Family holidays are all about making memories, relaxing together, and enjoying quality time – but anyone who’s travelled with a mixed-age group knows it’s not always as simple as it sounds.

Picture this: a summer getaway to Greece with a family of six – Mum, Dad, their energetic 3-year-old toddler, a curious 13-year-old boy, a social 16-year-old girl, and a doting Grandmother. Each family member has different needs, interests, and paces – which can make coordination a challenge, especially under the hot Mediterranean sun.

Enter mobile ordering: the quiet hero that makes resort stays smoother, more enjoyable, and genuinely relaxing for the whole family. And not only does it cater to diverse family needs, it also improves operational efficiencies for the hotel too.

Here, IRIS, the global market leader in digital F&B, guest directory and mobile concierge solutions for hotels, showcases how this one small tool can enhance the family holiday experience:

1. Enhances comfort & hydration – without leaving the sunbed

Whether lounging by the pool or on the beach, staying refreshed is essential – especially for little ones and older guests who are more sensitive to the heat. With mobile ordering, drinks, snacks, meals, and even suncream are just a tap away. No queues, long walks or waiting in the sun – just uninterrupted relaxation.

And there’s no need to get everyone together, pack up and traipse to the restaurant at lunchtime – you can order and eat where you are, even at different times, and play time can continue!

2. Supports different dietary needs for every family member

Allergies? Preferences? Picky toddler? No problem. Mobile ordering allows each family member to customise their meals with ease – from dairy-free or gluten-free options to bland toddler-friendly dishes. It reduces stress and miscommunication while offering more choice for everyone.

3. Keeps teens engaged & independent

The teens can browse activities (think football practise, water polo competition, indoor gaming activities etc), check the resort schedule, or book excursions directly from their phones – helping them engage more independently with the trip and giving them more freedom.

Parents can view the same options (perhaps Mum wants to book a spa treatment or Dad fancies a go at scuba diving), make dinner reservations, and plan family time without queuing at reception or scanning bulletin boards.

4. Makes exploring stress-free

Whether you need a taxi, want to check the weather, browse the resort map, or uncover nearby attractions – it’s all at your fingertips on a digital guest directory. An app makes it simple – perfect for families navigating unfamiliar places and language barriers. Booking transportation or trips becomes effortless, especially when coordinating different needs and nap times.

Family-themed experiences, excursions and local hotspots are high on traveller’s agendas – make it easy for families to explore what’s around them in a handy app.

5. Offers total convenience at any hour

Holidays don’t always follow a schedule – and neither do families. Whether it’s a late-night snack after a long travel day, an early breakfast before a day trip, or a last-minute request for extra bedding or a cot, mobile ordering means help is always just a tap away.

There’s no need to wait for reception to open, queue at the front desk, or navigate language barriers – families can take care of everything from their phone, whenever the need arises.

It’s the kind of round-the-clock convenience that makes all the difference – especially when you’ve got a tired toddler, hungry teen, or grandparents who’d rather stay in and relax. Talk about timing it perfectly for every guest.

6. Everyone can relax, their way

On a family holiday, everyone will have different needs (and energy levels!) and will want to enjoy the resort on their own terms. Whether it’s food, amenities, or service requests – mobile ordering brings hotel service to wherever they are, without needing to wait in line, make a call, or coordinate with the front desk.

Grandparents may prefer a quiet meal in the room. Teens might want to snack by the pool while browsing social media. Parents might need to order an early breakfast for a toddler still on their home routine, or request extra towels after a beach trip.

It’s flexible, convenient, and puts the power of choice in the hands of every family member – making it easier to relax, reconnect, and enjoy every moment together (or apart!).

How this benefits hotels too

Mobile ordering doesn’t just delight families; it empowers hotels to operate more smoothly and profitably:

• Operational efficiency: Fewer calls, clearer requests, and faster service.

With the family self-serving, it reduces staff burden, automates routine orders and requests, and allows staff to focus on personalised guest services or priorities. Especially effective during peak times and popular hours.

• Increased revenue: Upselling is built-in and automated in the digital menus.

Additionally, the guest directory could advertise spa deals, room upgrades and events, promoting new aspects of the hotel to appeal to the different family members.

• Elevated guest satisfaction: Happier guests lead to better reviews and repeat bookings.

The added comfort and convenience of mobile ordering directly from their phones without needing to call or visit the front desk enhances guest satisfaction and perception of service availability.

The takeaway

Multi-generational travel doesn’t have to mean juggling chaos. With mobile ordering, hotels can create seamless, personalised experiences that cater to each generation’s needs – whether it’s a snack by the pool, a spa treatment, or a stress-free dinner in-room after a busy day.

For families, it means less effort and more joy.
For hotels, it means smarter operations and more satisfied guests.

For more information: www.iris.net/demo

About IRIS Software Systems

IRIS is a global market leader in digital F&B ordering, guest directory and concierge solutions for hotels, working with many of the world’s leading chains including Marriott, Ennismore, Mandarin Oriental, IHG and Four Seasons.

IRIS empowers Hotels and F&B leaders to do what they do best: increase revenue, look after their teams, and provide an outstanding customer experience.

Their flexible hospitality platform enables hotels and restaurants to provide a truly digital ordering experience to their guests, making it easier and faster for guests to browse, order and pay for items and services across multiple outlets.

Since 2010, thousands of hotels on every continent across the world have used IRIS’s mobile, tablet and web app technology to boost additional revenues by 20% on average.

More information: www.iris.net or [email protected]

Kate Fuller
Senior Marketing Manager
IRIS Software Systems

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