The IKFT Mark of a Kid Friendly
Welcome
Understanding the IKFT Awards.
The IKFT™ Awards identify 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels that demonstrate genuine attention to families with children. Each recognition level reflects how much verified evidence exists about a property’s family relevant features.
IKFT recognitions are independent evaluations based on evidence available at the time of review and cannot be purchased.
There are two main Badges types:
IKFT Recognized™, Foundational Level.
IKFT Verified™ , Onsite Verification.
IKFT RECOGNIZED
Foundational Level
The Online Assessment
IKFT Recognized™
This badge confirms that a hotel meets IKFT’s foundational entry criteria, evaluated through transparent, publicly available information.Our reviewers evaluate a hotel’s visible family features through verified public data sources. Our checks review the visible presence of:
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Guest experience indicators related to families
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Leisure or play opportunities for children
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Location Convenience: Assessing the property's proximity to family relevant attractions or natural features based on map data and reviews.
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Family dining options (breakfast and a main restaurant), Accessibility at entrance and room level, noting additional accessible areas when listed
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Pools or recreation areas suitable for shared use.
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Support services such as playrooms or babysitting.
Recognized status is not automatic. It is granted only by passing a minimum score of the Main IKFT Kidspecs™ during the revision, for the entry level of Bronze. The Recognized badge applies across 3★, 4★, and 5★ categories, ensuring fair comparisons within each class. IKFT thresholds are scaled by hotel category (3★/4★/5★) to ensure fair comparisons.
Platinum is reserved for hotels that maintain Gold Recognized Badge for two consecutive years.
Each assessment aligns with our proprietary Kidspecs™ criteria and independent scoring framework.
IKFT VERIFIED
Onsite Verification
The Onsite Assessment
IKFT Verified™
Only properties that are already IKFT Recognized™ may progress to the IKFT Verified™ level after a rigorous onsite assessment. IKFT thresholds are scaled by hotel category (3★/4★/5★) to ensure fair comparisons.
While 'Recognized' status is based on extensive online research, the IKFT Verified™ recognition represents a deeper level of review and requires completion of an anonymous, in person IKFT assessment.
IKFT assessments are carried out anonymously and independently; visit times and reviewer identities are not disclosed in advance.
Our auditors physically inspect the property against our full suite of 250+ IKFT Kidspecs™, covering comfort, and the practical reality of features at the time of the audit.
Earning Verified status reflects strong on the ground performance and offers families greater confidence when choosing where to stay.
Verified status requires meeting or exceeding the minimum Kidspecs™ score for Bronze level during the onsite audit.
The Verified Badge with ribbon can accompany any star class (3★, 4★, 5★) and any recognition level (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum).
Platinum follows two consecutive Gold years within Verified Level.
Future models will incorporate digital consistency checks and AI-assisted evidence mapping to complement human onsite verification.
Our current program covers hotels only; assessments for cruise lines and airlines will follow.
Fair Recognition Across Every Hotel Category & Pocket
The IKFT Awards recognise hotels that demonstrate genuine family suitability through independent IKFT checks.
To ensure fairness, IKFT evaluations are calibrated by hotel category. Expectations for a 3★ hotel differ from those for a 5★ property, and each follows its own scoring thresholds. This ensures that family-friendly excellence is recognized equally across every standard and budget range.
Each recognition belongs to one of two levels, IKFT Recognized or IKFT Verified and may reach Bronze, Silver, or Gold, depending on the score achieved within its class.
Platinum is reserved for hotels that maintain Gold for two consecutive years within the same level.
*IKFT™ awards and recognitions are based on information available at the time of assessment or IKFT audit and represent our independent professional opinion. They are intended as helpful guides, not as guarantees of service quality or personal experience. Conditions can change, and we encourage families to verify current details before booking. IKFT is not liable for discrepancies between our evaluations and individual guest experiences. IKFT recognitions complement, but do not replace, a property’s internal Quality Assurance or brand audit systems.
HOTELS
Our Two Levels of Recognition
To ensure fairness, our standards are calibrated by star class, as expectations for amenities and services differ for 3★, 4★, and 5★ properties. The final IKFT recognition is the result of a comprehensive analysis across several core categories. At IKFT, we believe in a clear and transparent process. Our awards are based on a rigorous 250 + kidspecs frameworks, but the way we gather evidence differs for our two levels of honor. Recognized status is earned through a deep analysis of public information, while Verified status is earned through a physical, in person verification. This framework will evolve to integrate semi automated review validation, AI supported crosschecks, and live reader feedback as our next development phase.
We combine manual evidence checks with technology assisted pattern recognition to ensure fairness and consistency across global data sources.
Below are examples of how recognition levels apply within each hotel class.
All recognitions are independent evaluations based on the information available at the time of the review.
No Guarantees of personal experience.
All IKFT RECOGNIZED Badges are awarded independently for 3, 4, and 5 star hotels.
All IKFT VERIFIED Badges are awarded If pass onsite IKFT audit for 3, 4, and 5 star hotels.
Below are examples of how recognition levels apply within each hotel class.
The IKFT Badge Matrix
24 recognitions across all hotel levels
12 Badges - IKFT Recognized™
12 Badges - IKFT Verified™
Above are examples of how recognition levels apply within each hotel class.
