Top Family-Friendly Hotels in America
Planning a family vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation. You need a place that not only offers comfortable rooms but also caters to the needs of children and adults alike. Fortunately, America boasts a plethora of fantastic family-friendly hotels that go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the top-rated hotels across the country, highlighting their unique features, amenities, and activities that make them ideal for families. From sprawling resorts with water parks to cozy hotels with kids’ clubs, we’ve got you covered.
Choosing the Right Family-Friendly Hotel
Before diving into our list of recommendations, let’s discuss some key factors to consider when choosing a family-friendly hotel. After all, what works for one family might not be the best fit for another. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- What’s your budget? Hotel prices can vary significantly depending on the location, season, and level of luxury. Set a budget beforehand to narrow down your options.
- What are your children’s ages? Hotels cater to different age groups. Some have excellent programs for toddlers, while others are geared towards teenagers.
- What kind of activities are you looking for? Do you want a hotel with a water park, kids’ club, or organized activities?
- What amenities are important to you? Consider things like swimming pools, restaurants, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi access.
- What’s the location like? Do you want to be near theme parks, beaches, or other attractions?
By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a hotel that meets your family’s specific needs and preferences.
Top Family-Friendly Hotels: Our Recommendations
Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some of our top picks for family-friendly hotels in America, categorized by region to help you find the perfect option for your next vacation.
Florida: Theme Park Central
Florida is a perennial favorite for family vacations, thanks to its world-renowned theme parks and beautiful beaches. Here are a few standout hotels in the Sunshine State:
Nickelodeon Suites Resort (Orlando)
While technically rebranded as Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort legacy lives on in its family-friendly atmosphere and impressive water park. This resort is a dream come true for kids, with themed suites, live entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to meet their favorite Nickelodeon characters. The water park features slides, pools, and interactive water play areas, ensuring hours of fun for the whole family.
This hotel focuses entirely on creating a fun, immersive experience. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped for families, offering separate living areas and kitchenettes. While the brand has changed, the commitment to family entertainment remains.
Key Amenities: Water park, themed suites, live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, multiple dining options.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (Orlando)
Located at Universal Orlando Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Florida. This stunning hotel features a picturesque harbor, cobblestone streets, and charming Italian architecture. Guests enjoy exclusive benefits, such as early park admission and complimentary water taxi service to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The hotel also boasts multiple swimming pools, a kids’ club, and a variety of dining options, making it a perfect choice for families.
The ambiance here is more relaxed and sophisticated than some other theme park hotels, but it still caters exceptionally well to families. The “Despicable Me” themed suites are a big hit with younger children.
Key Amenities: Early park admission, complimentary water taxi, multiple swimming pools, kids’ club, Italian-themed dining.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
For families seeking luxury and unparalleled service, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is an excellent choice. Situated within the Golden Oak residential community at Walt Disney World Resort, this hotel offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Guests can enjoy a private water park, multiple swimming pools, a kids’ club, and a championship golf course. The hotel also features a variety of dining options, from casual poolside fare to fine dining experiences.
While the price point is higher, the level of service and the sheer number of amenities make this a truly exceptional family vacation destination. The kids’ club is highly regarded, and the adult amenities allow parents to relax and unwind as well.
Key Amenities: Private water park, multiple swimming pools, kids’ club, championship golf course, fine dining options, Disney planning center.
California: Beaches and Entertainment
California offers a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches to world-class entertainment. Here are a few family-friendly hotels to consider:
Great Wolf Lodge (Various Locations in California)
Great Wolf Lodge is a popular chain of indoor water park resorts that are perfect for families with kids of all ages. Each location features a massive indoor water park with slides, pools, and water play areas. The resorts also offer a variety of other activities, such as arcades, mini-golf, and live entertainment. The themed suites are a hit with children, and the all-inclusive packages make it easy to budget for your vacation.
The convenience of having everything under one roof is a major draw for families. While it can get crowded, the sheer amount of entertainment available makes it a worthwhile option.
Key Amenities: Indoor water park, arcade, mini-golf, live entertainment, themed suites, all-inclusive packages.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa (San Diego)
Located on a private island in Mission Bay, Paradise Point Resort & Spa offers a secluded and relaxing escape for families. This sprawling resort features lush gardens, five swimming pools, a private beach, and a variety of water sports activities. Guests can also enjoy a kids’ club, a spa, and multiple dining options. The bungalows and suites offer plenty of space for families to spread out and relax.
The island setting provides a unique and tranquil atmosphere, making it a great choice for families who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some quality time together. The resort offers a wide range of activities, ensuring that everyone will find something to enjoy.
Key Amenities: Private island location, multiple swimming pools, private beach, water sports activities, kids’ club, spa, multiple dining options.
