What a 'kids' club' really means in different hotels and how to check it before booking.
How to tell if a hotel is truly family-friendly
A 'kids' club' in a hotel description can mean a professional animation team or just a room with a TV. Before booking, ask your consultant or the reviews what's really included: how many hours a day the club runs, what language the entertainers speak and whether children can be looked after in the evening.
In the big branded hotels of Turkey and Egypt, kids' clubs run from morning to evening and often include water slides, craft workshops and mini-disco. Smaller or city hotels may have no club at all — then plan for your own entertainment.
What to look for
- Club opening hours and age groups — Make sure the club takes your child's age and runs at least 6 hours a day.
- Pool depth — Shallow, heated children's pools mean fewer worries for parents.
- Children's dining — A kids' buffet and early dinner options help avoid queues and tantrums.
Where to look for family hotels
Turkey's Antalya coast is a family classic: large resorts with several pools and spacious kids' clubs. Egypt's Hurghada offers a similar standard at a lower price. Spain's Salou and Blanes suit those who want a holiday with day-trips, while Italian villaggio resorts combine animation with a calmer atmosphere.
Our experience: families with young children are best off choosing a hotel where pools and dining are close together and the beach is sandy with a gentle entrance. Such hotels aren't usually pricier than others — you just have to know how to find them.