them to choose your hotel over others. Consider offering discounted rates for families, complimentary meals or activities for children, or even partnering with local attractions to offer combined ticket packages. Promote these packages through your website, social media channels, and targeted online advertising to reach potential guests.

Train and prepare staff

Properly trained and attentive staff can significantly enhance the experience for families. Ensure that your staff is well-versed in dealing with families and understands their unique needs. Training should include being knowledgeable about nearby family-friendly attractions, recommending suitable activities, and providing excellent customer service tailored to families. Encourage staff members to engage with children and create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere throughout the hotel.

Create a safe and secure environment

Families prioritise safety and security when choosing a hotel. Implement necessary measures such as childproofing rooms, installing window locks, and securing balcony areas to ensure the well-being of children. Train your staff to be vigilant and proactive in monitoring areas where children play, especially around pools and common areas. Make sure to comply with all safety regulations and regularly inspect and maintain equipment and facilities.

Offer flexible dining options

Mealtimes can be a challenge for families, particularly when children have specific dietary requirements or preferences. Cater to their needs by providing a variety of dining options, including child-friendly menus, healthy meal choices, and accommodating special dietary requests. Buffet-style or family-friendly restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere can be particularly appealing to families.

Organise family-oriented activities and entertainment

Hosting special events and activities during the school holidays can set your hotel apart from the competition. Arrange supervised activities such as arts and crafts, movie nights, sports tournaments, or storytelling sessions that cater to different age groups. Collaborate with local entertainment providers or bring in performers and entertainers to create a memorable experience for families.

Preparing for the school holidays is an excellent opportunity for UK hotels to attract families and provide them with a memorable stay. By assessing and enhancing family-friendly amenities, developing special packages, training staff, ensuring safety and security, offering flexible dining options, and organising family-oriented activities, hotels can create an inviting environment that appeals to families. By going the extra mile to accommodate the needs and preferences of families, hotels can establish themselves as a top choice for families during the school holidays, leading to increased bookings and guest satisfaction.