The IKFT Mark of a Kid Friendly
Welcome
Understanding the IKFT Awards.
The IKFT™ Awards highlight 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels that show a clear focus on families with children.
IKFT recognitions are independent family suitability evaluations based on information available at the time of review.
We issue two badge types: IKFT Recognized™ (evidence based public assessment) and IKFT Verified™ (optional anonymous onsite observation, available only after Recognized).
IKFT RECOGNIZED
Foundational Level
The Online Assessment
Evidence based public assessment.
1. Checks structured Main IKFT Kidmetrix™ criteria entry.
2. Uses publicly available information and traceable signals
3. Assessed at the time of review
IKFT VERIFIED
Onsite Verification
The Onsite Assessment
Anonymous onsite observation
1. Anonymous onsite observation by an IKFT auditor.
2. Confirms stronger performance against 250+ IKFT Kidmetrix™ indicators at the time of assessment
3. Available only after IKFT Recognized™
*The current program covers hotels only. Assessment frameworks for cruise lines and airlines are in development for future release.
Fair Recognition Across Every Hotel Category & Pocket
International Kids Friendly Travel criteria are calibrated by hotel category (3★ / 4★ / 5★) to support fair, like for like comparison.
Within each recognition type, badges reflect performance as Bronze, Silver, Gold and with Platinum only after two consecutive Gold years within the same recognition type.
Recognitions reflect information available at the time of review and are not guarantees of personal experience.
*IKFT™ awards and recognitions are based on verified information available at the time of assessment or IKFT audit and represent our independent professional opinion. They are intended as helpful guides, not guarantees of service quality or personal experience. Conditions may change, and families should confirm current details directly with each hotel. IKFT recognitions complement, but do not replace a property’s internal quality assurance or brand audit systems.
HOTELS
Our Two Levels of Recognition
Examples below show how recognitions can appear across hotel categories (3★ / 4★ / 5★).
*All IKFT recognitions are independent evaluations based on traceable information available at the time of review.
The IKFT Badge Matrix
24 recognitions across all hotel levels
12 Badges - IKFT Recognized™
12 Badges - IKFT Verified™
Our Methodology & Scoring
The IKFT Recognized
What we analyze online?
We review official websites, booking platforms, and multisource guest feedback for traceable family relevant signals, using the IKFT Kidmetrix™ framework.
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Family suitability information clarity
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Accessibility information clarity
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Evidence of family facilities and spaces
Focus areas covered (desk-based):
We look for consistent family‑relevant signals across:
(1) guest feedback patterns
(2) family positioning and room fit
(3) family dining fit
(4) accessibility clarity
(5) hotel category
(6) family facilities evidence
(7) family‑suitable location context.
The IKFT Verified
What we assessed onsite?
An anonymous visit using the IKFT Kidmetrix™ checklist, based on what can be observed at the time of assessment
Focus areas covered (Onsite IKFT Audit):
IKFT Verified applies 250+ Kidmetrix™ indicators across practical areas (examples) such as:
• Arrival & navigation with kids (stroller practicality, family flow)
• Room & sleep practicality (cot readiness, layouts, noise/light comfort)
• Bathrooms & baby/toddler practicality (family routines support)
• Dining comfort for kids (high chairs, kids options, allergy information clarity)
• Play & rest spaces (indoor/outdoor balance, calm zones)
• Pool/leisure family usability (where applicable)
• Accessibility & inclusion usability (step‑free practicality, sensory considerations)
• Staff approach & family readiness (observed service behavior)
Know a Great Hotel for Kids?
Help us discover the world's best kid-friendly hotels. If you've had an exceptional experience in one of the Country we cover presently, that is not listed, tell us about it. Your nomination can help thousands of other families travel with confidence. Your insight helps us refine our public evidence base and guide more families to the right stays.
*Nominations are reviewed for factual accuracy before inclusion and do not imply endorsement.
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Expanding Our Standards...
Cruises & Airlines
The principles of child comfort, inclusivity, and thoughtful design are universal. We are currently adapting our IKFT Kidmetrix™ for Airlines and Cruises. Launching beginning 2027.
These upcoming programs will also integrate an APP, digital assurance tools, remote verification models, and live traveler feedback loop.
IKFT Awards for Airlines & Cruises are scheduled
for release in **2027** for the Year 2026
Know a Great Airline or Cruise liner for Kids?
Help us discover the world's best kid-friendly Airlines and Cruise liners. If you've had an exceptional experience tell us about it. Your nomination can help thousands of other families travel with confidence.
Nominations are checked for factual accuracy before inclusion and do not constitute endorsement by IKFT.
Badge Policy (Summary – 1st Edition)
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IKFT Recognized™: evidence-based public assessment (hotels 3★ / 4★ / 5★).
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IKFT Verified™: anonymous onsite review/observation (available only after Recognized).
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Validity: part of the May Edition each year; valid until the next edition.
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Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold. Platinum after two consecutive Gold years within the same recognition type.
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Scope note: recognitions reflect information available at the time of review and are not guarantees of personal experience.