How to Choose a Short-let Apartment When Travelling With Children

Posted on Thursday, November 5, 2026

Travelling with children requires more planning than travelling alone or with other adults. From choosing the right accommodation to ensuring everyone has enough space to relax, the apartment you select can significantly influence your family's travel experience.

For families visiting Lagos for a holiday, family events, business trips, or a short getaway, a shortlet apartment can offer the flexibility and comfort of a home away from home.

However, not every apartment is suitable for families with children. Factors such as safety, space, location, sleeping arrangements, kitchen facilities, and nearby amenities deserve careful consideration.

Here is what to look for when choosing a shortlet apartment for your next family trip.

1. Prioritise Safety and Child-Friendly Features

Safety should be one of your first considerations when booking a shortlet apartment with children.

A property may look beautiful in photographs, but it is important to consider whether its layout and facilities are appropriate for younger guests.

Before making a reservation, check for:

Secure windows and balcony doors.
Safe staircases and appropriate railings.
Secure electrical sockets and accessible wiring.
Stable furniture that cannot easily tip over.
Non-slip bathroom flooring.
Secure entrance doors and access controls.
A swimming pool with appropriate safety arrangements, if available.

If you are travelling with toddlers, pay particular attention to sharp furniture edges, low windows, balconies, and areas where children could accidentally access potentially dangerous equipment.

Do not assume that an apartment is childproof simply because it is furnished. Ask the property manager about its safety features before booking.

2. Choose an Apartment With Enough Space

Children need room to move, play, and relax. Booking an apartment that is too small can make a family trip uncomfortable, particularly when everyone is spending time indoors.

Consider the number of people travelling and how much personal space each person will need.

Look for:

Separate bedrooms where possible.
A comfortable living room.
Adequate bathroom facilities.
Sufficient space for luggage.
Room for children's belongings.
A dining area where the family can eat together.

A two-bedroom apartment may be more practical for a family than a single-room accommodation, depending on the number and ages of the children.

The objective is to find a space where everyone can enjoy the stay without feeling crowded.

3. Check the Sleeping Arrangements

A comfortable sleeping arrangement is essential when travelling with children.

Before booking, confirm the actual number of beds, their sizes, and the sleeping arrangements available.

Questions worth asking include:

Are there enough beds for everyone?
Are children's sleeping arrangements available?
Can a baby cot be provided?
Are extra pillows and blankets available?
Is there enough space for children to sleep comfortably?

If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, confirm whether the apartment can accommodate a suitable cot or travel crib.

Avoid assuming that a sofa can automatically serve as an additional bed. Confirm this with management before making your reservation.

4. Look for a Convenient and Family-Friendly Location

The apartment's location can make a significant difference when travelling with children.

A property that is far from essential services or popular destinations may require more time and effort to navigate.

Consider choosing an apartment with convenient access to:

Supermarkets and grocery stores.
Pharmacies.
Hospitals and medical facilities.
Restaurants.
Shopping centres.
Family-friendly recreational facilities.
Major roads and transportation options.

For families visiting Lagos, it is also important to consider traffic conditions when choosing a location.

An apartment close to your planned activities can help reduce unnecessary travel time and make your trip more manageable.

5. Make Sure the Kitchen Is Properly Equipped

Having access to a kitchen is one of the practical advantages of choosing a shortlet apartment when travelling with children.

Children may have specific meal preferences, dietary requirements, or feeding schedules that are not always easy to manage when eating out.

A well-equipped kitchen can make everyday meal preparation more convenient.

Look for:

A refrigerator for storing food and drinks.
A microwave for reheating meals.
Cooking appliances.
Plates, cups, and cutlery.
Cooking utensils.
Adequate food storage cabinets.
Clean water arrangements.

If you are travelling with an infant, ask about facilities that may help with preparing and storing meals safely.

You do not necessarily need to cook every meal, but having the option can make family travel much easier.

6. Check the Bathroom Facilities

Bathroom convenience is another important consideration, particularly when travelling with young children.

A family may need to use the bathroom at different times, so the number and layout of available bathrooms can affect everyday comfort.

Before booking, consider:

Whether the apartment has enough bathrooms.
Whether there is a reliable water supply.
Whether the shower has suitable temperature controls.
Whether the bathroom floor becomes slippery.
Whether towels are provided.
Whether there is enough space for children's toiletries.

For families with toddlers, a bathtub may be useful, but it is not essential if the bathroom has suitable facilities for their needs.

Always supervise young children around water and bathroom fixtures.

7. Confirm Electricity and Internet Availability

Reliable electricity is important when travelling with children.

You may need electricity for air conditioning, lighting, refrigeration, charging devices, and other everyday activities.

Before booking, ask about:

Backup power arrangements.
Air-conditioning availability.
Charging facilities.
Refrigerator operation during power interruptions.
Internet availability.

