B2B FAQs

Does an IKFT Assessed audit guarantee a badge upgrade?

No. The outcome depends entirely on the evidence reviewed. Badge levels may move up, remain unchanged, or be adjusted downward if data accuracy or family suitability indicators have changed since the last review.

Yes. If you believe our public data analysis is factually incorrect, we encourage you to use our free Public Appeals Process to submit correcting evidence.

Can I try correct a "Recognized" rating without paying?

Does paying for an IKFT Verified™ audit guarantee we will pass?

No. Earning the "IKFT Verified" credential is based entirely on meeting the required standard during the independent, in person audit.

Why offer a preferred rate for Gold hotels?

Hotels that achieve the IKFT Recognized™ Gold level have demonstrated sustained excellence and alignment with our Kids First criteria. As part of the Gold Standard Pathway, they are invited to access the IKFT Verified™ onsite audit at a preferred partner rate. This benefit acknowledges their proven commitment and readiness it is an earned operational privilege, not a discount or shortcut. The audit process and results remain entirely independent and evidence based.

What is the difference between "IKFT Recognized" and "IKFT Verified"?

"Recognized" is our unsolicited opinion based on what we can see online. "Verified" is our definitive conclusion based on what our professional auditors have physically inspected in person at the property against our 250+ proprietary Kidspecs.

What if my hotel fails an "IKFT Verified" audit?

Our goal is improvement, not punishment. A hotel that does not meet the standard does not receive a public "fail" grade. Instead, you receive a confidential report and a prioritized action plan to help you improve. You can then schedule a re-audit when you are ready.

How often are the awards updated?

Update cadence: We continuously review signals and publish one public Edition each May. We also continuously monitor new guest feedback and will conduct interim reviews if we see evidence that a property's standards have significantly changed.

How are IKFT awards granted? Can a business pay to receive one?

No. The outcome is based purely on the evidence gathered. A badge level can be upgraded, remain the same, or be downgraded if the assessment reveals that public data was inaccurate. Our commitment is to accuracy.

If my "Recognized" rating seems wrong, is my only option a paid service

No. If you believe our public data analysis contains a factual error, we encourage you to use our free Public Appeals Process to submit correcting evidence.

How does a property get an IKFT Recognized™ award? Do we need to apply?

You do not apply but you can let us know about your Hotel to take us in consideration. Our global team of analysts is constantly scanning public data. If your property consistently demonstrates a high standard of kid friendly features and positive, verified guest feedback, with a minimum scoring for the entry level, you are automatically considered for recognition during our annual review cycle.

How long is an "IKFT Verified" status valid for?

The "IKFT Verified" remains current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May). We believe in continuous high standards and require an annual audit for a property to maintain this prestigious credential.

How do you rate a 3 star hotel versus a 5 star hotel?

We believe excellence is possible at every level. Our scoring is calibrated by star category. We don't expect a 3 star hotel to have the same amenities as a 5 star luxury resort, but we do expect it to be exceptionally safe, clean, and welcoming for kids within its category to earn a high rating.

What do we actually get from IKFT, what are the deliverables?

You’ll receive (1) a structured scorecard mapped to Kidspec (our criteria framework), (2) a concise executive summary highlighting strengths, risks, and quick wins, and (3) a prioritized improvement plan with effort/impact notes. For IKFT Verified, you also receive a ribbon badge (unique ID) and a verification report tied to the onsite visit. These materials support training, owner communications, and brand positioning. IKFT Recognized outputs are desk-based; Verified outputs confirm real-world conditions at the time of review.

How disruptive is Onsite Verification to operations?

We design the visit to be light touch. Reviewers behave as typical guests, following normal guest pathways and public areas, with short observational checks in family relevant spaces (e.g., a playroom, stroller routes, dining). If staff interviews are needed, we keep them brief and pre-coordinated to avoid service disruption. Housekeeping, maintenance, and F&B routines should proceed as normal.

How long does the process take from start to finish?

For IKFT Recognized™, desk review timelines depend on public information completeness and market volume. IKFT Verified typically includes pre visit coordination, an in person review (1–2 days for most hotels), and post visit reporting. Turnarounds are influenced by hotel size and complexity; we provide a scheduling window during onboarding. (Payment covers the review process; outcomes are not guaranteed.)

How does star category fairness work in practice?

We calibrate thresholds by 3★/4★/5★ so a well-run 3★ property isn’t compared to a luxury 5★. For example, a 3★ with clear stroller routes, family-practical services, and accurate pre-arrival information can outperform a higher star hotel that under delivers on basic family suitability. Scoring remains like for like within each class.

What happens if we fall short of Bronze?

