Family dining at hotels should feel effortless, enjoyable, and welcoming. By catering to the needs of parents and children alike, hotels can create experiences that leave lasting impressions.
So, let’s explore six thoughtful changes that can elevate family dining experiences when eating at hotel restaurants.
- Create Healthy Kids’ Menus
Kids’ menus often include items that are less nutritious, such as chips or sugary desserts. Hotels can change this by offering options that balance taste and health.
Instead of sticking to standard fare like chicken nuggets, consider adding dishes like baked fish fingers, veggie-packed pasta, or grilled chicken skewers with colourful sides. And swap chips for fruit or vegetable sticks to keep meals appealing but more wholesome.
It’s all about creating a menu that satisfies children’s tastes while giving parents confidence in the food quality and nutrition being served.
- Incorporate Seasonal, Locally-Sourced Ingredients
Families often appreciate meals made with fresh, quality ingredients. By focusing on seasonal food and locally-sourced produce, hotels can create dishes that are both nutritious and flavourful.
Seasonal menus not only provide healthier options but also showcase regional cuisine.
Offer items like fresh fruit bowls during summer or hearty vegetable soups (like pumpkin soup) in winter to highlight what’s available locally. Clearly label these choices as seasonal to draw attention to their freshness.
This approach supports local farmers while offering families memorable dining experiences rooted in authentic, wholesome flavours.
- Introduce Activities to Keep Children Occupied and Happy
Dining out with young children can be challenging. Hotels can ease the experience by providing engaging activities to keep kids entertained while parents enjoy their meals.
Simple options, like colouring books or small puzzles at the table, make a big difference.
For something extra special, consider a supervised craft station nearby or an interactive dessert bar where kids can decorate their own treats.
By keeping children engaged during mealtimes, families are more likely to feel welcomed and relaxed throughout their dining experience at your hotel restaurant.
- Ensure Family-Friendly Table Arrangements
Families need dining spaces that accommodate their unique needs. Hotels can make a lasting impression by designing layouts that are practical for parents and comfortable for children.
Provide high chairs, booster seats, and tables large enough to fit families without crowding other diners.
Spacing tables further apart ensures privacy while reducing the risk of noise disturbances.
And add thoughtful touches like wipe-clean surfaces or stroller-friendly paths to enhance convenience.
A well-planned dining area makes mealtimes smoother, showing families that their comfort has been prioritised from start to finish.
- Provide Ready-to-Serve Baby Food Options
Families with babies often struggle to find suitable dining options. Hotels can stand out by offering ready-to-serve baby food as part of their service.
Stock a selection of trusted, nutritious brands in various flavours and textures to suit different age groups. You could add Kendamil infant formula to the menu, as it’s of the highest quality and provides gentle nutrition for babies.
For added convenience, provide warming facilities or freshly pureed fruit and vegetables upon request.
Also, displaying allergen information ensures parents feel confident about what they’re feeding their little ones.
This small but thoughtful addition makes hotel dining more inclusive, easing the experience for families travelling with infants.
- Offer Allergen-Free and Customisable Meal Choices
Dietary restrictions can complicate family dining, especially with food allergies or preferences to consider. Hotels can address this by offering allergen-free options and customisable meals tailored to individual needs.
Provide clear menus that highlight common allergens like nuts, gluten, or dairy.
And allow families to modify dishes by swapping ingredients or choosing simpler preparations.
Offering diverse options ensures everyone finds something suitable without compromising on taste.
By accommodating these needs thoughtfully, hotels can create a safe and enjoyable dining experience where all members of the family feel cared for.