For a truly spectacular family vacation, you must book a truly spectacular hotel. To compile this list of the best hotels for families in the USA, we asked family travel experts to submit their all-time favorite American hotels and resorts for kids. Then we narrowed it down to the best of the very best. These accommodations aren't merely family-friendly — they're family-focused. The length to which these properties go to please young guests and their parents reaches far beyond standard hotel offerings. Let's pull back the covers and climb in to enjoy a good night's rest and an amazing hotel stay!
This story is sponsored by Travelocity.
Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (Photo credit: Don Johnston)
Table of Contents
1. Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Kim Bousquet Reiner, Oh My Omaha
The historic Grand Hotel is an all-inclusive property on Mackinac Island, Michigan. A stay at the Grand Hotel is like stepping back in time, where there are lawn games in the afternoon and a dress code for dinner. Children are welcome at a daily Afternoon Tea, featuring finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones, an array of pastries, and hot tea (plus sherry and champagne for parents) — all accompanied by live music. Kids will also love cooling off with complimentary snow cones at the Grand's large outdoor pool. The island is car-free, so families will want to rent bicycles or take a horse-drawn carriage taxi to explore the island from the hotel.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar (Photo credit: Fairmont)
2. Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Del Mar, California
Katie Dillon, La Jolla Mom
Families choose this five-star property for its impressive array of activities. Not only is Fairmont Grand Del Mar home to one of the only year-round kids clubs in San Diego County (for ages 5 to 12), but also the resort offers an onsite equestrian center, a roster of seasonal family programming, and a cool main pool with sand play area. Even the resort's Tom Fazio-designed golf course offers junior golf tees, complimentary junior TaylorMade clubs for kids to borrow, and complimentary green fees for ages 12 and under when they golf with adults. In summer, beach butlers take guests to and from Del Mar Beach with umbrellas, chairs, and water. No matter what time of year you visit, parents are sure to love ultra fine dining at Addison, one of San Diego's best restaurants.
Disney's Aulani Resort (Photo credit: Disney)
3. Aulani Resort
Oahu, Hawaii
Colleen Lanin, Travel Mamas
Always a family favorite, Disney's Aulani Resort is featured on Travel Mamas' lists of Best Hotel Pools in Hawaii for Families, the Best Hotels with Lazy Rivers, and Best Hotel Spa Pools. So, it goes without saying that this hotel has some truly incredible water features. But Aulani offers so much more for kids than merely its swimming pools, fantastic though they are. To start, it's the only hotel on the Hawaiian Islands that offers group childcare for kids as young as 3 (through age 12). What's more, Aunty's Beach House kids club is complimentary to hotel guests! Also included at no extra charge are open air movie nights, ukulele lessons, family craft-making, and live musical entertainment by local artists. Kids especially love the Menehune Adventure Trail — a high-tech scavenger hunt. Disney character breakfasts, Hawaiian-style makeovers for kids, and fire pit storytelling add to the magic of an Aulani stay.
The Resort at Paws Up (Photo credit: Sarah Hirsch)
4. The Resort at Paws Up
Blackfoot Valley near Missoula, Montana
Sarah Hirsch, Well Traveled Kids
Families looking for an extraordinary Montana vacation will find The Resort at Paws Up to be the perfect destination to unwind and reconnect. Staying at this resort is like having your own private National Park all to yourselves! With 37,000 acres of Montana magic, it’s amazing to escape to big skies, fresh air and old-fashioned fun. Choose between staying in luxury ranch homes or glamping in luxury canvas tents complete with multiple bedrooms, marble bathrooms, chandeliers, and camping butlers. Spend the day outdoors in the unspoiled wilderness under the big Montana sky doing amazing activities like riding horses, fishing, or playing water sports on the resort’s private island. Children will love spending time at kids camp playing with baby animals and exploring the great outdoors with new friends. Meanwhile, parents can spend a little time getting pampered at the spa. Each night is filled with fine dining, campfires, s’mores and unforgettable memories.
Four Seasons Hualalai (Photo credit: Four Seasons)
5. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Big Island, Hawaii
Nancy Besharah, Luxury Family Travel Blog
On Hawaii's Big Island, Four Seasons Hualalai makes a fantastic USA vacation destination for all ages. Active families will appreciate a climbing wall, tennis courts, and Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship golf course. When parents need a break, children will have a ball at Kids for All Seasons, a complimentary club for guests ages 5 to 12. Older kids can get in on the fun during peak seasons at Camp Manitou, designed for ages 9 to 15. The resort also offers a choice of seven swimming pools. Families adore the infinity Sea Shell Pool with waterfalls, and the Keiki Pool just for little ones. Other highlights include a family-friendly Hawaiian cultural program and an expansive spa with salon treatments for kids as young as 4.
Basin Harbor on the shores of Lake Champlain (Photo credit: Basin Harbor)
6. Basin Harbor
Lake Champlain, Vermont
Keryn Means, Walking On Travels
Basin Harbor on the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont is like summer camp for kids, but the whole family can attend. While parents enjoy a game of tennis, time by the water, or a trip to the spa, kids are at morning camp with their friends. There are no electronics at this kids club, though. Nope, instead campers learn how to make catapults out of sticks and marshmallows, endless games are being played to introduce kids to each other, and friendships are being made. By the end of your first day your kids will be running off to say hi to their new friends while you sit back and connect with your own friends over a glass of wine, fresh lobster and a sunset over the lake.
