How to Prepare for a Hotel Stay with Young Kids
· 4 min read
With a little planning, a hotel stay with young kids becomes a truly relaxing getaway for the whole family.
Travelling with little ones is a wonderful adventure, as long as you come prepared. A hotel stay with young kids can be simple and genuinely restful when you choose the right place and pack the essentials ahead of time. At Hôtel Terra Laurentides in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, we welcome families all year round, and we know the little surprises that come with a baby or a toddler. Here are our best tips for a smooth family vacation, from the first bottle to bedtime.
Planning a hotel stay with young kids: what to pack
The key to a successful hotel stay with young kids is packing methodically. Make a list a few days before you leave and check things off as you go. For a baby: plenty of diapers, wipes, changes of clothes (bring more than you think you'll need), a backup blankie or pacifier, and the usual care items. For a toddler, add their favourite snacks, a water bottle and a few small toys that don't take up much room.
Don't forget a small kit with first aid essentials: thermometer, regular medications, bandages. It's easy to overlook, but it can save an evening. Pack swimsuits and a light towel too: the indoor pool is heated year round, and your kids will want to jump in as soon as you arrive. A warm sweater and socks come in handy for cool evenings in the Laurentians, even in summer. Finally, keep a small bag with everything you'll need for the first few hours within easy reach, so you don't have to dig through every suitcase when you get there.
If you're travelling with a baby in the Laurentians, give us a call before you arrive: we can confirm what's available on site and save you from packing things you won't need.
Connecting rooms and family suites for little ones
Your choice of room makes all the difference when you travel with little ones. At Hôtel Terra Laurentides, our 74 rooms and suites come in several configurations designed with families in mind. Connecting rooms give parents and kids their own space while keeping everyone side by side, which is handy when the little ones turn in early and you want to stay up a while longer.
Family suites with bunk beds are always a hit with kids, and some of our suites feature a whirlpool tub for a relaxing moment once the little ones are asleep. We also have accessible rooms for guests with reduced mobility, an elevator and four floors that are easy to navigate with a stroller. When you book, mention your children's ages and your needs: we'll point you toward the room best suited to your family.
Breakfast included, pool and waterslide: finding the right daily rhythm
A great family hotel stay comes down largely to the rhythm of your day. Continental breakfast is included every morning: a real relief when you have hungry kids at wake-up and no desire to rush out the door. Everyone eats at their own pace, and you head out to explore the region on a full stomach.
When it comes to fun, our heated indoor pool is open year round and access is included with every stay. Older kids will fall in love with the 21-metre indoor spiral waterslide, while the little ones splash happily under your watchful eye in the shallow pool. The whirlpool rounds it all out for parents. Pool schedules are posted at the front desk: ask for them when you arrive so you can plan swim time around naps and meals.
A late-afternoon swim is often the best way to burn off the kids' energy before dinner and set the stage for a peaceful night. And when the weather cooperates, the village of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Lac des Sables are just steps away for a breath of fresh air as a family.
Pets welcome and the bedtime routine
Don't want to leave the dog at home? Good news: pets are welcome at Hôtel Terra Laurentides. Simply mention it when you book so we can have everything ready. That way the whole family, four-legged members included, gets to enjoy the vacation.
Protecting the bedtime routine is probably the most valuable tip of all. With young kids, keeping the evening cues consistent helps enormously. Bring the blankie and a nightlight, and stick as closely as possible to your routine from home: bath, story, then dimmed lights. A connecting room or a suite lets you lower the lights on the kids' side while you stay up on the other. A calm, familiar environment is the best recipe for everyone to recharge and make the most of the next day.
Ready for your family vacation?
With good preparation, a hotel stay with young kids becomes a truly relaxing time for the whole family. Between the included breakfast, the heated pool, rooms designed for families and a pet-friendly welcome, Hôtel Terra Laurentides takes care of everything so all you have to do is enjoy Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and the Laurentians. Book direct for the best rate guaranteed by clicking "Book Now" or calling us at 1 866 527-9206. We can't wait to welcome you, kids and grown-ups alike.
