While hotels are just a piece of your family vacation, I find that they can really make a huge impact on whether or not you have an enjoyable experience. Find a hotel with great kids’ programs and amenities, and you have much more than a place to sleep at night. While I’ve only visited a small segment of the total hotels in the world, I’ve definitely experienced some amazing family-friendly customer service. Here are my 12 favorite family-friendly hotels in the US and the Caribbean.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch Resort is one of the most family-friendly resorts I’ve visited, with an on-site daycare and kids’ camp available daily. While we always visit in the summer, it’s also a fabulous ski resort as well.
Seaport Hotel Boston
This independent hotel in Boston features lots of kid-friendly packages, including one that offers tickets to the Boston Children’s Museum. The on-site restaurant, Aura, also frequently has family-friendly dining on Friday nights.
Grand Hyatt Kauai, Hawaii
I’ve actually never visited this hotel with children (we stayed here on our honeymoon), but I really hope to someday. There’s plenty for kids to go, including Camp Hyatt, a giant pool, activities especially for family.
Westin Kierland Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona
My kids love activities at the Westin Kierland Resort, including the “Kids’ in the Kitchen program, the lazy river, the zoo programs, and the kids’ scavenger hunt. There’s so much for them to do, and since I already love Westin Hotels, it’s a great place for us to stay.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Arizona
The kids camp, as well as the pools, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess are just phenomenal. All of the restaurants are kid-friendly, and one of the restaurants even offers a kid’s room to keep little ones occupied while waiting for their food.
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Hawaii
I had the chance to visit Aulani back when it was still under construction, and I can’t wait to see it finished. As you may expect from a Disney Resort, everything from the lobby to the restaurants is made with little ones in mind.
Beach Club/Yacht Club Disney World
I’ve stayed at almost every Walt Disney World Resort hotel, but my favorite is the Beach Club, which, along with its sister resort (the Yacht Club), offers the best pool area on property. Since we often dine in the World Showcase of Epcot at night, the Beach Club offers the most convenient location.
The White Elephant Hotel, Nantucket, MA
The White Elephant Hotel Residences, in Nantucket, MA, are the perfect spot for families visiting Nantucket. The residences offer suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and the location, right across from Children’s Beach, is fabulous.
Whiteface Lodge, Lake Place, NY
The Whiteface Lodge is the first hotel I reviewed as a blogger, and it’s still one of my favorites. There are numerous kids’ activities, kids’ camps, and s’more making in the evenings.
Park Hyatt Aviara Carlsbad, CA
This hotel, a former Four Seasons, is conveniently located near a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and Disneyland. The hotel itself offers Camp Hyatt, a game room, and more.
Omni Berkshire Hotel, New York, New York
Of all the hotels I’ve stayed at in NYC, the Omni Berkshire is my favorite. It’s clean and modern, with great service. Best of all – the rooms are a nice size, which is essential when you are staying with kids.
Although I didn’t stay at the Ritz-Carlton when I traveled to the Cayman Islands, I did spend some time there while my daughter enjoyed their Ambassadors of the Environment program. There’s so much for kids to do here, and it’s the perfect place for mom and dad to relax.
