IKFT Recognition Tiers
Understanding the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition framework.
IKFT Recognized™ Badge Matrix
One public recognition system. Every hotel is assessed independently using the same desk-based methodology and publicly available data.
Bronze
Core family suitability signals identified. The hotel has passed IKFT's independent family suitability checks — that alone sets it apart from the majority of properties scanned.
Silver
A stronger range of family-facing signals identified. The hotel demonstrates a broader and more consistent set of family suitability indicators across multiple IKFT Kidmetrix™ areas.
Gold
Strong & well-rounded set of family suitability signals. A consistently high performance across all IKFT Kidmetrix™ review areas within the hotel's star category and market.
Platinum
Reserved for future sustained recognition. Platinum requires two consecutive years at Gold level. The earliest possible Platinum recognition is the May 2028 Edition.
| Criteria | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment method | Desk-based, public info | Desk-based, public info | Desk-based, public info |
| Calibration | vs 3★ peers per country | vs 4★ peers per country | vs 5★ peers per country |
| Tiers available | Bronze · Silver · Gold | Bronze · Silver · Gold | Bronze · Silver · Gold |
| Platinum eligibility | After 2 consecutive Gold years (earliest May 2028) | After 2 consecutive Gold years (earliest May 2028) | After 2 consecutive Gold years (earliest May 2028) |
| Cost to hotel | Free | Free | Free |
| Badge validity | Until next Edition | Until next Edition | Until next Edition |
12 total badges across all hotel levels (Bronze/Silver/Gold × 3★/4★/5★). Platinum adds 3 further badges once first awarded in May 2028.
Hotel Experience Tags
Tags describe the style of stay — they are separate from the badge tier. A hotel can carry a badge and one or more travel mode tags.
Splash & Play IKFT Splash & Play
High energy, kids programming heavy stays. Water, ride, leisure, themed parks, water parks, pools or child focused activity signals, where available.
Nature & Retreat IKFT Nature & Retreat
Restorative stays where nature + comfort/wellness signals are present. Calmer, nature connected, outdoor, sports, wellness, or retreat-style family travel signals, where available.
City & Discovery IKFT City & Discovery
Balanced all rounders with strong fundamentals for kids and the adults travelling with them. City access, cultural discovery, practical location, or exploration-friendly family travel signals, where available.
Tags are not safety ratings, award tiers, or guarantees of experience.
Advisory Services
Advisory Services are separate from the badge process and do not influence recognition outcomes. Available services include:
- • Desk assessments
- • Hybrid remote reviews
- • Full onsite family readiness evaluations
Payment guarantees execution of the service only — not badge upgrades, score increases, or tier changes.
Fairness & Integrity
IKFT prohibits any inducement or advantage that could influence, or appear to influence, results. Auditors and committee members declare all conflicts of interest.
Appeals Process
Hotels that believe factual information in their assessment is incorrect may submit a Free Public Appeal. The Appeals Process provides a structured route to correct factual inaccuracies at no cost.
- • Free Public Appeals are available for factual corrections
- • Formal procedural appeals may carry administrative fees
- • All appeals are reviewed independently
Could Your Hotel Qualify?
Want to see if your hotel could receive the IKFT Recognized™ badge? Our initial online checks are 100% free, NO costs and NO hidden fees.
Check Eligibility — FreeIKFT Recognized is informational and reflects our published methodology and review process. IKFT does not assess or certify compliance with building, fire, health, safety, or other legal or regulatory requirements; such matters are outside the scope of IKFT Kidmetrix™. IKFT is an independent organization and not a government body. Recognized reflects an independent assessment based on publicly available information at the time of review. Results represent our independent professional opinion at the time of review and are not guarantees of personal experience. Assessments may contain errors or outdated information. Always verify details on the hotel's own website or by contacting the property directly.