FAQs
Can families contribute feedback?
“Yes. IKFT Recognized 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. IKFT Verified™ follows with an anonymous onsite assessment, where auditors confirm whether key family related features exist in practice. For parents, it offers greater clarity and confidence when choosing where to stay.
What is the main difference between IKFT Recognized™ and IKFT Verified?
How do you assess properties for children with disabilities?
Accessibility and inclusion are key focus areas within our reviews. We evaluate how clearly a property communicates its accessible features online and, when assessed onsite, check practical elements such as step-free routes and family bathrooms. Our summaries reflect what is observed or verifiable at the time of review, helping families make informed decisions.
How does a property get an IKFT Recognized award? Do we need to apply?
Our global team continuously monitors public data. Properties showing strong, consistent family relevant features and positive guest feedback are selected for review within our annual cycle.
Hotels may also express interest, but all recognitions depend solely on objective evidence and editorial independence.
How does IKFT use technology in its reviews?
We combine human expertise with digital verification tools, and in later phases AI-assisted data validation. This enables faster updates and consistent accuracy, while every final decision remains human led.
How do you rate a 3 star hotel versus a 5 star hotel?
Excellence is possible at every level. Scoring is calibrated by star category. A 3★ hotel is not expected to match a 5★ resort’s facilities but can still demonstrate strong child comfort, cleanliness, and attentiveness within its class.
Does an IKFT award guarantee I will have a perfect trip?
No. Recognitions are independent guides, not guarantees. Each stay depends on many factors beyond our control. They reflect how consistently a property demonstrates family suitability and child comfort at the time of review.
How often are the awards updated?
We release one public IKFT Edition each May and may conduct interim reviews when new verified evidence shows that a property’s standards have changed.
What does IKFT Recognized™ mean?
IKFT Recognized™ indicates that a hotel meets our foundational family suitability standards verified through transparent, publicly available information. Analysts review hundreds of data points from room features and dining to play areas and accessibility confirming that the property actively considers families and children.
IKFT Verified™ represents our highest level of evaluation, achieved only after an independent, anonymous onsite assessment. Reviewers visit the property to confirm whether family related features described online are present in reality. Verified hotels display the ribboned IKFT badge.
What is IKFT Verified?
Are these awards paid?
No. IKFT Recognized™ status cannot be purchased. Some professional assessments, such as Assessed or Verified reviews, involve a service fee that covers audit and reporting work only. Outcomes are determined solely by verified evidence and evaluation results.
How often are hotels reviewed?
Recognitions remain valid until the next IKFT Edition (presently renewed each May). Properties are reevaluated annually, and their status may change if new evidence or audits indicate updates positive or negative.
What star levels are included?
IKFT currently reviews only 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels.
These categories ensure fair comparison within consistent operational standards.
What does “IKFT” mean?
IKFT stands for International Kids Friendly Travel. It is an independent organization that evaluates and recognizes how well hotels, resorts, and other travel providers meet the real world needs of families with children; from babies to teens, including children with disabilities. Our mission is simple: Kids first, then parents. IKFT promotes genuine, evidence based family hospitality through transparent reviews, tiered recognitions, and practical consultancy, helping the industry build experiences where every child feels welcome.
Do IKFT awards guarantee a perfect experience?
No recognition can promise a perfect stay. IKFT assessments reflect an independent view of how well a property met family friendly indicators at the time of review. Individual experiences may vary.
Where can I check if a hotel is still current?
Always confirm a property’s current status in the IKFT Directory. It lists every officially Recognized or Verified hotel, along with review dates and scope notes.
How does IKFT assess accessibility and inclusion?
Accessibility is reviewed with the same attention as comfort and play. We evaluate ramps, accessible bathrooms, sensory friendly spaces, staff awareness, and communication clarity aiming to ensure every child, including those with disabilities, can travel comfortably.
Our initial markets include most of Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, the United States, the UAE, Japan, and South Korea.
Coverage will expand through 2026–2027 into Asia-Pacific (Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand) and more selected family destinations worldwide.
What regions are covered?
What are IKFT Kidspecs™?
IKFT Kidspecs™ are the detailed criteria we use to evaluate how well a hotel supports families and children in the Verified levels. They include 250+ checks across areas like room practicality, dining for kids, play and rest, accessibility and inclusion, and staff approach; focused on what genuinely improves a family’s stay.
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IKFT Kidspecs is the proprietary term we created.
It stands for Kid + Specifications = kid specs = Kidspsecs.
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What are the “Main Kidspecs?
The Main Kidspecs™ are IKFT’s seven core review areas used in Recognized™ evaluations. They act as the entry framework showing whether a hotel is broadly family suitable within its star class and which level (Bronze / Silver / Gold) it may reach. Once Recognized™, a hotel may choose to proceed to Verified™, which applies the broader set of 250 + Kidspecs™ onsite.
What star levels are included?
IKFT currently reviews only 3★, 4★, and 5★ hotels.
These categories ensure fair comparison within consistent operational standards. Future expansions may include serviced apartments and family lodges.
Is the list of IKFT Kidspecs public?
You can see what we review, but not every technical detail. We share the Main Kidspecs (7 core review areas) and representative examples from our broader 250+ Kidspecs to help families understand what we check, from room practicality and dining to accessibility, inclusion, and atmosphere. We do not publish the complete checklist or scoring notes. Keeping that part independent prevents “teaching to the test” and ensures fair, unbiased evaluations across all hotels.
How does the scoring work; why isn’t every point published?
IKFT explains its review method and publishes clear results recognition level, date, and scope notes. Exact weights and pass thresholds remain confidential to protect independence and prevent bias. Scores are scaled by star class and reviewed by our governance panel. IKFT Verified™ hotels also receive a public Prove It summary showing what was checked and when, giving families transparency without exposing internal scoring methods.
Can I send a donation to IKFT?
No. IKFT does not accept donations or gifts. Our work is funded solely through professional review and advisory services, ensuring full independence and objectivity.
Any attempt to influence IKFT evaluations through payments, gifts, or benefits is strictly prohibited and treated as a serious conflict of interest.