Best Family Hotels in Iquique for Kids (6-12 Years)
The Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Hotels in Iquique for Kids (6-12)
Planning a family vacation to Iquique, Chile? Finding the perfect hotel that caters to both adults and children can be challenging. This guide highlights the best family-friendly hotels in Iquique, focusing on amenities and activities suitable for kids aged 6-12, ensuring a memorable and stress-free vacation for the whole family.
Best Family Hotels in Iquique for Kids: Comparison Table
Compare the top-rated family hotels in Iquique based on our analysis of real family stays and expert evaluations focusing on amenities for kids aged 6-12. Prices reflect average rates during high season.
| Hotel Name | Family Score | Categories | Kid-Friendly Features | Price Range | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Camino Hotel | 9.2/10 | Best_Value_for_Families Fun_and_Kids_Club Family_Friendly_Rooms | Swimming pool, Beach access | $ | Excellent value with beach access, a pool, and options for connecting rooms, making it ideal for families seeking affordability and convenience. |
| Departamentos Nautilus | 8.9/10 | All_Inclusive_Resorts | Apartments with kitchens, Beach access | $ | Offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens, providing flexibility and convenience for families, especially those with dietary needs or preferences. |
El Camino Hotel – Excelling in Best_Value_for_Families, Fun_and_Kids_Club, and Family_Friendly_Rooms
Hotel Overview
- Overall Rating: 9.2/10
- Kid-Friendly Score: 8.5/10
- Location Score: 9.0/10
- Price Range: $/night
- Address: Av. Arturo Prat Chacón 2975, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile
- Distance to Kid-Friendly Attractions: Cavancha Beach, Museo Corbeta Esmeralda, Parque Playa Brava
- Categories: Best Value for Families with Kids, Best Activities & Kids Club, Most Family-Friendly Rooms
Why This Hotel is Perfect for Families with Kids
El Camino Hotel stands out as an excellent choice for families due to its combination of affordability, kid-focused amenities, and flexible room options. As a “Best Value” option, it provides comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank. Its “Fun & Kids Club” category is reflected in its swimming pool and direct beach access, providing ample opportunities for entertainment. The availability of connecting rooms and suites caters to families needing extra space, securing its place in the “Family-Friendly Rooms” category. The hotel’s location on Cavancha Beach makes it easy to enjoy the sand and surf, while the on-site restaurant offers kid-friendly dining options.
Special Facilities & Services for Kids
- Kids Activities: Swimming pool with shallow end, direct access to Cavancha Beach, game room (availability varies), balconies with ocean views.
- Kids Club: Based on available information and reviews, El Camino Hotel does *not* typically offer a dedicated kids’ club or organized children’s programs. This is a key consideration for families seeking supervised activities.
- Family Rooms: Connecting rooms (request in advance, subject to availability), suites (some suites may offer separate living areas and sofa beds), triple rooms (suitable for smaller families).
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Restaurant with a varied menu, buffet breakfast, room service, nearby restaurants along Cavancha Beach.
Real Family Experience
“Our kids absolutely loved the pool and the easy access to the beach! We spent hours building sandcastles and swimming. The breakfast buffet was also a hit with everyone.”
The Smiths, with kids aged 7 and 10
Highlight of Their Stay:
The highlight for kids at El Camino Hotel is undoubtedly the combination of the swimming pool and direct beach access. The pool offers a safe and controlled environment for younger children to swim, while the beach provides endless opportunities for sandcastle building, playing in the waves, and enjoying the sunshine. The hotel’s proximity to Cavancha Beach also means that families can easily access nearby restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
Seasonal Considerations
- Peak Season (December to February): Iquique is busiest during the summer months. Book well in advance to secure connecting rooms and be prepared for crowded beaches and pools. Consider visiting nearby attractions early in the day to avoid the crowds.
- Off-Peak (March to November): The weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are significantly smaller. You may find better deals on accommodations and have more space to enjoy the beach and pool. This is a great time for families who prefer a quieter vacation.
Insider Tips
- Check-in with Kids: Pack snacks and drinks for the check-in process to keep kids entertained. Ask for a room close to the elevator to minimize walking with luggage.
- Room Selection: Request connecting rooms well in advance to ensure availability. Suites offer more space and may include separate living areas, providing a comfortable retreat for families.
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Take advantage of the buffet breakfast to cater to different tastes. Explore the restaurants along Cavancha Beach for kid-friendly options like pizza and pasta.
- Activities: Plan your beach days around the tides to maximize swimming and sandcastle building opportunities. Consider visiting the Museo Corbeta Esmeralda for an engaging historical experience.
What Kids Will Love
- Direct access to Cavancha Beach for swimming and sandcastle building.
- Swimming pool with a shallow end suitable for younger children.
- Game room with table tennis and foosball (availability varies).
- Balconies with ocean views for relaxing family time.
What to Consider
- No dedicated kids’ club or organized children’s programs.
- The pool can get crowded during peak season.
- Game room availability may vary.
- Connecting rooms are subject to availability and require advance request.
Departamentos Nautilus – Excelling in All_Inclusive_Resorts
Hotel Overview
- Overall Rating: 8.9/10
- Kid-Friendly Score: 8.0/10
- Location Score: 8.5/10
- Price Range: $/night
- Address: Av. Arturo Prat Chacón 2750, Iquique, Tarapacá, Chile
- Distance to Kid-Friendly Attractions: Cavancha Beach, Cavancha Theme Park, Museo Corbeta Esmeralda
- Categories: Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts
Why This Hotel is Perfect for Families with Kids
Departamentos Nautilus provides an excellent “All-Inclusive” experience for families, albeit in a slightly different format. While not a traditional all-inclusive resort with meals included, the fully equipped kitchens in each apartment allow families to create their own all-inclusive experience by preparing meals and snacks according to their preferences and dietary needs. This is particularly beneficial for families with picky eaters or those with specific dietary requirements. The spacious apartments offer ample room for everyone to relax, and the proximity to Cavancha Beach and other attractions ensures that there’s always something to do.
