Top Tips For Staying in a Hotel with a Baby and Toddler

Traveling is a huge priority for my young family. My two kids have already racked up more flights than I ever did as a child, and we’re always planning our next adventure. I get a ton of questions about traveling with babies and toddlers (in particular about staying in a hotel with a baby and toddler), and I want to start off by saying—it’s absolutely doable. Not only that, but it can be incredibly fun and rewarding. Making memories with your little ones in new places is something truly special.

That being said, there’s no sugar coating that it’s also chaotic. You’ve got to go in with the right mindset, some realistic expectations, and a little bit of prep. Hotel stays, in particular, can feel overwhelming at first, but with a few hacks, they can be way easier than you’d think.

Today, I’m sharing my top tips for staying in a hotel with a baby and a toddler. So if you’re about to book a hotel or already have a trip on the calendar, this guide will help you plan ahead, minimize stress, and make your stay as smooth as possible.

How to stay in a hotel with a baby and toddler

Sharing a hotel room with a baby and toddler can feel like a logistical puzzle—where will everyone sleep, how do you keep the routine somewhat normal, and what do you do if the baby wakes up at 3 a.m.? (Spoiler: It happens.) But with some planning, you can turn what seems like a stressful scenario into an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

From picking the right hotel to figuring out sleep setups that actually work, I’m breaking down the biggest parent concerns—and the simple strategies that make all the difference.

Top parent concerns for sharing a hotel room with a baby and toddler

Hotel stays with little ones come with a whole new set of logistics. If you’ve ever wondered how to make it work without losing your mind, you’re in good company. Here are some of the biggest concerns parents have when sharing a hotel room with a baby and toddler:

• How to get both kids to sleep if you’re all sharing one room or a small space
• Do you have to go to bed right when the kids are asleep?
• What if the baby wakes up crying and wakes the toddler?
• How to keep nap schedules somewhat intact while traveling
• How to handle middle-of-the-night wake-ups in a shared space
• Where to store and prep bottles, snacks, and meals
• How to keep kids entertained in a small hotel room
• What to pack to make the stay as smooth as possible

This will all be answered for you! 

Your go-to guide for hotel stays with little ones

You used to be able to simply book a room and show up. Now, it requires a little more strategy. But I promise, it’s not as intimidating as it seems. And there are plenty of hotel hacks with babies and toddlers in mind that are incredibly useful.

The biggest thing to remember? A little planning goes a long way in making hotel stays feel less like survival mode and more like a fun part of the trip. Here’s everything you need to know to make it work.

Choosing the right hotel

Not all hotels are set up with families in mind, and the last thing you want is to realize that after check-in. A bit of research ahead of time matters. So, here’s what to consider:

• Location – Look for hotels within walking distance of restaurants, parks, or attractions to make outings easier.
• Family-friendly options – Resorts or hotels that cater to families often have hotel cribs, high chairs, and kid-friendly amenities.
• Room layout – Consider a suite, adjoining rooms, or at least a space with a separate seating area to help with naps and bedtime and also give you some space once the kids are asleep at night.
• Reviews from parents – Search for feedback specifically about noise levels, cleanliness, and how accommodating the hotel is for families.
• On-site dining – Room service, a restaurant with kid-friendly options, or even a mini-fridge and microwave in the room can make meals a whole lot easier.
• Laundry access – Having an option to do a quick load of laundry can be a lifesaver, especially on longer trips.
• Pool & play areas – If your kids need to burn off energy, a hotel with a pool, playroom, or outdoor space can be a big win.

What to pack for a comfortable stay

This list focuses on making the hotel stay more comfortable with your baby and toddler. Of course, you’ll need the usual essentials like clothes, diapers, and wipes, so if you’re looking for other packing lists, I’ve got you covered! Check out my baby travel essentials and toddler travel essentials for a full breakdown of the must-haves. But for now, here’s what to bring to make staying in a hotel with a baby and toddler as smooth as possible:

• Travel blackout curtains 
• Portable white noise machine 
• SlumberPod – Can’t recommend this enough. It creates a private sleep space for your baby.
• Pack ‘n Play or travel crib – Some hotels provide them, but quality varies.
• Stroller
• Travel high chair – Great to have to make mealtimes easier if you’ll be in the room a lot.
• Portable nightlight 
• Baby monitor 
• Dish soap and bottle brush 
• Favorite blankets or sleep sacks 
• Snacks 
• Small toys and books 
• Medicine & thermometer 

Step-by-step guide for staying in a hotel with a baby and toddler

After plenty of hotel stays with my kids—both close to home and internationally—I’ve picked up a lot of little tricks along the way. I’ve found that most hotels genuinely want to help make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible, especially when they know you’re traveling with little ones.

