Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Benefits Of Booking Through Baby Friendly Boltholes?

The family-centric crew here at Baby Friendly Boltholes have already done all the hard work for you; When you book your holiday via us, you can be confident that all our accommodations meet are extremely high standards and are verified and designed with little ones in mind.

Of course, you also benefit from our concierge support line as well a best price promise! As we have been partnering with baby and toddler friendly business for almost a decade, we are also able to provide booking bonuses, which include vouchers for online baby and toddler boutiques!

How Do I Book?

If you’ve researched and decided on your holiday, all booking requests can be made online at www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk via the individual accommodation page where you will also be able to see an availability calendar.

Alternatively, you can contact a Baby Friendly Boltholes concierge by phone on 020 3603 1160.

You will then receive confirmation, outline all of your booking and payment information.

Do I Have To Pay Upfront? Do You Require A Deposit?

As we partner with a huge range of unique accommodations in the UK and abroad, there are varying policies on payments.

In most cases, no payment is required to reserve a property. However, if you are booking your holiday within 6-8 weeks of your planned arrival date for a last-minute getaway, a deposit (or in some cases full balance) will be required within 24-72 hours.

Get in touch with a member of our team if you require more information on individual payment policies.

When Is The Best Time To Travel With A Baby?

Baby’s can be extremely sensitive to high and low temperatures, so we do recommend avoiding peak season wherever possible. For most destinations, this period tends to be July and August.

Travelling from April to June or in September and October is usually the best time for a baby friendly break. As an added bonus, you’ll avoid the crowds and peak season prices!

How Soon Can I Travel With A Newborn?

Newborns can make great travelling companions since they tend to sleep on long journeys and are very portable, plus booking via Baby-Friendly Boltholes property allows you to reserve baby kit and travel light.

You should note, most people feel more confident using accommodations with swimming pools after their baby has received the first set of vaccinations at around three months.

What Do I Need To Pack For A Self-Catered Cottage?

All accommodations are listed with our Baby-Friendly Boltholes approved overview and ‘Fast Facts’ which are a quick guide to the facilities, features and amenities available.

Self-catered cottages provide a home away from home setting and you shouldn’t have to bring any extra cooking equipment, bedding, towels etc.

Many of our select accommodations also provide pre-bookable baby gear, often at no extra cost! This includes, cots, high-chairs, stairgates, sterilisers, baby baths and toddler cutlery and crockery. This means you can leave the kitchen sink at home and travel light with clothes and some essentials. We advise you pack a favourite blanket or comfort item and some special toys. Many accommodations are equipped with baskets of age-appropriate toys but bringing along a few favourites is always a good idea!

What Do I Need To Pack For A Baby Friendly Holiday?

Most of the accommodation we feature will have a long list of pre-bookable nursery kit including, cots, highchairs, stairgates, sterilisers, baby baths and toddler crockery and cutlery. Check the ‘Fast Facts’ section of your chosen baby friendly hotels and reserve them on our online booking request form to be sure that everything is taken care of before you arrive.

Many people bring a travel first aid kit and a few favourite items such as a drinking bottle, blanket, toy and book.

What’s The Difference Between Family-Friendly and Baby-Friendly Holidays?

Family-friendly accommodation often means there is space for parents and children to sleep within the same unit. There will be general toys and games or an outdoor play area and sometimes kids club services for school-aged children.

Baby-Friendly accommodation will provide nursery items, including cots, highchairs, baths, sterilisers and stairgates. Plus, toys, books and games suitable for under-fives. Many of our accommodations also provide verified babysitting services and creche facilities.

Do Baby Friendly Boltholes Provide Babymoon Destinations?

Yes we do! Babymoons are an increasingly popular way to bond and stock up on quality time as a couple before the sleepless nights that comes with having a new born! It’s also a lovely idea to book a family holiday if you already have a tot or two, before your new arrival!

We find that our UK based accommodations are popular for family friendly babymoons as they provide a quick break, but still create memories that last a lifetime!

Alternatively, you can rest assured that all of our accommodation options are stylish, high-quality venues and feature some much-needed luxury extras, including spa facilities, private Jacuzzis and nearby or on-site activities such as golf courses in luxury resorts.

What’s The Best Type Of Holiday With A Baby? How Do I Choose?

This often depends on the age of your baby/toddler and your own holiday ideas. Of course, at Baby Friendly Boltholes, we have something for everyone!

A newborn tends to need warmth and comfort more than play gear or attractions and the priority should be more on parents enjoying quality time to relax and recharge. For this age group we tend to recommend a hotel or boutique B&B so cooking and cleaning is taken care of and parents can indulge themselves. Somewhere with a spa and babysitting or a crèche can be a real bonus too.

For those with active toddlers, it is important to select somewhere with space to roam inside and out.

Cottages with outside spaces offer opportunities to play and relax and socialise. If you are travelling with extended family or friends, consider sticking together and booking a villa or cottage cluster. This means parents can relax together whilst little ones run around them. Accommodation clusters really do provide a unique opportunity to spend quality time together, in an environment where everyone is familiar and sympathetic to the odd toddler tearaway!

Multi-generation family holidays are often best suited to private villa rental since there’s ‘granny nanny’ childcare on tap and privacy of being with your own group. Our private villas usually come with fenced or alarmed pools, nursery kit and often indoor and outdoor play facilities, as well as option chef and housekeeping.

Of course, you can always follow our blog. We are confident you will be inspired by accommodation reviews, tips and holidays you had never considered before.

What Does The Baby Friendly Boltholes Service Include?

Our much-loved and acclaimed concierge service, as well our inspiring match-making search, removes the hassle from finding and booking a suitable holiday for you, your family and especially your baby.

You benefit from our concierge service by phone, email and instant messenger; we are available to discuss your accommodations and any special requests or requirements. With our service, you receive personalised customer care because we really care about your experience so get to know your family’s individual requirements. We conduct a search based on your information and create a mini-brochure, full of suitable options. We can then handle the reservation process, upon your request.

Are Baby Friendly Boltholes ABTA Protected?

As Baby Friendly Boltholes are not a direct accommodation provider, we do not require ABTA accreditation. We connect you with our approved, hand-picked accommodation providers that have been verified by our expert team.

You can rest assured that every accommodation operates to an extremely high standard. You can be confident that Baby Friendly Boltholes attentive assistance is always available should you encounter any issues at all.