Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about IKFT, the directory, and IKFT Recognized™ badges.
Everything you need to know about IKFT Recognized™, our methodology, how we review hotels, and how to use the directory to find the best stays for your family.
What is IKFT Recognized™?
IKFT Recognized is the sole public trust mark for family-friendly hotels, providing free independent evaluation based on publicly available data with Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier assignments.
What does a Bronze badge mean?
A Bronze badge means the hotel has passed IKFT's independent family suitability checks. That alone sets it apart — most of the 215,000+ hotels and resorts in our initial scan did not qualify.
Are these awards paid?
No. IKFT Recognized status is free and cannot be purchased.
What does "IKFT" mean?
IKFT stands for International Kids Friendly Travel. It is an independent organization that evaluates and recognizes how well hotels meet the real world needs of families with children.
What are the IKFT Recognized tiers?
IKFT Recognized has four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Platinum requires two consecutive years at Gold level.
What are IKFT Kidmetrix™?
IKFT Kidmetrix™ are the detailed criteria we use to evaluate how well a hotel supports families and children. IKFT reviews may draw on 250+ IKFT Kidmetrix™ indicators. Review areas include: arrival/navigation, room practicality, bathrooms, dining, play/rest spaces, pool/leisure usability, accessibility, and staff approach.
What are the Main IKFT Kidmetrix™?
Seven core areas evaluated: family-relevant sentiment, family positioning, family dining signals, accessibility clarity, hotel operation standards, family facilities evidence, and location suitability.
What star levels are included?
IKFT currently reviews only 3★, 4★, and 5★ hotels.
How many hotels does IKFT scan?
Our initial scan covered over 215,000 hotels across our 27 launch countries. By the end of 2026...we expect the scanned scope to approach 300,000 hotels.
How many countries does IKFT currently cover?
IKFT launched in May 2026 across 27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
How does IKFT decide which countries and hotels to review?
IKFT follows a structured market expansion plan covering 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star properties, with progressive coverage and family/hotel nomination opportunities.
How often are awards updated?
International Kids Friendly Travel publishes one annual Edition each year. The 2026 Inaugural Edition launches in May.
How often are hotels reviewed?
Recognitions remain valid until the next IKFT Edition. From 2027, all properties are reevaluated at the annual May Edition.
Does a Gold badge mean the same in every country?
Not exactly. IKFT assessments are calibrated by both star category and country.
How do you assess 3-star versus 5-star hotels?
Excellence is possible at every level. Scoring is calibrated by star category.
Why do some hotels have different tiers despite same star ratings?
Family suitability extends beyond star classification; two identically-rated properties may differ significantly in accommodating families based on evidence strength across Kidmetrix areas.
How does IKFT use technology in reviews?
We combine human expertise with digital verification tools, and in later phases AI-assisted data validation.
Is the list of IKFT Kidmetrix™ public?
You can see what we review, but not every technical detail. We do not publish the complete checklist or scoring notes.
How does scoring work?
IKFT explains its review method and publishes clear results — recognition level, date, and scope notes. Exact weights and pass thresholds remain confidential.
Does an IKFT award guarantee a perfect trip?
No. Recognitions are independent guides, not guarantees.
Can I rely entirely on IKFT badges when booking?
IKFT badges are independent guides, not guarantees. We recommend verifying key details on the hotel's own website or by contacting the property directly.
Where can I check if a hotel is current?
Always confirm a property's current status in the IKFT Directory. It is the official registry for IKFT Recognized levels, review dates, and scope notes.
How does IKFT consider accessibility and inclusion?
Accessibility and inclusion are part of every IKFT assessment. However, IKFT does not verify accessibility features onsite at the Recognized level.
Does IKFT consider all children ages and abilities?
Yes. IKFT evaluates family suitability across childhood from babies and toddlers through to teenagers and includes children with disabilities.
Are hotels assessed against same standard across countries?
IKFT assessments are calibrated by star category and by country. A hotel is assessed relative to the standards within its own country and star class.
How does IKFT fairly compare standard 3-star to luxury 5-star?
We evaluate properties fairly based on their official star category. However, our Kidmetrix™ system also considers the live market price.
Do you rely on online reviews?
No. Fake or incentivized reviews can distort what families see online. IKFT reduces reliance on unverifiable claims by using structured Kidmetrix™ signals.
Why isn't a hotel listed?
Possible reasons: outside current scope, not yet reviewed, insufficient public evidence, listed under different name, or status is Expired/Suspended.
Can I send a donation to IKFT?
No. IKFT does not accept donations or gifts. Work is funded solely through professional review and advisory services.
Can families contribute feedback?
Yes. IKFT Recognized guest feedback and traveler nominations help us identify kids friendly travel excellences for our review.