There are many things that can make or break a family hotel stay and most of these hinge on how well the hotel treats the kids and what facilities are available for them. Are they an afterthought, just shoehorned uncomfortably in, or have they been considered from the start with things like family rooms, kids menus in hotel restaurants, high chairs available on request, children's tv channels in the rooms etc?

In compiling this list, we have looked at levels of staff friendliness toward families and willingness to assist them, the value for money of the hotel room, and the facilities on offer for children at the hotel. 

County Hotel, Chelmsford

As you would expect in one of the most popular hotels in the county town of Chelmsford, the facilities for families are fairly comprehensive. Located near the heart of the city, the County Hotel benefits from a range of features that will please most families. There are high chairs available on request, free high speed internet in all of the rooms, so the kids can watch Paw Patrol on their devices, there are kids meals available and breakfast can be eaten in the spacious bedrooms. The staff are kind and personable and go out of their way to ensure that everyone enjoys their stay.    

Hampton by Hilton, Stansted Airport, Mountfitchet

Ideal for a stopover before a sunshine getaway, the Hampton by Hilton at Stansted Airport is everything you would hope for from an established and popular hotel brand. They provide a range of family friendly facilities including soundproofed family rooms, high chairs, kids’ meals and a snack bar. In addition to this they have a snack bar in case the kiddos, or the adults, get hungry outside of dinner time and a laundry service in case of excessively messy eating. This is an excellent family friendly hotel and the whole family will be at their ease in no time.  

Roslin Beach Hotel, Southend-on-Sea

This sumptuous four star hotel is set opposite a beautiful beach at Southend and will prove to be popular with the children for that reason. Family rooms are available and there are also spa facilities and treatment rooms in case one of the adults fancies some pampering while the other entertains the children. The outdoor dining area is particularly lovely and kids meals are available. It is also possible to have breakfast in the bedroom and there is free internet throughout the hotel.   

Chudleigh Hotel, Clacton-on-Sea

This family favourite in Clacton-on-Sea actively markets itself as a family-friendly hotel and the consistent five star ratings and reviews from visitors confirm that this is indeed the case. The Chudleigh Hotel is welcoming and the two owners are very attentive to the needs of their guests. There are well-equipped, clean and spacious family rooms and it is possible to bring the family pet, because dogs are allowed to stay too. The beds are comfortable and the breakfasts are varied and delicious, with lots of choices so the kids will be sure to find something that they like.    

Holiday Inn,  Southend-on-Sea

For a chain hotel, the Holiday Inn in Southend is very well-rated for family-friendliness. This is doubtlessly down to features like blackout curtains, which stop the children getting up too early, particularly on bright summer mornings, and soundproof rooms to stop external noise, which can sometimes be an issue in hotels. Kids also stay for free and there are high chairs and children’s menus available to make eating easier. It is also possible to eat breakfast in the room. The hotel is completely non-smoking and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable about both the hotel and the local area. 

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