What to Look for in a Family-Friendly Hotel Abroad

When you are planning a family trip out of the country, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure the hotel you will be staying at will be able to accommodate your family and needs. Before you book, look through this checklist to make sure the place you will be staying will ensure a great trip!

I attended a complimentary press trip with Sheraton Macao. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Child Care – Check and see if the hotel you are staying at has child care options to allow the adults to enjoy a night out on the town without worrying about the kids. You can spend most evenings together as a family, but scheduling a night or two to see shows or even get out for a nice dinner together will make for a great trip!

Kids Programs – See what programs and activities are available for kids at the hotel. Do they have day camps or workshops set up that can enhance your stay?

Nearby Attractions and Activities – Location is key! Avoid spending your vacation time traveling and stay nearby lots of fun activities and attractions that will let your family get the most out of your trip. This is especially key when in a foreign country as you may not be comfortable navigating the roads or transportation options.

Pools – The first thing my kids always ask is “Can we go to the pool?” Make sure the hotel has a fun pool. The more pools the better as it will mean less crowded pools and different pools to meet the needs of different groups.

Family Dining Options – Many hotels will have on-site dining options. Check to see if the nearby dining has an environment that can accommodate your children. This also includes checking to see what complimentary breakfast options may be available.

Clean & Accommodating – Many hotels look and state that they’re both clean and accommodating. It’s important to check online. Read reviews and do your homework prior to booking any reservation.

Fun Family Suites – While this isn’t by far the most important aspect of shopping for a hotel it can definitely make your stay with kids a lot more enjoyable for the entire family. Most kids enjoy the excitement of going to hotels that offer amenities just for them. Fun family suites can be the final touch that pushes the vacation over the top and makes it truly memorable.

Sheraton Macao is a perfect choice for a family getaway. There are lots of things to do in Macao both as a family and alone as couples for your night out. They easily meet all the above checklist, here’s what they offer as a great family-friendly hotel:

Shrekfest – This is a fun breakfast with the Dreamworks characters including favorites from Madagascar, How to Train a Dragon, Shrek, and Kung Fu Panda. The characters put on a show and give everyone a meet-and-greet photo opportunity! This is was a ton of fun for the adults as well as the kids.

Hotelier – Learn how to run your own hotel! Kids will participate hands on learning to fulfill the requirements held by one of a few hotel jobs including; housekeeping, cooking, barman services, and a guest service agent. Kids can do the 2-hour program alone, or you can participate together as a family.

Planet J – Set out on a virtual adventure as you interact with a tablet in a world of puzzles and games. While this wasn’t open yet when I visited, it would be a definite must see for my four boys. Planet J opens summer 2015.

House of Dancing Water Show – A story of love told through acrobatics, high dives and cool tricks, and a part of the show features motorcycle stunts. This was definitely entertaining and right in the heart of the Cotai Strip.

Three Pools – A definite for any kid is to have a pool. The Sheraton Macao hotel has three pools perfect for children to swim in. On the weekends they even do a poolside children’s movie.

Sheraton Lounge and Dining Options – The Cotai strip boasts dinner options for families, business, and options for the romantic. Whether you want to eat at one of the many Michelin 3 Star rated restaurants or a relaxed poolside Portuguese BBQ, or try some local cuisine there are a plethora of choices within walking distance.

Our last post shared 8 Reasons to Stray from the Cotai Strip, which is a great place to start to look for more family friendly attractions for a visit in Macau.

When you are looking to book your next family getaway overseas, make sure you are picking a hotel that can accommodate your family and help your stay be comfortable and close to all the attractions. Visit Sheraton Macao for a perfect place to stay while visiting Macau.