hotels

BOOKING a holiday can feel overwhelming at the best of times, but when you’re travelling alone with children, it becomes something else entirely.

You are the organiser, the navigator, the passport holder and the snack distributor. And if anything goes wrong, there is no one else to tag in. I work in travel and look at holiday pricing data every day. One trend that stands out consistently is that single-parent bookings often cost more than people expect.

With only one adult in the room and fewer family-room configurations available, the price per person can climb quickly.

So I wanted to approach this properly. I analysed booking data to identify the hotels that come out cheapest for single parents, ranking them by how far below the average single-parent booking they sit.

Then I sense-checked them: reading reviews, looking at layouts, and
considering whether they genuinely work when you are the only adult in charge.

So here are the ten cheapest hotels for single-parent family holidays, and why they’re actually smart choices for a trip with the kids.

BLUESEA Montevista Hawai, Costa Brava

Costa Brava remains one of the most reliable regions for affordable family breaks, and BLUESEA Montevista Hawai delivers on practicality.

It is an all-inclusive property with two pools and regular kids’ entertainment, which immediately removes the daily stress of budgeting for meals.

Buffet dining means flexibility, and the hotel sits within easy walking distance of both the beach and the town.

When I compared it to the average single-parent booking, it came out around 52 per cent cheaper, which is a big gap.

Reviews describe it as lively and full of families, which helps if you’re worried about your kids being the only ones making noise.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026, direct from Bournemouth, bed & breakfast from £250pp for one adult and one child.

For Spain in June, that’s really good value, and upgrading to all-inclusive doesn’t send the price sky high.

Pierre & Vacances Benidorm Horizon

If space is high on your list, this Benidorm apartment complex makes sense.

You get a separate bedroom, living area and kitchen, which means once the kids are asleep, you’re not stuck sitting in the dark.

Benidorm itself is flat and easy to walk around, with supermarkets and restaurants close by.

In the data, it worked out just over 53 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent holiday.

That level of saving, combined with proper apartment space, makes it a very strong option.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026 from Leeds Bradford, self-catering, from £400pp for one adult and two children.

For early summer, that’s competitive.

Sol Puerto Marina, Costa del Sol

Location is doing most of the work here. Sol Puerto Marina sits right on Torremolinos Marina, with the beach, promenade and restaurants just minutes away.

When you’re managing children alone, being able to walk everywhere makes a real difference.

Rooms include kitchenettes for flexibility, and compared to the wider single-parent market, it is priced at roughly 55% below average.

I found a deal for 8 nights in early June 2026 from London Luton, room only, from £620pp.

Beachfront Costa del Sol in June at that price is impressive.

London Blue Hotel, Dalaman

Not every family wants a huge resort in Turkey. London Blue Hotel in Dalaman is smaller and calmer, with reviews praising friendly staff and a relaxed pool area.

When you’re the only adult supervising, that quieter feel can make things much easier.

It also came in at around 55 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent booking, according to the data.

I found a deal for 8 nights in June 2026 from London Gatwick, bed & breakfast, from £240pp.

Turkey in June at that level feels almost too good to be true.

Campanile Val de France, Disneyland Paris

Theme park holidays can get expensive quickly, which is why this hotel stands out.

Campanile Val de France offers family rooms, breakfast included and a free shuttle to Disneyland Paris.

You get the location and convenience without paying Disney hotel prices.

Compared to the average single-parent booking, it came out around 56 per cent cheaper.

I found a deal for 7 nights in late June 2026 from Birmingham, bed & breakfast, from £357pp – around £1,070 total for one adult and two children.

FuerteSol, Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands are a safe bet for sunshine, and FuerteSol gives you flexibility.

It’s made up of bungalow-style apartments with terraces and kitchenettes.

The beach is five minutes away, there’s a supermarket nearby and the promenade is flat and easy for evening walks.

In the data, it worked out just over 56 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent holiday, which is a big saving for June.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026 from Bournemouth, self-catering, from £210pp.

The Canaries in early summer for that kind of money is excellent value.

