TUI has analysed real booking and search data to uncover what families value most when choosing a holiday hotel – and the results show it’s not flashy extras or endless choice that drive decisions.
The research, which has prompted the introduction of a new curated shortlist of
ultimate family hotels, reveals that parents prioritise short airport transfers, big family friendly pools, and hotel rooms designed for real family life, alongside stress-free food options and activities that keep children of all ages happy.
The insight is echoed by Jennifer Scott-Caven a TUI travel advisor with 20 years’ experience booking family holidays, who has revealed the top four things that can make or break a holiday for families time and time again.
Jennifer said: “Transfer time is one of the most common question families ask, especially when travelling with younger children. Parents know that a long, unpredictable journey after a flight can unravel the whole first day. Hotels within an hour of the airport feel calmer and more manageable from the outset, and they tend to jump straight to the top of shortlists before parents even start comparing facilities.”
“Pools are the next big focus, but it’s not about dramatic infinity edges or clever design. Parents want big, practical pools with shallow areas, slides and enough space for everyone to stay together. If parents can picture a relaxed pool day without constantly splitting up or stress, the hotel immediately feels like a safer choice.”
Jennifer adds that room layout and food are just as important in helping families feel confident that they’re booking the right hotel.
“Parents actually care more about layout than size. For example, separate sleeping areas or partitions that let adults unwind once kids are asleep make a huge difference and are always a win for families.
“And finally, food is the other key pressure point. All Inclusive works because it removes daily decision‑making. Easy access to snacks, flexible dining and knowing fussiness is already accounted is super important. We know that parents book all-inclusive because it removes problems before they happen.”
TUI’s new curated
ultimate family holiday edit provides the perfect shortlist of ultimate family-focused hotels and make it easier for parents to find holidays that include everything they really want and need in one place.
Every hotel on the list includes:
- Beachfront locations
- Big pools and waterslides
- Family rooms
- Kids’ clubs
- All Inclusive dining
- Free Wi‑Fi
- 24/7 TUI support
- Transfer times of under one hour
- Flight times of under six hours from London airports
After helping families plan holidays day in, day out, Jennifer says these three TUI BLUE hotels never fail to tick the right boxes.
“I recommend the
TUI BLUE Tropical in Sarigerme, Türkiye, again and again because of the way it works for real family life. There are kids’ pools, waterslides, and brilliant clubs for ages 0 to 17, plus activities everyone can enjoy together. The short 20‑minute transfer from Dalaman Airport is a win win and means families can walk right into their holidays (or jump straight in the pool!). There’s a selection of thoughtfully planned family rooms on offer and Sarigerme itself is lovely and relaxed. Families can easily head out for an ice cream for the kids for just a couple of euros or grab a cheeky pint for the adults for around €4–€5. With the calm, shallow beach right on the hotel’s doorstep too, it’s the kind of place where everything feels really easy and stress‑free.
“The
TUI BLUE Orquidea in Gran Canaria is the next in my top three. It’s right on the beach and also just 20 minutes from the airport. It’s got kids’ pools, a splash park and of course TUI kids’ clubs as standard. There are quieter spaces for parents and the split-level family rooms come highly rated. What I particularly love about this hotel is how easy it is to get around. There’s a bus stop just a short walk away, and for a couple of euros you can head to Playa del Inglés to explore the dunes, the seafront and shops, or up to Las Palmas for a relaxed day out visiting the old town or stopping for lunch by the marina. It offers a great balance of slow resort days, with affordable, low‑effort days out when you fancy a change.
“When it comes to pools it’s hard to beat the
TUI BLUE Atlantica Aegean Park in Rhodes. There’s a waterpark with a pirate-themed splash park, complete with sprinklers and mini-slides, plus a handful of pools, and the main one is a huge lagoon slap in the middle of the resort. It’s another great hotel for room types, including family swim ups, and it’s under an hour from Rhodes airport. The hotel is super close to Kolymbia Beach, a great place for water activities, slow strolls and grabbing a bite in a local taverna. Or you can catch a bus right outside to take a family trip to Lindoss which is beautiful.”
The full
Ultimate Family Hotels shortltist is now live, giving families one trusted place to start their holiday planning, with some excellent value deals on offer.