Our Methodology & Scoring
The IKFT Recognized
What we analyze online?
Our global team of analysts conducts a detailed independent review of each property’s public profile. We analyze official websites, booking engine descriptions, and guest reviews across multiple platforms. This is not a simple check; it is a meticulous data-gathering process based on verified public information and multiple family relevant indicators. We look for consistent, verifiable evidence of a genuine commitment to kid friendly travel. The main Categories We Analyze Online:
Public Information on Family Suitability: We search for stated policies and positive guest mentions of features such as pool fencing, balcony locks, and available in-room child-protection amenities.
Clarity of Accessibility Information: We evaluate the clarity and detail of a property's publicly available information regarding its accessible features, helping families with diverse needs make informed choices.
Evidence of Family Facilities: We look for high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and a strong pattern of positive guest reviews concerning playrooms, kids’ pools, and other dedicated family spaces.
Staff Readiness & Service Transparency: We analyze guest feedback for consistent praise of staff helpfulness towards families and check for clear online information about family services such as babysitting or concierge support.
These review areas form part of IKFT’s proprietary Kidspecs™ model, applied consistently across all properties.
The IKFT Verified
What we assessed onsite?
The IKFT Verified recognition can only be earned after a property is assessed through an anonymous, in-person visit. Our expert reviewers experience the hotel just as a real family would a mystery guest evaluation that tests how public promises compare to actual family / kids experience. During this visit, auditors physically inspect and verify the property against our full suite of 250+ proprietary Kidspecs. The Categories We Verify Onsite:
Physical Condition & Child-Friendly Features: Reviewers check that key areas such as play equipment, rooms, and dining spaces are well maintained, practical, and designed for child comfort and family use.
Practical Accessibility & Inclusivity: We observe whether access routes, lifts, and family facilities appear easy to use for parents with strollers or guests with limited mobility, and that information provided online matches the reality on site.
Family Facilities & Comfort: Reviewers observe the usability and cleanliness of family areas such as playrooms, children’s corners, or leisure zones, confirming that they function as described and are welcoming to different age groups.
Real-World Staff Interaction: Through our anonymous approach, we assess staff attitude and responsiveness to family-related requests, evaluating overall awareness, empathy, and readiness to assist.
These review areas form part of IKFT’s proprietary Kidspecs™ model, applied consistently across all properties.
*IKFT Awards highlight verified family suitability but do not represent safety guarantees or certifications.
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 rigorous assessment framework for the unique environments of commercial airlines and cruise liners. Our goal is to bring the same level of clarity and trust to the skies and seas, helping families choose their entire journey with confidence.
These upcoming programs will also integrate 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 reviewed for factual accuracy before inclusion and do not imply endorsement.
Badge Policy (Summary – 1st Edition)
IKFT Recognized™ and IKFT Verified™ are independent recognitions for 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels based on IKFT’s Kids First review model. Each award reflects information verified at the time of assessment.
• Recognized: Independent review based on public and verifiable information.
• Optional Hybrid Audit service available for deeper assessment.
• When an audit is performed, a Prove It summary is published.
• Verified: Available only to hotels already holding Recognized status.
• Requires an onsite audit (no hybrid option).
• Includes a public Prove It summary.
• Edition validity: Part of the May Edition each year; valid until the next edition is released.
• Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold. Platinum is awarded after two consecutive Gold years within the same level.
• Scope note: IKFT awards are not guarantees of personal experience or safety. They represent independent evaluations promoting inclusion, awareness, and responsibility in family travel.
FAQs
Can families contribute feedback?
“Yes. Verified™ guest feedback and traveler nominations help us identify properties for review and validate our findings. Public input supports the continuous improvement of our independent database.”
Think of it as a blueprint versus an in person inspection. IKFT Recognized™ is our expert assessment based on the property's public "blueprint" all the information we can meticulously analyze online.
Verified™ is the result of sending our auditors to the property to conduct a physical, "mystery guest" inspection to confirm the reality on the ground. For a parent, it is the ultimate peace of mind.
What is the main difference between IKFT Recognized™ and IKFT Verified™?
How do you assess properties for children with disabilities?
This is a core pillar of our mission. We analyze the entire experience, starting with the clarity of accessibility information on the website. We look for tangible, stated features like sensory-friendly spaces, adapted bathrooms, and staff awareness, presenting our findings in plain language so families can make informed choices based on the property's own information.
How does a property get an IKFT Recognized™ award? Do we need to apply?
We combine human expertise with digital verification tools and, in later phases, AI assisted data validation. This ensures faster updates and consistent accuracy, while every final decision remains human led.
How does IKFT use technology in its reviews?
You do not apply. 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, you are automatically considered for recognition during our annual review cycle.
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 child-focused, clean, and welcoming for kids within its category to earn a high rating.
Does an IKFT award guarantee I will have a perfect trip?
While our awards are a powerful and trustworthy guide, no rating can guarantee a perfect personal experience. Staff can have a bad day, or a specific room might have an issue. Our awards represent a property's consistent, high-level commitment to being kid friendly, giving you the best possible chance for a wonderful and comfortable stay.
How often are the awards updated?
We continuously review signals and release one public IKFT 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.