For any level, Bronze requires a minimum score, both for IKFT Recognized and IKFT Verified. If the score is below Bronze after an onsite IKFT Audit, you’ll get a practical improvement plan and the options to: (a) address quick wins and request a recheck window, or (b) schedule Onsite Verification after you’re Recognized, if you’re pursuing Verified. There is no guarantee of upgrade; improvements must be demonstrated.

How often do we need to renew?

IKFT Verified™ remains current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May). Onsite Verification is required to maintain status. IKFT Recognized is updated when public information changes materially or during routine review cycles. We may also recheck if we identify significant discrepancies or new public feedback.

How do you assess properties for children with disabilities?

This is a core pillar of our mission. We go far beyond basic ramp access. Our framework analyzes the entire experience, from the clarity of accessibility information on the website to the practical realities of the room. We look for tangible features like sensory friendly spaces, accessible bathrooms, and staff awareness, publishing our findings in plain language so families can make informed choices.

What are IKFT Kidspecs?

Kidspecs are IKFT’s comprehensive, child-focused evaluation system of 250+ criteria covering: room configuration and child protection elements, mealtime practicality, play/rest provision, accessibility and inclusion standards, information clarity, service culture, human interaction & atmosphere, and operational consistency. Mainly used for Verified levels. All scoring is calibrated by star category (3★/4★/5★) to ensure fair comparisons.

IKFT Kidspecs is the proprietary term we created.

It stands for Kid + Specifications = Kid Specs = Kidspecs

Is IKFT a “certificate”? Can we request a certificate PDF?

No. IKFT is a recognition and verification program, not a certification body. Outcomes are expressed through badges (with year/level and ribbon for Verified) and formal reports. Upon request, IKFT can provide a verification letter referencing the property’s unique ID and validity dates. Future certification style attestations may be explored, but no certification is currently issued.

How do you handle multi property groups or franchises?

We review each property on its merits because guest experience is location specific. Groups can coordinate scheduling and portfolio level insights, but outcomes remain property-level with their own unique IDs. Corporate level patterns (e.g., policy, training) can positively influence properties if they’re consistently delivered on site.

How do we use the badge correctly in marketing?

Use the assigned level and year beside your hotel name (e.g., “IKFT Verified Gold 2026”). The ribbon applies only to Verified. Badges must not be altered, stretched, or shown without the level. For OTAs or metasearch, include your unique ID in the media notes where possible; we can supply a short brand use guide on request.

Can IKFT help us before verification? (Hybrid/Assessed)

Yes, on the Business side we offer IKFT Assessed (Hybrid/Remote) to help hotels understand gaps and prioritize fixes. It’s not a badge, but it can prepare a Recognized hotel to pursue Verified more efficiently. Results are consultative and do not guarantee a verification outcome.

What are the Main Kidspecs?

The Main Kidspecs are the seven primary pillars we apply for Recognized (foundational) assessments. They organize the review into clear domains with sub-checks and minimum thresholds that determine both eligibility for Recognized™ and the badge level (Bronze/Silver/Gold) within the hotel’s star class. Properties that achieve Recognized™ may then seek Verified via an optional onsite audit that evaluates against the broader 250+ Kidspecs and confirms real world performance.

Can we see the full Kidspecs list?

You receive a full framework overview of the Main IKFT Kidspecs (7 pillars) used for Recognized, plus a representative outline of the broader 250+ IKFT Kidspecs applied in Verified audits. The technical checklist, scoring notes, and weightings are proprietary and not published to preserve independence and fairness across markets. IKFT Verified clients receive a prioritized improvement report outlining the most impactful actions but not the raw score matrices.

Why are scoring weights and thresholds not public?

Because our goal is real world accuracy, not “form filling.” Publishing weights would allow selective preparation and reduce objectivity. IKFT therefore keeps detailed scoring confidential while sharing the framework, methodology, and results.
Each assessment is:

Calibrated by hotel star class (3★/4★/5★)
Reviewed under governance oversight
Supported by an appeals pathway
Summarized transparently in the Directory and Prove It pages.

IKFT reserves the right to update its methodology periodically to reflect evolving family travel needs and accessibility standards.

Can I send a donation to IKFT? Can we contribute with some small benefits?

No. IKFT does not accept donations, gifts, or benefits from evaluated entities. Our work is funded solely through professional review and advisory services to maintain complete independence and objectivity.

Any attempt to influence IKFT’s evaluation processes through payments, gifts, or benefits is treated as a serious breach of ethics and may lead to exclusion from all IKFT programs.

How can IKFT be independent if hotels pay fees?

Hotels cover only the operational cost of evaluation never the outcome. All decisions are evidence based, made by IKFT’s independent review team under strict governance, and may result in upgrade, downgrade, or denial. Each recognition is time stamped and linked to a public Verification Summary for transparency.