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. IKFT 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 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?
This is a core pillar of our mission. We go far beyond basic ramp access. Our framework reviews the overall family experience, from how clearly accessibility information is shared online to the presence of practical features such as step free access, family bathrooms, or sensory friendly areas. We summarize our findings in clear language so families can make informed choices.
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 comfort and protection, 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 IKFT recognitions are a useful and independent guide, they cannot guarantee identical experiences. Each stay depends on many factors beyond our control. Recognitions simply reflect how consistently a property demonstrates family suitability and child comfort based on the information verified at the time of review.
How often are the awards updated?
Our ratings are reviewed annually to ensure they are current. We also continuously monitor new guest feedback and will conduct interim reviews if we see evidence that a property's standards have significantly changed.
What does IKFT Recognized mean?
IKFT Recognized indicates that a hotel has met our foundational family suitability standards, verified through transparent, publicly available information. Our analysts review hundreds of data points from room features and dining to play areas and accessibility to confirm that the property actively considers the needs of children and families.
IKFT Verified represents our highest level of review, achieved only after an independent, anonymous onsite evaluation. Our reviewers visit the property to confirm whether key 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 recognitions cannot be purchased. While some professional assessments involve service fees to cover operational costs, all recognition outcomes are determined solely by the verified evidence and evaluation results.
How often are hotels reviewed?
Recognitions are valid for IKFT Verified remains current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May). Properties are reevaluated annually, and their status may change if new evidence or audits reveal 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. Future expansions may include serviced apartments and family lodges.
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, and 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 travel industry build experiences where every child feels welcome.
Do IKFT awards guarantee a perfect experience?
No award can promise a perfect stay.
IKFT recognitions reflect an independent assessment 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 evaluated with the same precision as play or comfort. We examine ramps, accessible bathrooms, sensory friendly spaces, staff awareness, and online communication clarity 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 to structure the Recognized evaluation. They act as the entry framework that shows whether a hotel is broadly family-suitable within its star class (3★/4★/5★) and which level it may reach (Bronze/Silver/Gold). Once a hotel is Recognized, it may opt to continue to Verified™, which uses the wider set of 250+ Kidspecs with onsite checks.
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 how we review and publishes clear results; the recognition level, date, and scope notes. However, the exact point weights and pass thresholds remain confidential to protect independence and prevent manipulation.
Scores are calibrated by star class (3★/4★/5★) and periodically reviewed by our governance panel. IKFT Verified hotels also receive a public “Prove It” summary, showing what was checked and when so families have 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 exclusively through professional review and advisory services for the travel industry, ensuring full independence and objectivity.
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Any attempt to influence IKFT’s evaluations through payments, gifts, or benefits is strictly prohibited and treated as a serious conflict of interest.