Els Llorers Apartments, Costa Brava

Els Llorers is another apartment-style option that focuses on practicality.

Full kitchens, separate bedrooms and a kids’ pool with slides make it very family-friendly.

There’s even a shuttle into town, so you’re not dragging tired children up hills.

Price-wise, it came in around 57 per cent below the average single-parent booking, which explains why it performs so well.

I found a deal for 7 nights in June 2026 from Birmingham, self-catering, from £187pp – roughly £560 total for one adult and two children.

Spain, early peak season, under £600 is hard to beat.

Staycity Aparthotels, Disneyland Paris

This is another smart option for Disney.

Modern apartments, a heated pool and a free shuttle mean you can prepare breakfast, head to the parks and come back to your own living space rather than squeezing into one hotel room.

It is also priced around 58 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent holiday.

I found a deal for 7 nights mid-June 2026 from Belfast, room only, from £364pp.

For a well-rated aparthotel near Disney in summer, that’s solid value.

Pebbles Resort, Malta

Malta is straightforward, and that counts for a lot. English is widely spoken, it’s easy to get around, and even the plugs are the same as the UK, which saves hunting for adaptors.

Pebbles Resort gets strong reviews for friendly staff and spacious rooms, and there are several restaurants on site.

In cost terms, it came in nearly 60 per cent cheaper than the average single-parent booking.

I found a deal for 7 nights in late June 2026 from Norwich, room only, from £460pp.

Malta in June for under a grand is very good value.

BLUESEA Puerto Caleta, Fuerteventura

At the top of the list is BLUESEA Puerto Caleta in Fuerteventura.

It’s simple and self-catering, but brilliantly located. The beach is two minutes away, and the supermarket is even closer.

When you can walk everywhere, you remove half the hassle.

It is priced around 67 per cent below the average single-parent booking, making it the biggest saving in the data.

Summer 2026 is already sold out, which says a lot.

The deal I found was for January 2027: 7 nights from London Luton, self-catering, from £310pp.

How to pick a hotel for a single-parent holiday:

When you step back and look at the data – pricing, bookings, reviews – the pattern is clear.

• Apartments tend to be cheaper than big-name resorts.
• Central, walkable locations make life easier than remote luxury.
• Flexibility usually matters more than flashy extras.

Single-parent holidays might feel stressful, but with the right hotel choice, the price doesn’t have to add to it.

LONDON has a new cheap hotel chain – and it’s already a huge success in Europe.

BOB W joined the scene back in 2019 , followed by its first hotel in the UK capital in 2024.

It’s a take on pared back hotels, close to an Airbnb but without the hidden fees, as well as much loved extras like gyms, luggage lockers and breakfast options.

I stayed at the newest hotel, Bob W Hyde Park, which only opened earlier this year, and paid £59 for a room for two people.

This was with the five per cent discount you can get when signing up to the free Inner Circle membership of the hotel.

It’s a short walk from Queensway tube station, as well as close to Paddington train station.

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GRAND DAME

I stayed at the grand 172-year-old hotel that is ‘London’s best connected’

Everything is done online, via the website or app, where you’re sent codes to get access to the building and room.

As it is a blend of Airbnb and B&B, but without all the much hated bits of each, this means you can forget the steep cleaning fees – you just pay the room cost.

Before I arrived, I received a phone call: “We’re so sorry but we’ve had to downgrade your room from a spacious to a compact. We will refund the difference but we’re really sorry.”

Slightly frustrating but, as a solo traveller, no biggie (apart from the fact they were the same price, so no refund for me).

However, everything else? Smooth as anything.

Arriving at 3:30pm, I easily entered the building – it is in the Henry Hotel but with Bob W posters to reassure you you’re in the right place.

There’s no lobby for guests, although there was a man behind the desk for the hotel guests themselves.

I personally love a lobby reception, as I’m often down there when my key doesn’t work, I have questions about the area or just need someone on hand.

But if you are someone who hates the awkward interactions then its the hotel for you.