Wi-Fi can also be useful for entertainment, communication, and keeping older children occupied during quiet periods.

However, confirm that the internet service is available and suitable for your needs rather than assuming it is included simply because it appears in the listing.

8. Consider Entertainment and Recreational Facilities

Children often need activities to keep them occupied, especially during longer stays.

Choosing an apartment with suitable entertainment and recreational facilities can make your trip more enjoyable.

Depending on the property, useful features may include:

A television.
Streaming or entertainment facilities.
A swimming pool with appropriate safety provisions.
Access to a gym or recreational area for adults.
Outdoor relaxation spaces.
Nearby parks or family-friendly attractions.

You should also consider what your children enjoy doing.

For example, an apartment near recreational facilities may be more suitable for an active family, while a quieter property may work better for a family looking to relax.

Always confirm whether shared facilities are available to guests and whether any additional charges or restrictions apply.

9. Look for Laundry Facilities

Children can go through clothing quickly, particularly during outdoor activities, meals, and playtime.

For this reason, laundry facilities can be very useful when booking a shortlet apartment for a family trip.

Check whether the apartment provides:

A washing machine.
Laundry services.
Drying facilities.
An ironing board and iron.
A convenient place to store clean clothes.

If you are staying for several days, access to laundry facilities can help you pack lighter and manage your family's clothing more easily.

10. Read Reviews From Previous Guests

Guest reviews can provide useful information about the actual experience of staying in an apartment.

While photographs help you understand the appearance of a property, reviews may reveal practical details that are not immediately obvious.

Pay attention to comments about:

Cleanliness.
Security.
Noise levels.
Electricity and water supply.
Customer service.
Accuracy of the property description.
General comfort.
Maintenance and responsiveness.

If possible, look for feedback from guests who travelled with families.

You can also ask the property manager specific questions about facilities that matter to you.

11. Understand the House Rules and Guest Policies

Before confirming your reservation, make sure you understand the property's rules.

Some shortlet apartments have restrictions regarding visitors, noise, occupancy, swimming pool use, and access to shared facilities.

When travelling with children, it is important to know these details in advance.

Confirm:

The maximum permitted number of occupants.
Whether children count towards the occupancy limit.
Visitor policies.
Quiet hours.
Swimming pool rules.
Check-in and checkout times.
Any additional charges for extra guests or facilities.

Understanding these policies helps prevent misunderstandings during your stay.

12. Compare the Price With the Facilities Provided

A family-friendly shortlet apartment should offer good value, not simply the lowest nightly rate.

When comparing properties, consider the facilities and convenience included in the booking.

For example, an apartment with a kitchen, laundry facilities, multiple bedrooms, and convenient access to essential services may offer better overall value than a cheaper property that requires additional spending.

Consider the following:

Nightly accommodation rate.
Cleaning or service charges.
Security deposit, if applicable.
Additional guest charges.
Parking fees.
Facility access fees.
Transportation expenses.

Look at the total cost of the stay rather than focusing only on the advertised price.

13. Communicate Your Family's Needs Before Arrival

One of the best ways to avoid surprises is to communicate with the apartment manager before checking in.

Let them know that you are travelling with children and ask about any facilities or arrangements you may need.

For example, you may want to confirm:

Whether a baby cot is available.
Whether extra bedding can be provided.
Whether the apartment has suitable sleeping arrangements.
Whether there are safety concerns you should know about.
Whether the kitchen has the appliances you need.
Whether early check-in is possible.

Clear communication helps the management team understand your requirements and allows you to prepare properly.

Family-Friendly Shortlet Apartment Checklist

Before completing your booking, use this checklist to assess whether the property is suitable for your family.

Enough bedrooms and sleeping spaces.
Secure windows, doors, and balconies.
Comfortable living area.
Suitable bathroom facilities.
Functional kitchen and refrigerator.
Reliable electricity and water arrangements.
Convenient location.
Access to nearby supermarkets and pharmacies.
Laundry facilities or services.
Appropriate entertainment options.
Clear occupancy and visitor policies.
Transparent pricing and booking terms.

Final Thoughts

Travelling with children should be an enjoyable experience, and choosing the right accommodation can make a significant difference.

A suitable shortlet apartment should provide more than attractive interiors. It should offer enough space, practical amenities, convenient access to essential services, and safety features that support your family's needs.

Before making a reservation, take time to compare properties, ask questions, read guest reviews, and confirm the facilities available.

Whether you are planning a family holiday, attending an event, visiting relatives, or spending a weekend away, the right accommodation helps everyone feel more comfortable.

At LandMall Shortlets & Apartments, we understand that every guest has different accommodation needs. Our goal is to help you find a space that makes your stay comfortable and convenient.