Disneyland Hotel (Anaheim)
For the ultimate Disney experience, stay at the Disneyland Hotel. This iconic hotel is located just steps away from Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, offering convenient access to all the magic. The hotel features themed suites, multiple swimming pools, and a variety of dining options. Guests also enjoy exclusive benefits, such as early entry to the parks and access to Disney character meet-and-greets.
While it’s one of the more expensive options, the convenience and the immersive Disney experience make it a worthwhile splurge for many families. The themed pools and the overall attention to detail are truly impressive.
Key Amenities: Proximity to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, themed suites, multiple swimming pools, character dining, early entry to the parks.
Hawaii: Island Paradise
Hawaii is a dream destination for many families, offering stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a rich culture. Here are a few family-friendly hotels to consider on the Hawaiian Islands:
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa (Oahu)
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, combines the magic of Disney with the beauty of Hawaii. This resort features a stunning beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, and a water park. Guests can also enjoy a variety of Hawaiian cultural activities, such as lei making and storytelling. The kids’ club offers supervised activities for children of all ages, and the resort also features a spa and multiple dining options.
The Disney touches are subtle and well-integrated, allowing guests to experience the beauty of Hawaii while still enjoying the familiar Disney magic. The pools and water park are particularly impressive.
Key Amenities: Beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, lazy river, water park, Hawaiian cultural activities, kids’ club, spa, multiple dining options, Disney character meet-and-greets.
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Maui)
Grand Wailea is a luxurious resort located on the beautiful Wailea Beach in Maui. This resort features a sprawling water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river. Guests can also enjoy a variety of other activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and golfing. The kids’ club offers supervised activities for children of all ages, and the resort also features a spa and multiple dining options.
The water park is a major draw for families, and the resort also offers a wide range of other activities to keep everyone entertained. The location on Wailea Beach is simply stunning.
Key Amenities: Beachfront location, water park, multiple swimming pools, lazy river, snorkeling, scuba diving, golf, kids’ club, spa, multiple dining options.
The Fairmont Orchid (Big Island)
The Fairmont Orchid is a beautiful resort located on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. This resort features a stunning beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, and a variety of water sports activities. Guests can also enjoy a kids’ club, a spa, and multiple dining options. The resort is known for its commitment to sustainability and its efforts to preserve the local environment.
The Fairmont Orchid offers a more relaxed and authentic Hawaiian experience than some of the larger resorts. The emphasis on sustainability is a major plus for environmentally conscious families.
Key Amenities: Beachfront location, multiple swimming pools, water sports activities, kids’ club, spa, multiple dining options, commitment to sustainability.
Northeast: History and Charm
The Northeast offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are a few family-friendly hotels to consider in this region:
Woodloch Pines Resort (Hawley, Pennsylvania)
Woodloch Pines Resort is an all-inclusive family resort located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. This resort offers a wide range of activities, including swimming pools, water sports, a golf course, and a variety of games and contests. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and a variety of dining options. The resort is known for its friendly staff and its commitment to providing a memorable experience for families.
The all-inclusive nature of Woodloch Pines makes it easy to budget for your vacation, and the sheer number of activities ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a great option for families who want a fun and active vacation.
Key Amenities: All-inclusive resort, multiple swimming pools, water sports, golf course, live entertainment, variety of activities, family-friendly atmosphere.
Omni Mount Washington Hotel (Bretton Woods, New Hampshire)
The Omni Mount Washington Hotel is a historic grand hotel located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a variety of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and golfing. Guests can also enjoy multiple swimming pools, a spa, and multiple dining options. The hotel is known for its elegant architecture and its commitment to providing a luxurious experience for guests.
The Omni Mount Washington Hotel offers a blend of history, luxury, and outdoor recreation. It’s a great option for families who want to explore the beauty of the White Mountains and enjoy a comfortable and elegant stay.
Key Amenities: Historic hotel, stunning mountain views, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, golf, multiple swimming pools, spa, multiple dining options.
The Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing, New York)
Located on Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains, The Sagamore Resort offers a classic lakeside vacation experience. This historic resort features a stunning waterfront location, multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and a variety of water sports activities. Guests can also enjoy a golf course, a spa, and multiple dining options. The resort is known for its beautiful setting and its commitment to providing a memorable experience for families.
The Sagamore Resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. The lakeside setting is beautiful, and the resort offers a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Key Amenities: Waterfront location, multiple swimming pools, private beach, water sports activities, golf course, spa, multiple dining options, historic charm.
Midwest: Family Fun and Adventure
The Midwest offers a surprising array of family-friendly attractions, from theme parks to natural wonders. Here are a few hotels to consider:
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions (Various Locations)
Similar to Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions are known for their massive indoor water parks. These resorts offer a wide range of slides, pools, and water play areas, as well as other activities such as arcades, mini-golf, and live entertainment. The themed suites are a hit with children, and the resorts often offer special packages and deals.