Another nice touch within the lobby filled with sofas and chairs was a cupboard with free extras, such as toilet roll, ear plugs and spare tea and and coffee pods, as well as leaflets and London hotel guides.

The room was perfect too – clean, spacious, and modern.

A coffee pod machine and kettle were joined by complimentary towels, as well as a hairdryer, ironing board and safe, along with a huge TV.

Despite being the ‘compact’ room, it had a desk for working too. 

The bathroom looked recently renovated with a big walk in shower and complimentary toiletries.

Some of the hotels have added extras too, like kitchenettes and washing areas, which make them ideal for longer stays.

One downside was that it comes with “complimentary gym access,” but this was just a pass to one that was 45 minutes away at another Bob W hotel, so I didn’t end up going.

Breakfast is extra – I paid £13 – and it includes food and drink at a choice of cafes as well, although only up to this price (any bill over £13, the difference needs to be covered).

If you are on a budget you can easily skip this and just buy some snacks at a nearby bakery or corner shop, but if you want a proper breakfast, it definitely wasn’t overpriced.

I also loved getting to know the cafe owner, as it was a proper local caf so ended up chatting for ages.

So what’s the verdict?

I was seriously impressed with the whole process. Emails were sent promptly, check in was easy, the rooms were clean and the location can’t be beaten.

One of the biggest problems with Airbnbs is the lack of luggage storage, especially if need somewhere to leave it before a flight or train, so I’m glad this wasn’t a problem here.

Even with the smaller niggles, a room for £30 each in central London? I’m not sure I’ve seen a price like that in years – at least for a place as chic as this.

Other cheap dates still available:

• March 3-4 at Bob W Earls Court – £61 a night (£30.50 each)
• March 16-17 at Bob W London Olympia – £79 a night (£39.50 each)
• March 25-26 at Bob W London Kensington – £77 a night (£38.50 each)
• April 12-13 at Bob W London Holland Park – £76 a night (£38 each)

We’ve found another cheap hotel in London where you sleep in a private pod.

And here are our top 100 cheap hotels in the UK.

Pritzker steps down as Hyatt executive chairman, effective immediately, due to his relationship with the late sex offender.

Billionaire Thomas J Pritzker has announced that he is retiring as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation over his long association with sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which came to light in recently released US Justice Department files.

Pritzker, 75, who has served in the role of Hyatt Hotels’ executive chairman since 2004, also said on Monday that he will not seek re-election to the company’s board at its 2026 annual stockholder meeting.

In a letter to the Hyatt board and a related statement, Pritzker expressed deep regret over maintaining contact with Epstein, who took his own life in prison in 2019, and Maxwell, describing it as “terrible judgement”, with no excuse for not distancing himself sooner.

“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply ‌regret,” he said in the statement.

“I exercised terrible judgement in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.”

Newly released documents by the Justice Department show that Pritzker had ongoing and regular contact with Epstein for years after the financier’s conviction on sex crime charges in 2008, according to The New York Times.

Pritzker is the latest powerful figure facing repercussions after the release of millions of pages of documents showing the depth of Epstein’s network of business, political and cultural elites in the US and around the world.

Goldman Sachs chief legal counsel Kathryn Ruemmler resigned last week over her ties to Epstein. Norwegian police said they had conducted searches of properties owned by former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland as part of a corruption investigation into his connections with the late sex offender.

The head of DP Ports World, the world’s largest port operator, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, was also replaced over his close friendship with Epstein, while economist Larry Summers resigned from the OpenAI board late last year.

Former United Kingdom ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, has been asked to submit himself for an interview and answer questions as part of a US congressional investigation into Epstein.

In a letter sent to Mandelson by Democratic Representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam, both members of the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee, the lawmakers said it was “clear” that the former ambassador “possessed extensive social and business ties” to Epstein and requested that he make himself available for a transcribed interview.

Mandelson took up the prestigious post as the UK’s ambassador to the US in February 2025. He was removed from the role in September 2025 after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government said new information had come to light showing the much deeper nature of his longstanding ties with Epstein.

The Mandelson controversy has led to calls for Starmer to stand down as prime minister, with critics questioning his judgement in appointing him to the ambassador’s role.

