What would you look for in accommodation with a 2 year old?

[wishIwasonholiday10]

We’ve booked flights to Corfu for 2 weeks when DD will be almost 2 and was wondering what you would consider important at that age? We haven’t booked a package as we will divide the time between 2-3 locations in different parts of the islands. Was wondering if an apartment is better than a hotel to have more space or if it just means more hazards as it won’t be toddler proofed? Normally we pick small family run places but also contemplating a larger resort which might have a toddler pool and small playground and more space to run around generally?

So what would you look for generally and is there any type of accommodation you regretted staying at with a 2 year old?

Any specific recommendations for Corfu welcome too!

At this age, you are just going to need eyes in the back of your head the entire time.

You are right that it’s not always relaxing in an apartment - likely a tiled floor with a random step to trip over!

definitely look for a children’s pool as that means the location should be somewhat designed with kids in mind. I find having basic kitchen facilities including a fridge just makes life a lot easier especially if you have a hire car so you can dash to a supermarket if neeeded.

however if you’re planning on moving between locations maybe a child-friendly hotel would suit you better as you can take advantage of avoiding complicated checkin and checkout processes (and possible end- of-stay tidy ups!) and having meals available could simplify things for you.

I would always want to be within reach of a pharmacy and a supermarket. The number of times we have lost or forgotten something/needed more Sun cream or our kids have had weird rashes, tummy issues, insect bites, eczema flare ups, and so on has made me want to stay close to a town, or have a car to access a town.

We have found in most countries there are apart-hotels with a nice reception, on-site shop and cafe/restaurant and pool, which offer best of both worlds (sadly I have never been to corfu )

I much preferred apartments when our DC were little, because we could put them to bed and not have to tiptoe around. It was nice to put them in their room and close the door. Also, you can go to the supermarket and get the kind of foods they like and serve them at a time that suits, rather than waiting for the local restaurants to open (which can be late in various Mediterranean countries).

Otherwise, fenced swimming/toddler pool, gently shelving beach (if applicable), playground nearby, a few child-friendly activities such as zoo, aquarium, etc.

I’m a hotel kind of person, don’t want to tidy and cook when I would need to watch a toddler- and tbh you will have to watch them regardless of where you are . A toddler pool, all inclusive with a close beach works for me. Never ground floor and never a swim up pool- too risky. A balcony to sit on when they’re napping/ go to bed early.

Decent flight times
Short transfer
A balcony or patio so you can put them to bed and sit out in the evening
Shallow kids / toddler pool

Fenced pool

If you prefer a hotel then try to get a family suite, as that tends to have a separate bedroom. There are also aparthotels, which are the best of both i.e. housekeeping, restaurants on site and minimal work for you so you get a holiday as yes, staying in an apartment is 'work'.

Secure windows and balcony.

Little Park, close to the beach in a hotel or on the beach. At 2 it's all about you because you will have to be in the water with your baby constantly anyway!

So you might as well go all-inclusive at a hotel! What about surrounding the hotel? Shops and so on.

Thanks all for the tips! An aparthotel certainly sounds like a good idea if we can find a nice one.

@OnlyFoolsnMothers why do you say not ground floor? I thought that would be easier with the stroller? I totally agree about the swim up room!

@EveryOtherNameTaken how would you judge if windows and balcony are secure from the info online unless there are complaints in the reviews?

Generally would you be happy to stay in an apartment with stairs and no stair gates? 2 year old would be in a cot overnight. I know plenty of 2 year olds can manage stairs fine but mine (now 19 months) can’t even walk yet so I’m not sure where we’ll be with mobility by the time we go away when she is 23 months.

Things I look for in an apartment when we go on holiday:

1: No internal stairs.
2: Securely fenced garden/terrace.
3: A separate bedroom (no studios).
4: A shower large enough for two people (for ease of washing a suncreamed toddler!)
5: A washing machine (as we will soon have a baby in reusable nappies and toddler used to be in them).

@LipstickLil I have perfectly relaxing holidays in apartments and definitely don't feel like I'm working 🤔We don't cook in them and the only clean up involved is after making breakfast (the creation of which just involves pressing a button on a toaster).