Family Holiday Money-Saving Tips: Accommodation
Accommodation is often the second-biggest cost of a family holiday after flights, and families have more to juggle than most travellers: enough beds, enough space, the right facilities and a sensible location. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to pay less without settling for somewhere that doesn't work for you.
Know when to book
Package holidays and flights for school-holiday dates are usually best booked early. Accommodation booked separately can be different. Villas and apartments sometimes drop their prices nearer the time if they haven't filled, so leaving the booking until later can occasionally pay off.
It's a balancing act, though. Keep an eye on availability in your chosen area: as it shrinks, prices rise. Waiting is riskier if your needs are specific, such as a large villa, a particular hotel, or a family suite in a popular resort during August. In those cases, book as soon as you're sure.
Do your research
It's time-consuming, but comparing prices is the most reliable way to save. Use a few hotel comparison and booking sites, as the same room can be listed at different prices, and check what's included each time: breakfast, cots, extra beds, resort fees and cancellation terms all affect the true cost. Reviews from other families are invaluable for spotting things like thin walls, pools without shade or long walks to the beach.
Check the price direct
Once you've found a place you like, look at the hotel's or owner's own website. Direct bookings sometimes come with better family packages, flexible terms or extras such as breakfast for children. Larger room types, such as family suites or interconnecting rooms, are not always available through online travel agents, so contacting the hotel directly can be the only way to secure them.
Consider mystery hotel deals
Some booking sites offer discounted rates on unnamed hotels, revealing only the star rating, area and facilities until you've paid. The descriptions often give enough clues to narrow down which hotel it is. Make sure the facilities you need, such as a family room or pool, are definitely included, and check the cancellation terms, which can be strict.
Look at packages
Booking flights and accommodation together can work out cheaper than booking them separately, particularly for traditional one- or two-week beach holidays. Flight-inclusive packages sold by UK companies are usually ATOL protected, which gives you financial protection if the company fails. Check for the ATOL certificate when you book; the Civil Aviation Authority explains how it works.
Think beyond hotels
- Serviced apartments and aparthotels give you more space, a kitchen to save on meals out, and often cleaning and on-site facilities too.
- Villas and holiday homes can be very good value for larger families or two families travelling together. See our guide to holidaying with another family.
- Holiday rentals from private owners offer a wide range of homes. Read reviews carefully, book through reputable platforms and never pay outside the platform's own payment system.
- Camping and holiday parks are often the cheapest option, and many children love them, although they aren't to everyone's taste.
Cut the extras
- Compare board options. All-inclusive can save money for families with big appetites; self-catering or half-board can be cheaper where eating out is affordable.
- Check the charges for cots and extra beds. Some places include them; others charge per night.
- Bring your own kit. A travel cot or portable highchair can avoid hire fees, and blackout blinds help everyone sleep.
The bottom line
Book early when your needs are specific, use free cancellation to keep your options open, compare widely, then check the direct price. Consider apartments, villas and packages as well as hotels, and look at the total cost, extras included. For the rest of our series, see our money-saving tips on flights.