Starmer’s chief of staff and cabinet secretary have also stood down due to the scandal .

A BUDGET hotel chain with self-serve bars and private pod rooms is looking to open in the UK.

There’s talk of the brand, LyLo, opening several sites across the country, and it has its sights set on Southwark in London.

Hotels in the city, and across most of the UK can be expensive – but if it opens in the UK LyLo is set to be very affordable.

Its ethos is ‘lower prices and higher comfort at the centre of everything’.

If priced like they are in Australia and New Zealand, a stay in a pod could cost as little as £20.24 (AUD$39).

LyLo promises fuss-free check-in, on-site drinks and eats, WiFi, workspaces, and spaces to play encouraging guests to socialise with various events.

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Some of current pod hotels even have rooftop spots where guests are welcome to relax and play games.

LyLo also holds events like welcome drinks, pop-up dinners, local tours, surprise gigs, wellness activities and film screenings.

Some of the LyLo hotels like the ones in New Zealand’s Queenstown and Australia’s Brisbane, even have their own self-pour cocktail and beer wall.

Guests have to show ID to the bar manager, load up their hotel card, then tap and pour – when the balance runs low, just top up and carry on.

Visitors can help themselves to lager, beer, cider and even cocktails like espresso martinis on tap.

For those who need some peace and quiet for work, the hotel also offers a range of ‘quiet spaces’.

Each hotel has a kitchen fully kitted out with ovens, microwaves, fridges, freezers and plenty of cutlery.

At the current sites, guests can either stay in self-contained pods or private rooms.

Visitors can rent out a self-contained pod with a king size mattress, USB charging port and WiFi.

These pods are within a shared room which can sleep up to 10 guests – so each cabin comes with its own privacy screen.

There’s also the option for a female-only space.

Guests can also opt for a private room, or an ensuite room which comes with private bathroom facilities.

If travelling with a number of travellers, there’s also an option to book out a full room of pods for one large group.

LyLo managing director Tim Alpe said: “We are thrilled to introduce LyLo to Europe, with London as the perfect city to launch our first property.

“Our innovative pod hotel concept has already proven successful in New Zealand and Australia, and we are confident that the European market will embrace our unique blend of affordability and community-focused design.

“London’s dynamic and diverse traveller base makes it an ideal location to begin this exciting new chapter, and we look forward to bringing LyLo’s fresh approach to hospitality to the city.”

The brand currently operates 608 pods across New Zealand and Australia.

Here’s another cheap pod hotel that’s already opened in London…

Travel Writer Helen Wright recently spent the night in London’s newest pod hotel – Zedwell – here’s how it went…

“Zedwell is one of the city’s newest hotels to open, right in the middle of Piccadilly Circus. Being so central, you can normally expect hotels to have high prices – the nearby Ritz and the W Hotel can command nightly rates of £500 or more.

“Not Zedwell – the new hotel claims to be the world’s biggest capsule hotel, and with that, comes the small price of just £30 a night. That definitely makes it the cheapest hotel room in the city (unless you want to bunk up in an 18-bed dorm).

“Inside, decked out with a modern concrete and timber design, there are nearly 1,000 individual sleep capsules over five floors. Guests use an iPad to self-check in, before being directed to one of the correct floor and room.

“Each dorm needs a key card to access, too, so you can only enter the dorm you are assigned, which definitely makes it feel secure. It’s a twist on the traditional ‘dorm style’ hostel set up as each guest gets privacy and security of being tucked up in your capsule, with the ability to lock it from the inside. 

“Inside, I was surprised to find a cute little space, with mood lighting and welcoming interiors. Each capsule is made from oak and come with a single Hypnos mattress, Egyptian cotton bedding, individual mini aircon or heat, smart climate control, noise reduction, and ambient lighting.

“There is also a plug socket inside, two USB plugs and a mirror.  Make sure to bring your own padlock too, so you can lock your pod if you plan on going out (although reception let you buy them on-site as well).