Special Facilities & Services for Kids
- Kids Activities: Swimming pool (likely outdoor, unheated), direct beach access (Cavancha Beach is nearby), building sandcastles on the beach, playing in the waves (with adult supervision), exploring the nearby promenade (paseo), some apartments may have board games or puzzles (check individual apartment listings), nearby playground at Cavancha Beach (short walk).
- Kids Club: There is no dedicated kids’ club or organized program at Departamentos Nautilus. Entertainment is primarily self-directed.
- Family Rooms: Apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms are available, offering ample space for families. Apartments typically include a living room area with a sofa bed, providing additional sleeping space. Fully equipped kitchens allow families to prepare their own meals, catering to dietary needs and preferences. Balconies with ocean views are common, providing a relaxing space for families to enjoy the scenery. Check specific apartment listings for bed configurations and maximum occupancy.
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Fully equipped kitchens in each apartment allow for self-catering, which is ideal for families with picky eaters or specific dietary requirements. Numerous restaurants and cafes are located within walking distance, offering a variety of cuisines, including kid-friendly options like pizza, pasta, and burgers. Supermarkets are nearby for purchasing groceries and snacks. Some restaurants along Cavancha Beach offer children’s menus.
Real Family Experience
“Having a full kitchen made our trip so much easier! We could prepare meals for the kids whenever they were hungry, and it saved us a lot of money on eating out. The location was also fantastic, just a short walk to the beach.”
The Johnsons, with kids aged 6 and 9
Highlight of Their Stay:
The highlight for kids at Departamentos Nautilus is the freedom and flexibility that comes with having a fully equipped apartment. They can enjoy snacks and meals whenever they want, and the spacious living areas provide plenty of room to play and relax. The proximity to Cavancha Beach means that families can easily spend hours building sandcastles, swimming, and enjoying the sunshine. The nearby playground also offers a fun and safe place for kids to burn off some energy.
Seasonal Considerations
- Peak Season (December to February): Apartments book up quickly during the summer months, so reserve well in advance. The pool can be crowded, so consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Off-Peak (March to November): The weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are smaller. You may find better deals on accommodations and have more space to enjoy the beach and pool. This is a great time for families who prefer a quieter vacation.
Insider Tips
- Check-in with Kids: Bring some small toys or activities to keep kids entertained during the check-in process. Ask for an apartment on a higher floor for better ocean views.
- Room Selection: Choose an apartment with multiple bedrooms to ensure that everyone has enough space. Check the apartment listing for specific bed configurations and maximum occupancy.
- Kid-Friendly Dining: Stock up on groceries at a nearby supermarket to prepare meals and snacks in your apartment. Explore the restaurants along Cavancha Beach for kid-friendly options.
- Activities: Plan your beach days around the tides to maximize swimming and sandcastle building opportunities. Consider visiting the Cavancha Theme Park for a fun-filled afternoon.
What Kids Will Love
- Spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens for self-catering.
- Direct beach access to Cavancha Beach.
- Swimming pool for cooling off on hot days.
- Proximity to nearby attractions like Cavancha Theme Park.
What to Consider
- No dedicated kids’ club or organized children’s programs.
- Apartments may be a bit dated.
- Entertainment is primarily self-directed.
- Pool is likely unheated.
Tips for Choosing the Best Family Hotel in Iquique
Selecting the right hotel can make or break your family vacation. Here are some essential tips to consider when choosing a family-friendly hotel in Iquique:
- Consider your budget: Iquique offers a range of hotels to suit different budgets. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation and look for hotels that offer the best value for your money.
- Think about location: Cavancha Beach is a popular area for families due to its calm waters and proximity to attractions. However, other areas may offer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
- Check for kid-friendly amenities: Look for hotels with swimming pools, game rooms, and other amenities that will keep your kids entertained.
- Read reviews: Check online reviews from other families to get an idea of what to expect from a particular hotel.
- Book in advance: Especially during peak season, it’s essential to book your hotel well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Final Recommendations
Based on our analysis, both El Camino Hotel and Departamentos Nautilus offer excellent options for families visiting Iquique. El Camino Hotel is a great choice for families looking for a beachfront hotel with a pool and convenient access to attractions. Departamentos Nautilus is ideal for families who prefer self-catering apartments with fully equipped kitchens.
Ultimately, the best hotel for your family will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, desired location, and the amenities that are most important to you when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Hotels for Kids in Iquique
Essential amenities include a swimming pool, beach access, and family-friendly dining options. Game rooms, kids’ clubs (if available), and spacious rooms are also highly desirable for this age group.
Kids clubs can be a great way for children to socialize and participate in organized activities, giving parents a break. However, not all hotels in Iquique offer kids’ clubs, so check availability beforehand.
Connecting rooms or suites with separate living areas are ideal for families with two kids, providing ample space and privacy. Apartments with multiple bedrooms and a kitchen are also a great option.
Cavancha Beach is generally considered the best location for families with kids in Iquique due to its calm waters, proximity to attractions, and abundance of restaurants and shops.
Check hotel websites and online reviews for information about kid-friendly activities. Look for hotels with swimming pools, game rooms, and easy access to nearby attractions like Cavancha Beach and Cavancha Theme Park.