Kalahari resorts tend to be very large and busy, but they offer a ton of entertainment for families. The indoor water parks are open year-round, making them a great option for vacations any time of year.
Key Amenities: Indoor water park, arcade, mini-golf, live entertainment, themed suites, multiple dining options, convention center.
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin)
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa offers a blend of luxury and family fun in a beautiful Wisconsin setting. This resort features two championship golf courses, a water park, multiple swimming pools, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options and activities such as horseback riding and skiing (in the winter). The resort offers a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to spacious villas.
Grand Geneva offers something for everyone, from golf and spa treatments for adults to water park fun for kids. The resort is well-maintained and offers excellent service.
Key Amenities: Two championship golf courses, water park, multiple swimming pools, spa, horseback riding, skiing, multiple dining options.
French Lick Springs Hotel (French Lick, Indiana)
The French Lick Springs Hotel is a historic hotel located in French Lick, Indiana. This grand hotel offers a luxurious experience with a touch of history. It features multiple swimming pools, a spa, a casino, and two championship golf courses. Families can also enjoy activities such as bowling and horseback riding. The hotel offers a variety of dining options, from casual fare to fine dining.
The French Lick Springs Hotel offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and family fun. The hotel is beautifully restored and offers a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Key Amenities: Historic hotel, multiple swimming pools, spa, casino, two championship golf courses, bowling, horseback riding, multiple dining options.
Southwest: Adventure and Scenery
The Southwest offers stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor adventures. Here are a few family-friendly hotels to consider:
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa (Phoenix, Arizona)
The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. This resort features multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, a water park, and two championship golf courses. Guests can also enjoy a spa, multiple dining options, and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
The JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and relaxing experience with plenty of activities for families. The water park and lazy river are particularly popular with kids.
Key Amenities: Multiple swimming pools, lazy river, water park, two championship golf courses, spa, multiple dining options, hiking, biking.
Tanque Verde Ranch (Tucson, Arizona)
Tanque Verde Ranch is a historic guest ranch located in Tucson, Arizona. This ranch offers a unique and authentic Western experience. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The ranch also features multiple swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of dining options. The accommodations range from cozy casitas to spacious guest houses.
Tanque Verde Ranch offers a truly unique and memorable experience for families. The horseback riding and other outdoor activities are a great way to explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Key Amenities: Guest ranch, horseback riding, hiking, multiple swimming pools, spa, multiple dining options, authentic Western experience.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa (Lost Pines, Texas)
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is a sprawling resort located near Austin, Texas. This resort offers a wide range of activities, including a water park, multiple swimming pools, a golf course, and a spa. Guests can also enjoy horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The resort offers a variety of dining options, from casual fare to fine dining.
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa offers something for everyone in a beautiful Texas setting. The water park and other activities make it a great choice for families.
Key Amenities: Water park, multiple swimming pools, golf course, spa, horseback riding, hiking, multiple dining options.
Tips for a Successful Family Hotel Stay
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect family-friendly hotel, here are a few tips to help ensure a successful and enjoyable stay:
- Pack smart. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits, and comfortable shoes. If you’re traveling with young children, pack their favorite toys and snacks.
- Plan ahead. Make reservations for popular activities and restaurants in advance, especially during peak season.
- Take advantage of hotel amenities. Utilize the swimming pools, kids’ club, and other amenities to keep everyone entertained.
- Set realistic expectations. Remember that things don’t always go as planned, especially when traveling with children. Be flexible and try to go with the flow.
- Communicate with the hotel staff. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance with anything you need. The hotel staff is there to help you have a pleasant stay.
- Establish a routine. Even on vacation, try to maintain some semblance of a routine, especially for young children. This can help them feel more secure and comfortable.
- Be prepared for downtime. Pack books, games, or other activities to keep everyone entertained during downtime.
- Take breaks. Don’t try to cram too much into each day. Schedule some downtime for relaxation and recharging.
- Capture memories. Take plenty of photos and videos to capture the memories of your family vacation.
- Most importantly, relax and have fun! A family vacation is a time to bond and create lasting memories.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect family-friendly hotel can make all the difference in the success of your vacation. By considering your budget, your children’s ages, and your desired activities, you can narrow down your options and choose a hotel that meets your family’s specific needs. The hotels listed in this guide are just a starting point. With a little research, you can find even more fantastic options that will create unforgettable memories for your family.
Remember to book in advance, especially during peak season, and to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities. And most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy your time together! A family vacation is a precious opportunity to bond and create lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come. So pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready for an adventure!