“There are clean common areas, which felt more adult then teen-backpacker, which includes a lounge and co-working space. I was impressed with how clean the communal bathroom and toilet area as well, with light jazz music playing overhead.”

For more budget hotels that are currently open in the UK, check out the new 532-room that’s just opened in one of the priciest tourist destinations.

And one writer reveals how she takes her family on city breaks all over the UK – and stays at this budget accommodation for just £6 each night.

Stylish lakeside huts in Somerset

Six vintage-style “luxury huts” spaced out around a lake make up The Shepherds Hut Retreat in south Somerset. They have modern kitchens and bathrooms, private areas with hot tubs, and fancy features such as telescopes, gin bars, pizza ovens, fire pits and hammocks. There is also a woodland sauna on site. The newest hut, 1898, is the grandest, and is inspired by the Pig hotels. It is a mile’s walk to the Lord Poulett Arms, a thatched 17th-century pub in the village of Hinton St George, and half an hour’s drive to the beaches of the Jurassic Coast in east Devon and Dorset.
From £169, coolstays.com

A Jacobean manor in Kent

Boys Hall, a gorgeous Jacobean manor house near Ashford, is now a restaurant with rooms. The pub area has comfy chairs and a wood burner; lounges with inglenook fireplaces, sofas and books; there’s more than a hectare (2½ acres) of grounds, including a rose garden. The restaurant is a light, oak-framed space serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a weekly changing set menu of Kentish produce (three courses for £30; perhaps venison terrine, braised beef cheek stew and winter berry trifle). The nine rooms feature original stone mullion windows, oak panels and beams, plus rolltop baths and four-poster beds.
From £220 B&B, boys-hall.com

A fairytale farm cottage in the Malvern Hills

Wishbone is a 16th-century, fairytale cottage hidden away on an ancient fruit farm. The stone and timber barn is half-covered by foliage on the outside, but the inside has been beautifully restored and converted. There is a vaulted ceiling above the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas, a bedroom with a king-size bed and an en suite shower room. Original wattle and daub panels, brick floors and beams add to the charm, and barn doors open on to the patio. Beyond the orchard in front of the cottage are fields with oak trees and a lake.
From £850 for two nights, uniquehomestays.com

A thatched pub in Bedfordshire

STRESSED about your half-term family getaway stretching your bank account? Well, many hotels offer free stays for kids.

Whether you are heading out of the country and need a hotel near an airport or are just heading on a staycation, hotels can be expensive when you add on the kids.

But there are a number of hotels all over the UK that offer free kids stays making it more affordable.

Some even offer free meals and other perks too…

Down Hall, Bishop’s Stortford

Named AA Hotel of the Year, Down Hall nestled in the English countryside is just 45 minutes from central London and 15 minutes from Stansted Airport.

The hotel is an Italianate mansion with a history dating back to the 11th century.

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Inside, there are 98 individually designed bedrooms, including ones with views of the garden.

There is also an on-site restaurant called The Garden Room, which uses ingredients from its own vegetable garden.

Visitors can head to the Eden Spa too, a 24-hour gym, tennis courts and 11 acres of woodland.

Kids stay free between February 14 and 22, based on two adults and two children under 12 years old sharing.

It is worth noting though that the spa facilities are not included.

From £212 per room.

Mallory Court, Leamington Spa

Surrounded by gardens, Mallory Court Hotel is pretty to just look at.

Then, once inside, there are 42 individually styled bedrooms with a traditional country house feel.

There is a spa as well with a pool and gym.

For a bite to eat, you can head to The Warwick which is run by MasterChef winner Stu Deeley.

Over February half-term, children under the age of 10 can stay for free when sharing a room with an adult.

And included in the stay is bed and breakfast accommodation and designated family pool times.

To benefit from the offer, you must call to book.

Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish, Devon

Set in 19 acres of woodlands, the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish, Devon boasts spectacular views of the sea.

Nearby there are sandy beaches to explore, which can be reached via a short walk.

There’s lots to do at the hotel as well, including an indoor and an outdoor pool, and both indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

During the half-term break, kids under 10-years-old stay free when sharing with two adults.