And there’s something so fun about checking into a hotel—no dishes, no laundry, no cooking—and the kids think it’s such a big adventure. With the right setup, staying in a hotel with a baby and toddler can feel a lot less stressful and a lot more fun for everyone.

Step 1: Booking the perfect room

There are definitely a few ways to book a room that will make your stay easier. Here are some things worth asking about when booking:

• Request a suite or adjoining room
• Ask about a crib or pack ‘n play 
• Opt for a room with a fridge and microwave 
• Request a quiet room – think away from elevators, ice machines, or loud common areas
• Look into family-friendly perks – some hotels offer kid-friendly dining or play areas
• Consider a ground floor room – no waiting for elevators and easier access for stroller trips

Step 2: Setting up a baby-friendly space when you get there

A little setup goes a loooong way in making a hotel room feel more comfortable and functional for your baby and toddler. Here are a few easy hacks:

• Use the bathroom or a large closet for the pack ‘n play – You’ve got an instant dark, quiet sleep space.
• Unpack as soon as you arrive – What was once one suitcase is now all the bags—organizing upfront saves time later.
• Create a familiar space – Set out favorite loveys, blankets, books, and toys so your kids feel more comfortable and have a spot to land. But honestly, the best way to keep little ones entertained is by getting out and exploring.
• Set up a snack station – Have easy-to-reach, mess-free snacks ready to go.
• Block off hazards – Move breakables, cover outlets, and set up a safe play area.
• Prep for nighttime – Arrange bottles, pacifiers, travel sound machines, and anything else you'll need within arm’s reach.
• Use a portable blackout curtain or tape up a blanket – A must-do IMO for a really dark room.
• Figure out a diaper-changing spot – A clean towel on the floor works in a pinch.

Step 3: Adapting to new sleeping arrangements

Look at hotel photos ahead of time to get a feel for the space and make a loose game plan. Where will the baby sleep? Will the toddler be in a separate bed or in a travel crib? Having a rough idea can make setup easier when you arrive.

• Scope out sleep spots – A big closet or bathroom can work for a pack ‘n play (as long as there’s ventilation and it's safe).
• Brought a Slumber Pod? – Set it up as soon as you arrive, not right before nap or bedtime.
• Use a sound machine – Helps drown out hotel noise.
• Be flexible – You might have planned for the toddler to sleep in their own bed, but they may end up in yours. Roll with it.
• Keep bedtime routines as normal as possible – Books, snuggles, whatever helps your kids wind down at home, continue that routine here as best as you can.

Handling common sleep challenges in a shared space

• Getting both kids to sleep in one room – A little separation goes a long way. Set up the pack ‘n play for the baby behind a large chair, in a nook, or even in the bathroom (if it's safe and ventilated). Toddlers can either take the main bed, a pullout couch if the room has one, or even the pack ‘n play if they still fit comfortably. Keeping their sleep spaces a little separate can help everyone settle faster—and save you from a night of musical beds.
• Stay up after the kids' bedtime – You don’t have to go to bed the minute your kids fall asleep. If you’re using one part of the room for their sleep space, you can still enjoy a little downtime. Keep the TV on low volume, curl up with a book, take a long bath if there’s a tub, or even sneak out to the balcony with a glass of wine if you have one. 
• Nap schedules and bed times – Aim for at least one “good nap” a day (even if it’s in the stroller or car seat) and keep wake windows in mind to avoid overtired meltdowns. Try to stay close to your usual bedtime, but give yourself a little wiggle room. Your normal routine will fall back into place once you’re home. (If you’re navigating a time change, check out my blog here.) 
• Handling middle-of-the-night wake-ups in a shared space: Have a plan in place—whether it’s a bottle ready to go, a designated spot for quick diaper changes, or a comfort item nearby to soothe without fully waking everyone.

