If you are traveling to a popular tourist destination, you are likely to encounter a variety of different hotel chains to stay in. As a family, you may wonder what the best hotel chains for families are.
In some cases, the hotel brands may be better as business hotels – especially in major cities. There are definitely some hotel chains that are better for families than others – but we always recommend checking out online reviews of the specific hotel to see if it’s appropriate for families, and to make sure it’s in the location you want to be in.
Here are the best hotel chains for families that we have encountered. This list of family hotel chains will evolve over time, and we’ll add to it as we have additional recommendations based upon our experience.
Disclosure: Over the years, we may have received complimentary or media rates at hotels that are part of these chains. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A click-through and/or purchase through these links may result in a commission paid to us.
The Best Hotel Chains for Families
Staybridge Suites
For those families that would like to have a kitchenette for their stay, Staybridge Suites is a great option. I stayed at the NYC Times Square location a few years ago, and was impressed with the room (decent-sized by NYC standards) and the complimentary breakfast.
I’ve continued staying at Staybridge Suites in recent years, and we’ve always enjoyed our stays.
There are many locations, and they offer studios and one—or two-bedroom suites. Having a kitchen is a great way to save money on your family vacation since you can prepare some simple meals.
Check out this link to see locations and reviews.
Great Wolf Lodge
I’ve stayed at several Great Wolf Lodge locations across America, and I’ve never been disappointed. You could easily spend your entire stay right in the resort. It’s definitely one of the most fun hotel groups for kids.
The indoor waterpark alone is enough to entertain kids for a day or two, but the resorts also offer other activities, including arcades, indoor mini-golf, MagiQuest, a ropes course, and a kids’ spa (activities vary by location).
Guests visiting the Great Wolf Lodge can also purchase a Paw Pass, which offers discounts on the activities. Prices and included activities vary by location. They also offer specials on occasion, so it’s a good idea to subscribe to their newsletter.
You can see reviews of the various Great Wolf Lodge locations here.
Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America is a chain with almost 700 locations. While the name may lead you to believe that it’s only for extended stays, this hotel chain is also great for families. Kids stay free, and guests receive complimentary WiFi and free grab-and-go breakfast.
In addition, you’ll have a kitchen, which can be used to prepare meals to save even more money. Check out this page to see current deals and promotions and this page to see locations and reviews.
Residence Inn
I’ve stayed at several Residence Inn locations over the years and have always enjoyed my stays. They typically have several different suite options, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites.
Amenities at the individual locations include a complimentary hot breakfast, free grocery delivery, a fitness center, a pool, a fire pit, and a business center. I like booking a two-bedroom so we have plenty of room for our family of four.
See reviews and locations here.
Gaylord Resorts
The five Gaylord Resorts are stunning. My kids loved our stays at the National Harbor and Opryland locations and now want to visit the other locations.
While the rooms are pretty standard, the resorts are all located under large atriums and offer fantastic amenities.
I’d recommend visiting during the holiday season, when they host numerous events, including ICE! where you can see huge ice sculptures and participate in a number of holiday activities.
Martinhal Resorts
You may not have heard of Martinhal Resorts, but if you ever plan to travel to Portugal with kids, you’ll want to learn about them. Although they are one of the smallest hotel chains in the world, they definitely deserve to be on this list.
Martinhal currently owns three resorts in Portugal, and they are among the most family-friendly hotels I’ve ever experienced. The resorts offer many amenities for kids, including a kids’ club, backpacks for kids (pictured above), puree menus in their restaurants, a baby concierge that can rent baby supplies for your stay, and numerous kids’ activities.
Please read our review of the Sagres location, and see TripAdvisor reviews of all locations here.
Omni Resorts
I’ve stayed in several Omni Resorts over the years and always enjoyed my stays. When they check in, kids receive a small backpack filled with fun games—something my kids always loved.
It’s always a treat to wake up to a fresh pot of coffee. One of our favorites is the Omni Amelia Island.
See locations and reviews here.
Disney Resorts
While Disney isn’t necessarily a chain hotel, it does offer family-friendly resorts that kids love. We’ve stayed at almost all of them, and they are absolutely fantastic for kids. Disney offers value, moderate, and deluxe resorts, so you will find something in the appropriate price range.
Westin Resorts
Westin, like Omni, isn’t necessarily a family hotel chain. But they are definitely wonderful hotels for a family vacation. The Westin Kierland, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, even has a special room where families can check in. As a bonus, I always love the Heavenly Bed and the Heavenly Bath, which make for an even more enjoyable vacation.
DoubleTree
I recently had the opportunity to visit the DoubleTree by Hilton Vail in Colorado and was so impressed at the gorgeous brand-new hotel. While this hotel was more of a boutique hotel, others have more of a chain hotel feel.
One of their signature amenities is fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies you’ll receive at check-in. These cookies contain nuts but have nut-free treats if you are allergic. DoubleTree also offers a Made Market, where you can grab snacks and other essentials.
Holiday Inn
This popular family hotel chain is meant to feel like home, for both business and family travelers. Their designs are built on the company’s principles of H4 – happiness, hospitality, home, and Holiday Inn. You will likely find a Holiday Inn location in whatever city you visit, and many offer family amenities like pools, bunk beds, and suites.
I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Asheville Biltmore East and was so impressed with the great service, fabulous restaurant, and comfortable rooms.
Fairmont
This luxurious hotel chain offers many family-friendly amenities. Some locations even have a dog in residence if you miss your own family dog. We loved our stays at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and the Fairmont Southampton Bermuda.
Hilton
One of the most consistent hotel chains I’ve experienced is Hilton. I’ve had the chance to stay at several locations worldwide and have always been impressed with the consistency and quality. In recent months, I’ve visited the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, the Hilton Quebec City, and the Hilton Paris Opera.
Unlike some other chains, these hotels can vary in amenities and activities. So you’ll want to check the specific details before you book.
Homewood Suites
During a recent girls’ trip on the Disney Magic, we stayed at a Homewood Suites the night before the cruise. This all-chain hotel offers rooms with a living room, full kitchen, and bedroom.
I was most impressed with the evening reception held some nights at the hotel. At the reception, you’ll get complimentary beer, wine, and food like sliders and pasta. You’ll find a menu on the refrigerator listing the options for the month.
If you are traveling with your family, you can save money on meals with free breakfast and the evening reception. In addition, you can prepare meals in your room. Grocery delivery is available so that you can have a stocked fridge for your vacation.
See locations here.
Embassy Suites
I’ve stayed at several Embassy Suites recently for business and have always been impressed. In addition to the suites (which offer a living room, bedroom, and wet bar), the hotels offer a reception with complimentary drinks and a full free breakfast.
These rooms offer lots of space for families, and you can save money by eating the complimentary breakfast each morning.
See locations here.
Home2 Suites
Home2 Suites, founded about 10+ years ago, is a modern all-suite hotel chain. I recently toured the Orlando property and was impressed with the large rooms and clean, modern design.
Rooms at Home2 Suites include modular furniture that can be moved around as needed. Kitchenettes include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Hot pots can be reserved at the front desk.
The room I saw, pictured above, includes two queen beds and a pullout couch. It’s a nice, big room, with plenty of space for the whole family.
See locations here.
Ritz-Carlton
While this luxury chain isn’t necessarily affordable for everyone, it is a great option. Most Ritz-Carlton locations offer fantastic family amenities, including kids’ clubs, pools, and more.
Many of these chains are part of a larger collection of hotels. To take advantage of any benefits and collect points, sign up for loyalty programs and ensure you have provided your number at check-in.
What do you think is the best hotel chain for families? Have you stayed at any of these chains?