Rooms start from around £123 per night.

The Grove, Watford

If you fancy something a little more luxury, The Grove is a great option.

The five-star hotel is just 18 miles from London and used to be the home of the Earls of Clarendon.

In total, there are 214 rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and a number of restaurants.

Over half term, kids stay free when sharing with parents and get breakfast at The Glasshouse, two hours of free childcare for kids aged two to nine, use of the Sequoia Spa and use of Asher’s Woodland Trails.

The offer runs from February 13 to 22 and costs from £550 per room.

The Fish Hotel, Broadway, The Cotswolds

This back-to-nature retreat looks over the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds.

The hotel has 500 acres to explore, as well as a number of activities and well-being classes.

There are a range of rooms to choose from too, such as treehouses, suites and huts.

When it comes to having something to eat there are a couple of options on site, including a bar and lounge and Hook – a seafood-focused restaurant.

Kids stay for free between February 13 and 22 with rooms costing from £340 based on two adults and a child sharing.

Britannia Hotels, various locations

Britannia Hotels has locations across the country and between February 13 and 22, kids under 14-years old stay for free when sharing a room with two adults.

Breakfast is included and so are kids meals.

Though if you stay on a Saturday night at Royal Court Hotel; Prince of Wales Hotel Southport; Britannia Airport Hotel Manchester; Norbreck; Castle Hotel Blackpool; Grand Hotel Scarborough; Grand Hotel Llandudno; Carrington House Hotel Bournemouth or Grand Hotel Blackpool – there will be a £10 supplement.

Otherwise, rooms cost from £59 per night.

The Swan at Lavenham, Sudbury 

Inside a 15th century building, The Swan at Lavenham is a cosy hotel with traditional oak beams and large fireplaces.

There are 46 rooms to choose from, with period features in each.

There is also a spa with an outdoor heated pool, steam room and sauna.

The hotel is dog-friendly too so your beloved furry friend doesn’t have to miss out.

Children stay free between February 15 and 21 and also get breakfast for free.

Rooms cost around £254 per night.

Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay, North Cornwall

Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall is the ultimate surfers spot on Watergate Beach, which stretches over two miles long.

Just metres from the beach, guests can enjoy relaxing rooms with views of the sea.

Some even have roll-top baths, hanging chairs and seating around a large fire.

For kids, the hotel features a games room with a Lego station and there is a play area as well.

Kids stay for free when sharing an adult double room between February 13 and 21.

Rooms cost from £280 per night during the half-term.

The Alverton, Truro, Cornwall

The Alverton in Truro, Cornwall, is a Grade-II listed hotel with a cosy feel.

Inside, there are classic rooms and executive suites, as well as a bar, restaurant and terrace.

Over the February half-term, kids under 12-years-old stay for free and also get a Cornish breakfast each morning of their stay.

There are two room types in the offer to choose from.

Firstly, the classic room which costs from £110 based on one adult and one child sharing.

Or, secondly, the executive suites, costing from £203 based on two adults and two children sharing.

Holiday Inn, various locations

Holiday Inns are great for budget travel or if you are heading off on holiday but want to stay near the airport before your flight.

Perfect for half-term trips out of the country, kids under the age of 17-years-old stay for free during the school break when sharing a room with up to two adults.

Kids under 12-years-old also get free meals during their stay.

Prices vary depending on Location, but as an example you could stay at Holiday Inn London Bexley for £68 per night.

The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands,

The four-star Belfry Hotel & Resort sits in 550 acres of countryside and is well-known for its world-class golf.

The hotel features over 300 rooms, as well as a Fire and Ice spa with a 12-room thermal journey, restaurants such as Ryder Grill and Sam’s Club House.

If you are heading on holiday from Birmingham Airport, the hotel is ideal to stay at the night before as it is less than 20 minutes away.

To get the offer, you will need to use the promo code ‘FAMILYPROMO’.

Rooms cost from £259 per night and include breakfast, buffet dinner, kids’ activities and access to the leisure club (but not spa).

Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall

With 86 luxury rooms, Carlyon Bay Hotel in Cornwall is a great spot for families as it has a large entertainment programme.

There’s magic shows and an appearance from Chloe the Clown…

For the adults, there is also a golf course and a large spa.

Kids under 15-years-old stay for free between February 14 and 22, with a room and breakfast costing from £85 per night.

Kids under 15-years-old also get to eat for free during their stay.

Included in your stay is access to the supervised Funzone, a complimentary round of golf and use of the spa and leisure facilities which features an indoor pool.

A room and breakfast costs from £85 per person per night (so from £170 per night for two adults and two children).

In other hotel news, here’s 12 of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year – from cosy farm retreats to £55 all-inclusives in London.

Plus, the affordable seaside hotel right by the train station.

WHEN it comes to family holidays parents want plenty of entertainment, splash parks and great food – and you’d expect all this to come at a cost.

However, not all hotels have to break the bank, and a woman who knows how to be savvy with holidays is Jenna Carr aka ‘Travel Mum’ who is constantly finding the best deals and shares how others can do the same.

Jenna has travelled all over the world with her young family finding super cheap deals and the best locations for kids along the way.

She’s documented all her top tips on The Travel Mum – and there will be even more in her book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids‘ which will be released on February 12, 2026.

Jenna has two children ages six and one, so there are a few necessities when it comes to book hotels from splash pools, kids’ clubs and of course, being affordable.

Talking to Sun Travel, Jenna revealed some of her top hotels – some of which still have spaces this half-term.

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Jenna said: “The best all-inclusive, cheap, hotel I’ve been to was AluaSun Costa Park in Torremolinos.

“The Costa del Sol is always great for cheap hotels and this one was all-inclusive. We didn’t go during the school holidays, so it wasn’t busy either.

“It was a really easy pick because it was so close to the airport with a short transfer time, and a free shuttle that went down to the beach.

“There was a little splash park for the kids too and the food was good.”

The AluaSun Costa Park hotel sits on the Costa Del Sol, in Torremolinos.

It has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a sun terrace filled with loungers – and for kids, there’s a big splash park.

It’s within walking distance of two beaches; Playa de los Álamos and Playa de la Carihuela.

With HolidayGems you can still book a full-board five-night holiday for a family of four for £401.65pp.

Flights depart on February 17 returning on February 22, 2026.

If you don’t want all meals included, you can book a three-night stay at the AluaSun Costa Park from February 18 with loveholidays from £189pp (with breakfast included).

Hold off until Easter holidays and you can get an all-inclusive break at the AluaSun Costa Park from £305pp for a family of four.

Flights leave on March 31 from London Luton returning on April 4, 2025 – you can book this deal through On the Beach.

One of Jenna’s top all-inclusive stays was in Agadir where she paid just £600 for her family of three at the time.

She said: “Allegro Agadir was amazing, it was very cheap and cheerful and right on the beach.

“It was just the three of us at the time and we paid £600 for a five-night all-inclusive.

“That didn’t include flights though, we did it DIY.”

The hotel is a short walk from the beach where there are complimentary sunbeds for hotel guests.

There are also two outdoor pools including one for children along with a buffet restaurant and three bars.

On Booking.com a family of four can stay at the Allegra Agadir for three-nights at £601 with an all-inclusive deal (flights not included) from February 16, 2026.

This works out at just £50pppn.

If you book in advance now for October half-term a family of four can stay at the Allegra Agadir from £972 with an all-inclusive deal (flights not included) – which works out at £48pppn.

Or, a five-night all-inclusive package with loveholidays starts from £589pp with flights departing on October 26, 2026.

Another top pick when it comes to hotels for Jenna was the GF Victoria in Tenerife.

She told us: “It was fantastic and so good for families, especially the restaurant.

“There was a play area right next door with a glass wall. So when the kids start whining they’re finished and want to get up and go – you can finish your meal and let them play.

“There was a huge kids’ buffet with all the beige stuff they love. And there was a baby club along with a kids’ club.

