My 5 Favorite Family Hotels – 2012 Edition
A handful of family friendly hotels I stayed in (and loved !)this year
It’s the end of the year. And, as such, time for some reflection. Chet and I got in some amazing trips this year — to Mexico, to St. Kitts, to Vancouver and, yes, to both DisneyWorld and Disneyland. And we had a lot of fun exploring.
But as you may remember, one of my must-not-skimp travel items when gallivanting family style is a good hotel. Honestly, a good family-friendly hotel can really make or break a trip for us. When you find a hotel that really understands what it means to bring the family along (meaning, fun for the kids AND the adults), you become profoundly grateful. And so, in no particular order, here are five of our favorite family-friendly hotels that we visited in 2012.
1. The St. Kitt’s Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino
The interesting thing about emerging destinations is that you never know what kind of accommodations you’ll get. The destinations (and the hotels) are often still trying to figure it all out–and what sort of amenities and service you’ll end up getting as they do can be a crap shoot. Not so with the St. Kitt’s Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino. Despite being (basically) the only show in town, the hotel provides beautiful grounds, a lovely beach and incredible service. We felt totally at home from day one. And we’ll be going back as soon as we can.
2. The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C.
Okay, traveling families in the know understand that you can’t go wrong with a Ritz-Carlton stay. It’s true. They make even the littlest guests feel like serious VIPs. (And do a great job of taking care of Mommies and Daddies, too). But our (return) trip to the Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C. this year made me realize that there are some R-C properties that set the bar even higher. The Washington D.C. hotel is one of those–which is why we keep coming back again and again.
3. The Sunset Inn and Suites, Vancouver, British Columbia
I wasn’t sure what to expect with The Sunset Inn and Suites. I had heard wonderful things–but I worried a bit that a “business” hotel might not be the best place for kids. I needn’t have been concerned–it was a fantastic stay. The suites are large and very, very roomy. The couch pulled out into a very comfy bed for Chet, and I was able to have a little bit of privacy in the bedroom. There are plenty of cute and inexpensive restaurants in the neighborhood to grab a bite. And you’re a short walk from all major downtown attractions. But the real perks came with the staff–they reminded me of the complimentary Continental breakfast, pointed us to the DVD lending library and recommended kid-friendly activities on rainy afternoons. I couldn’t have asked for more.
4. The Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa
Recently opened, the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa is gorgeous. But it knows that you can’t rest on good looks alone. With big rooms, easy beach access and a free shuttle that will take you anywhere within a 10 mile radius, it’s hard to find a more laid-back hotel that manages to keep all the details together. It’s probably a So-Cal kind of thing. In any case, we had a lovely stay–with plenty of pool and beach time for Chet and plenty of relaxing by the fire with a glass of wine time for Mommy.
5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando, Florida
I’ve probably repeatedly told you that I can get Disney fatigued pretty quickly. So I fell in love with Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge pretty much at first sight. Big rooms, great service, an incredible restaurant and a lovely, lovely pool area? (Not to mention, no characters in sight?) There was plenty to entertain Chet but also enough of a non-Disney feel to let me reset and get ready for another day at the parks. Total win.
What about you? I’m already starting to make my travel wish list for 2013 and need some recommendations. What were your favorite family hotels in 2012–and what did you like best about them?
December 17th, 2012 | by Kayt Sukel 6 comments
1. Marc on December 17th, 2012
Iberostar Tucan/Quetzal – Is great for kids because its big enough to feature an outdoor jungle full of exotic animals, yet not too big to walk across in 10 minutes. The beach is perfect white sand and calm surf. The food is pretty good for an all inclusive at that family friendly price tier.
2. Gretta on December 20th, 2012
I like the sound of the Disney one with no characters. We recently stayed at the Dionysos hotel on the Bozburun peninsula in south west Turkey and I’d definitely recommend it as a place to hang out together as a family. It’s a family run boutique hotel with an infintiy pool with views across the Mediterranean and individual villas with pools. The food is great and the staff go out of their way to be helpful. I wouldn’t stay there with very little kids though as it’s on a mountainside and has loads of stairs.
3. Concerned Parent on December 22nd, 2012
I can’t believe your obnoxious comment that appeared in the Washington Post. It seems like your site is supposed to be concerned with mothers and families in general, but your description of parents as “whining” and “silly” for having the audacity to speak up about being separated fromt their children on flights is shameful.
Just because you can afford the extra money doesn’t mean that other families can.
Maybe you can get the airline industry to advertise on this site since you are defending their anti-family policies. I suppose you would be okay if they start charging for bathroom use too since, after all, they aren’t non profits.
4. Mat @ HotelsWithIndoorWaterParks.com on December 22nd, 2012
We’re going to be taking a Disney vacation in the next year or two, while my daughter is still little. I’m not really a huge Disney fan myself (though I’ve softened on it a little). Nice to know there are good places to stay where you’re not constantly immersed in Disney.
5. Jamie Pearson on December 23rd, 2012
Concerned Parent: I was referring to the whining that takes place in the comments section of the Washington Post, not any actions parents might take at the gate of a flight. Of course parents should do everything possible to resolve scattered seat issues.
(for those who have no idea what this thread is about, read this: http://wapo.st/RdS4ZU)
The real reason we are all so dissatisfied with flying lately is because it has changed. We used to be able to get seats together at no extra cost; now we can’t.
6. Jayme on January 6th, 2013
I’m not sure of a family hotel, but I highly recommend a Disney Cruise. My wife had been asking me to go on a cruise for a while and I just refused. We finally went on one a couple of years ago and I was just amazed by the cleanliness of their ships. Their hospitality is second to none in my opinion. Safe travels!
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