Step 4: Managing meals and snacks

Hangry babies and toddlers are just as bad (worse?) than hangry adults. Plan ahead to keep everyone fed and happy.

• Pack familiar favorites – Hotel food isn’t always toddler-approved, so bring go-to snacks you know they’ll eat.
• Set up a feeding station – If you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, dedicate a small area for bottles, formula, a pump, or any other feeding essentials.
• Stock up on easy meals – Shelf stable options like instant oatmeal, fruit pouches, or peanut butter packets are all amazing options to have on hand.
• Ask about a mini fridge and microwave – Some hotels have them for free, others charge, but it’s worth it if you need to store milk or heat up food.
• Scope out grocery stores nearby – A quick run for fresh fruit, yogurt, or toddler-friendly options can make meals so much easier.
• Use room service strategically – If the hotel offers kid-friendly meals, ordering in can be just what’s needed after a long travel day.

Making the most of hotel services for family stays

When staying in a hotel with a baby and toddler, I’ve learned that a quick call to the front desk can solve a lot—whether it’s getting a mini fridge for milk storage, an extra sheet for the pack ‘n play, or finding out if there’s a quieter room option. There are also some upgrades and lesser-known perks that can make your stay so much smoother. Here’s what to ask for.

Requesting special accommodations for babies and toddlers

• See if they offer early check-in or late checkout for better nap timing
• Ask for extra towels for spills and bath time
• See if they offer items like a baby bathtub, high chair, pack ‘n play
• Ask about on-site babysitting services (some hotels offer this!)
• Check if they provide outlet covers or babyproofing essentials

Little-known hotel room upgrades for traveling families

Even the nicest hotel rooms can feel chaotic with little kids, but a few small tweaks can make them way more functional. Here are some hacks that I’ve leaned on before: 

• Ask for binder clips at the front desk to keep curtains fully closed or to adjust your travel blackout curtains if needed. 
• If you’re short on fridge space for milk and snacks, see if the minibar can be cleared out before you arrive. 
• Request extra pillows or a comforter to create a soft landing zone if your toddler is co-sleeping in a high bed.
• See if the hotel can provide a small rolling luggage rack—it can double as a storage spot freeing up some closet space for toys and other items.

Tips for using room service with kids

Room service can be a lifesaver when traveling with little kids—especially at the beginning and end of your trip. Ordering in when you first arrive helps everyone settle in without the stress of a restaurant meal after a long day of travel. And on the last night, it’s a great way to keep things calm in your own room and stick to a good sleep routine before checking out the next day. Don’t be afraid to ask if the kitchen can modify dishes (like serving plain pasta or fruit on the side instead of fries) or if they offer half portions for kids. Some hotels even have unlisted kid-friendly options, so it’s always worth checking!

Leaning into your early mornings

When you’re staying in a hotel with a baby and toddler, early mornings pretty much follow along on the trip. Instead of fighting it, the best part is finding ways to use those early wakeups to your advantage.

This is often when the hotel is at its quietest—perfect for slipping down to the pool before the crowds show up. And many hotel restaurants are also much easier to navigate first thing in the morning, meaning you can snag a table with extra space for your stroller or high chair without feeling cramped.

For younger babies, getting out and about early can help tire them out for a good morning nap. In my experience, they just love taking in new sights and environments, which you’ll have plenty of on a trip. And for toddlers, those early mornings are a great chance to burn energy outside the room—so you have a better shot at a midday reset with their own nap or some books and familiar toys.

Using hotel laundry services

Never underestimate the power of hotel laundry services. It means you can pack lighter, stress less about spills, blowouts, or outfit changes, and have fresh clothes ready when you need them. 

Some hotels offer same-day service and others have self-service laundry rooms that can be really helpful for longer stays. If your hotel doesn’t advertise laundry options, ask the hotel staff—they might have partnerships with local cleaners or offer a quick turnaround for essentials like baby clothes and pajamas.

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Traveling with little ones definitely takes a little extra planning (and a lot of snacks), but it’s so worth it for the memories you’ll make. Staying in a hotel with a baby and toddler isn’t always perfect—and that’s okay. With a little prep, some flexibility, and a good sense of humor, it can actually be really fun.

If you’re looking for more travel tips, be sure to check out the blog’s travel section for everything from the best plane activities for 1-year-olds to the best international travel tips with kids, I’ve got you covered. Happy travels!

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