“It was a holiday for us rather than a promotion, but I ended up promoting it anyway because it was such a great place – I had to tell everyone about it.”

Guests can enjoy the great weather in Tenerife at one of the four swimming pools, splash park and aqua park.

Inside is a baby club, mini club with a racing track, teen club with games like table football and air hockey.

There are also six bars and three restaurants across the resort all with children’s menus.

For more of the best best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week, head to thetravelmum.com

Jen Carr, family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, shares the best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week. https://thetravelmum.com

Jen’s new book ‘Yes You Can Travel With Kids’ is available launches February 12, 2026 and is available to preorder on Amazon.

For more on great family stays – check out the top-rated hotel named the best for families with colouring stations for kids and baby concierge.

And is this the best family hotel in Europe? The ‘insane’ resort has six floors of play zones, mini Land Rovers & a water park.

SUNSEEKERS heading to Hawaii must now shell out more money to cover a tourist tax hike.

Government officials have praised it as a new “green fee,” but opponents have slammed it as a “surf tax” which bumps up accommodation prices.

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed legislation last May to generate an estimated nearly $100 million annually.

The “green fee” adds about $3 per night to your bill if you’re booking a $400-per-night hotel room, according to Aloha Hawaiian Vacations.

“Some are praising it as a much-needed environmental investment,” it added.

“Others feel like it’s just another added cost at a time when tourism still hasn’t fully bounced back post-pandemic.”

Forbes described it last month as a “first-of-its-kind visitor levy in the United States aimed at funding climate resilience and environmental conservation in the state.”

The levy raises rates on hotel room, vacation rentals and short-term rental stays.

The government also wanted to charge cruise line passengers, but the new charge is being challenged by industry officials in a lawsuit.

Money raised through the tax is to be invested in climate disaster resilience and environmental protection, according to the government.

“Visitors are willing to pay a climate impact fee in order to support Hawaiʻi’s environmental protection efforts and preserve the beauty and cultural heritage of the islands for future generations,” it explained last May.

SURF TAX

But, some tourists have resisted what they’re calling a “surf tax” said the Robb Report.

There’s also been some negative comments on social media, where it’s been slammed as a “money making” venture, and a “disgusting cash grab” which will “make Hawaii even more unaffordable.”

“We have no emissions testing on cars in Hawaii, but now we’re suddenly concerned about pollution and are going to place a climate tax on tourists?” asked one resident.

“This is about greed and incompetence, not the environment.”

Hawaii does not require a mandatory tailpipe emissions test – also known as a “smog check,” for vehicle registration, said Engineer Fix.

“Unlike many states that quantify pollutants like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, Hawaii does not perform this type of performance-based assessment.”

Visitors have been charged the new levy since January 1, after it was signed into law last May.

The tax was prompted by recent natural disasters, including the 2023 Maui wildfires that killed more than 100 people and destroyed thousands of structures.

It raises the state’s transient accommodations tax (TAT) by 0.75% for a total of 11% placed upon the nightly lodging rate, said the governor last May.

Prior to its approval, officials had signaled hopes to slug tourists $40 to raise “$200 million in conservation workforce revenue.”

However Senate Bill 1396 instead increased the TAT rate by a more modest 0.75% – rather than a higher fee.

Supporters are thrilled that money raised will be spent on projects such as replenishing beach sand, coral reef rehabilitation, plus fire prevention projects.

“As an island chain, Hawaii cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action,” said Gov. Green last June.

“We must build resiliency now, and the green fee will provide the necessary financing to ensure resources are available for our future.”

The cruise ship industry has managed to avoid the fee – for now.

An 11th-hour reprieve was granted by the federal appellate court, reported Civil Beat on January 1.

“Judges upheld the cruise industry’s request that its ships not have to pay the new fee while in port — or to pay any of the visitor taxes already charged to hotels and vacation rental owners — while the battle over their inclusion plays out in court.

“That means Hawaii will see a 10% decrease in expected revenue from the nation’s first green fee while the injunction is in effect.

“That reduction would become permanent if the industry’s main trade group, Cruise Lines International Association, prevails in court.”