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort (Photo credit: Disney Vacation Club)
7. Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget
Tucked away in Shelter Cove Harbor, Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a family paradise. The resort offers spacious accommodations — mostly two-bedroom condos where families have space to hang out. The pools, beach, fishing pier, hammocks, playgrounds and other amenities invite families to play outdoors together during the day. At night, enjoy songs and s’mores at the campfire or watch movies together under the stars. What makes the resort truly special, though, is the incredible resort staff. Many have been there for decades and know regular families by name. But, even first time guests will feel like family after a few days of fun games and activities with the recreation team.
Resort at Squaw Creek (Photo credit: Destination Hotels)
8. Resort at Squaw Creek
Lake Tahoe, California
Kirsten Maxwell, Kids Are a Trip
Resort at Squaw Creek is the ultimate getaway for families any time of year. During the winter, families can dog sled, ice skate, hit the slopes, or have a family day at the spa. In the summer kids will enjoy wildflower nature walks, biking to Squaw Village, and swimming in the resort pool. Their Mountain Buddies kids club ensures children ages 4 to 12 will have the time of their lives. With a stunning location not far from the shores of Lake Tahoe, it’s a destination with something for everyone.
Kids on the beach at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Photo credit: Kiawah Island Golf Resort)
9. The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Katrina Ellen, Mommyhood Life
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is an island-wide vacation destination packed with family fun. Accommodations range from beautiful suites at The Sanctuary Hotel to villas and even houses located around the island. This resort is the ideal spot to spend a vacation with extended family, with multi-level house rentals offering enough space for large groups. Amenities include playgrounds, pools, waterslides, beachfront access, bike rentals, kids camps and a wide range of on-property dining options. Kiawah Island Golf Resort also offers a constant line up of activities and events, from bonfires to marsh tours and archery contests. Annual holiday festivities such as tree lightings and turkey trots make this a great place to build family traditions.
Entertainment Courtyard at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel (Photo credit: Karen Heffren)
10. LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
Carlsbad, California
Karen Heffren, Desert Chica
Knights, wizards, and princesses can stay steps away from LEGOLAND California Theme Park, LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. After you are done exploring the theme park, let the kids play in the Entertainment Courtyard with nightly live entertainment, playground equipment, and outdoor movies. Children will love the separate kids' area with LEGO blocks and scavenger hunt in each room. Meanwhile, parents will appreciate free breakfast for the whole family every morning. Every room at this hotel is themed to please LEGO-loving kids! Choose from a Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess or Magic Wizard room.
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If you liked this story, you’ll love our round-up of the Best Beach Hotels for Kids.
What’s your favorite hotel for families in the United States? Let us know in the comments below!
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
There are some AMAZING hotels for families on your list! Each brings something really special, not only in amenities, but location and area they’re in.
Thanks! I really wanted to include a good mix of hotels from across the U.S. that have different amenities and qualities! So many good choices from these family travel experts!
These are some awesome hotels for families! I’m torn between several of them, as Hawaii has always had that fantasy appeal.
You can’t go wrong with Four Seasons Hualalai or Aulani! Mahalo!
“Basin Harbour Club”‘….that is my pick. Anything to do with bonfires away from home is the deal!
I love bonfires too! The campfire pic, though, is from Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. You really can’t go wrong with either hotel!
Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island seems like a good hotel. I should look it up and try to stay for few days.
Yes, you should! Or book right now through Travelocity! 🙂
these are some great hotel ideas for families! with summer break around the corner for my nieces and nephews, i will have to share these recommendations with them. thanks for the list!
Thank you for sharing the story, Sharon!
Thank you for putting this list together. It helps narrow down our list for summer destinations. I always dreamed of visiting Hawaii, however, if we can’t make it this year, I’d be perfectly content with exploring The Resorts at Paws Up.
You really can’t go wrong with Four Seasons Hualalai, Disney’s Aulani, or The Resort at Paws Up! All fabulous choices!
These sound like some amazing hotels. This is a great list! Thanks for sharing.
So many good options — glad you like our list!
What a fantastic list of hotels in the United States! I would love to stay at the Legoland Castle hotel when my family and I visit California.
Enjoy LEGOLAND and the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel! It really is a dream-come-true for kids!
I want to take a US tour someday. There is so much to do and see in this beautiful country.
I’m with you…a grand U.S. tour would be amazing! Especially if you get to stay at incredible hotels like these!
Wow! These hotels and resorts look amazing! I think my favorites are The Resort at Paws Up at Blackfoot Valley near Missoula, Montana and Basin Harbor! Because, hello beach and marshmallows!
Ha! I love the beach and marshmallows too! Happy travels!
Traveling with children can be difficult and so finding a hotel that offers the comforts of home is imperative. I will share this with friends who still have kids at home.