Toys
If you have children, select a hotel that has toy boxes in the room. Yes, they do exist. That way, if little Harriet forgets to bring Barbie, nobody will drown in a tsunami of tears. Great Ocean Road accommodation supply toy boxes, upon request.
Laundry
Doing the washing on holidays is rather dull. However, it beats soaking your teenager’s stinky socks in the bathroom sink. Each Medina Serviced Apartment has a washer and dryer.
Free Wifi
This is the holy grail for tweens and teenagers. Then, if they’re all “wah wah” about leaving their buddies behind, they can Facetime/Skype/instant message them without making a dent in your vacation budget. A lot of hotels have complimentary wifi in the foyer, however, check which ones include it in the rooms too.
Solitude
Is there anything worse than checking into a hotel, to find a symphony of jackhammers next door? Or a disco? Maybe an all-night celebration? All Vibe hotels have double-glazed windows. Just as well, as your kids won’t cope with missed sleep.
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast, enough said. It’s not free as it’s built into the price of the room, but who cares? Shovel food down the kids’ throats then steal some fruit to enjoy later in the day.
Package deals
Increasingly, hotels like Novotel are providing lodging plus tickets to regional attractions as part of a “staycation.” Families are encouraged to explore their home city and all that it offers. AccorHotels in Canberra offer a two night package deal that includes buffet breakfast and a family 3infun ticket.
Doggone
A lot of kids fret without their pets. A number of Lorne accommodation like the BIG4 Holiday Parks are dog-friendly, so your fuzzy friends do not lose out.
The beach
Life just seems simpler when you’re on the beach. Seek serenity and natural beauty but searching for hotels within a short walk to a calm coast. The Seabreeze Beach Hotel in South West Rocks is famous for its views.