REVIEWS OF HOTEL EXECUTIVE CLUB LOUNGES, KIDS CLUBS AND MORE.
Travelling with young children is great, but can be exhausting. Whether you are heading off for a family holiday or just spending a weekend away, small details like baby cribs, bottle sterilisers, and high chairs suddenly become very important.
A few years ago, parents never had to worry about being charged extra for these essentials. They were often a part of the hospitality. But lately, as hotels adjust to rising costs and tighter budgets, some travellers have started to notice unexpected fees creeping in for items that used to be free.
In most hotels, high chairs are still provided free of charge. They are considered part of the basic service when you are dining at the hotel restaurant or when you request one for your room.
But things are not the same everywhere. Some smaller hotels or serviced apartments have started charging a small “equipment fee” for high chairs, baby cots, and other child-related items. While the fee is often modest, it can come as a surprise if you were not expecting it, especially when you have already paid for what you thought was an all-inclusive stay.
The main reason comes down to rising operational costs. Like every other industry, hotels have been hit hard by inflation. Running any business, including hotels, has become more expensive in recent years. Everything from food and cleaning supplies to electricity and staff wages now costs more.
So, to keep their prices looking affordable, many hotels have started charging extra for small things instead of raising the price of every room. For example, instead of including items like high chairs, baby cots, or even extra towels in the main price, they now list them as “optional”, of course, with extra charges. This makes the room rate look cheaper.
Most hotels are just finding ways to manage the rising costs while keeping guests happy. If you have a child and will need some baby essentials, make sure you check carefully what’s included in your package before booking your stay, so there are no surprises later.
The best way to avoid unexpected charges is to confirm everything before booking. Make sure to read the fine line and consider even the tiniest of details. Call the hotel or email them and ask them directly whether high chairs, cribs, and other essentials are included or if there’s an extra charge.
It also helps to check recent guest reviews. Parents often mention whether baby facilities were free, available on request, or came with surprise fees. Booking platforms like Booking.com or TripAdvisor can give you quick insights into what to expect.
While most hotels still provide high chairs for free, many are now moving toward charging for extra amenities. The best approach is to ask ahead, plan accordingly, and choose hotels with family-friendly policies.
Read online reviews and call the hotel to confirm all details before making a reservation. Thorough preparation can save you both the stress that comes with travelling with children and unexpected expenses.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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