What do you look for in accommodation on family holiday?

[PhAnToM]

Hi everyone.

We have a weekend holiday cottage, targetted at large groups and families.

We are continuously upgrading and aim to make it even more appealing to families.

I'm curious what everybody looks for in accommodation when they go away with their families?

Thanks everyone...

[zenifa]

I have a 10 mth DD and we've only been on two holidays with her so far - but from our experience, a place that can provide a cot/highchair/babybath (and most do it for free!!) is a bonus. Also places without stairs or potential hazards for kids. Location is important, so you can be near facilities if you need them (shops, chemist) and also near attractions to keep the whole family amused - whether it be countryside, beach.
We also like to have good quality beds/matresses/pillows and linen - you still want comforts when you're away from home and for modern kitchen/bathroom facilities. My DH is very keen on a good stereo system and tv ideally, although we don't watch it much when we're away.We lived and travelled overseas, so we've stayed in lots of amazing places and have quite high expectations of quality to match the price.

Where is your cottage and what facilities does it have?

[PhAnToM]

Thanks Zenifa.

mm... if you don't mind, I might PM the link to it for your feedback.
I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to advertise here, but I think we've been working on this for so long, that we can't think laterally about what ppl need anymore (even though I have 2 kids myself.)

We have been getting bookings, but I'd like to increase it and other than the ducted heating (we are aiming at putting in in the next month or so) I can't think of what else it might be missing to make it more attractive to families.

[Kaycee]

Air con/heating

Separate room for kids to sleep

Proximity to local attractions - preferably withing walking distance

Reasonably priced

Bookable on Wotif

[PhAnToM]

We are doing some research into ducted heating at the moment. Definitely needs it, because at the moment it has an open fireplace and electric heaters in the rooms. (Electricity up there costs a bucket! Bring on the gas ducted heating!!!)

Bookable on Wotif

What is that Kaycee?

[twins+another]

wotif is an accomodation booking website.

I think it is important that there is a bath and a seperate room for the kids that is large enough for 2 portacots to be set up. (I have twins, can you tell? )

Fully self contained kitchen an safe aircon/heating are an absolute must. Maybe even a playground area for the kids to play in.

[PhAnToM]

Thanks Twins+another- Sort of hammers home the importance of ducted heating i think.

We have it on a few sites, but not Wotif. Might go take a look at it. Thanks.

It has a very large backyard, which is fenced of with high fencing... I've been thinking of playground equipment, but we suddenly have a problem of people taking things. We don't live locally. We have a caretaker who rang twice in the last fortnight telling me firstly all the firewood was taken- why would you bother?? Honestly! and now the wheelie bin has been stolen.
So until we sort out the security when there are no guests, putting anything more out there is a concern. Parents had the house since 1979 and NEVER had anything stolen. The week someone new moved in up the road, off goes our stuff!

We're already worried about our new gas bbq that is chained outside.. but who knows with these people. They let themselves into a fenced off house (obviously aware when there is no one in there) and take things, chain won't stop them..

[Mamaduke]

We have a caretaker who rang twice in the last fortnight telling me firstly all the firewood was taken- why would you bother??

They would have taken the firewood because it's expensive and because they would know that the property is a holiday rental and if they lights aren't on and there's no car in the drive, they're virtually guaranteed that no one's home.

[kymmy]

We usually book a family room or unit.
Lots of beds in seperate rooms is good
I like a kitchen not to cook(holiday no cook ) but to store food etc
not impressed with Tv cos a holiday is a time away
but sleeping arrangements very important to us.
and bathroom that is roomy enough

[Ana Gram]

safety, comfort, locality, plenty of sleeping space like sofa beds and trundle beds if you have more than the average amount of children, distance from childrens sleeping quaters to parents sleeping quaters - I like to use my holiday to get some sleep.