Family travel no longer means sacrificing style or comfort for kid-friendly basics. Hotels and resorts now elevate the experience by offering thoughtful amenities designed specifically for babies, toddlers, kids, tweens and teens. Here are six catering to families in a practical and polished way, creating stays that feel considered for every age.
Baytowne Wharf © Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
The 2,400-acre Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers room to explore, play and discover, especially during the summer months with Club KZ delivering supervised, age-appropriate programming designed to keep young guests active and engaged. Many of the resort’s family-friendly activities are also complimentary for guests. Families can enjoy tennis or pickleball matches; the Junior Golf Program; sailing and tennis instruction; Jolee Island Nature Park with Captain Joe Lee’s Tree House, a two-story wooden play structure; The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a lively pedestrian village filled with family-friendly events, dining and shopping; zip lining; a ropes course; carousel; Blast Arcade and Laser Maze; and access to the beach, bay and multiple pools throughout the property.
© The Ritz-Carlton Chicago
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Perched above the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago sets the standard for luxury family travel in the heart of the city. Young guests are made to feel like VIPs. At check-in, the hotel’s signature Red Wagon Welcome greets kids, inviting them to select their favorite candy as part of the elevated Ritz Kids program. Families can gather in the lobby 5–5:30 p.m. for complimentary Garrett’s Popcorn. The hotel also offers an in-room camping experience for littles, which families can reserve in advance of their stay or through the concierge team upon arrival. Dining at the hotel’s Torali presents children with a Chicago-themed coloring book along with Ritz Kids Healthy Menus featuring nutritious, approachable options tailored specifically for younger palates. Families also enjoy access to the hotel’s spa, fitness center and indoor lap pool.
© The Betsy South Beach
The Betsy South Beach
The Betsy is a 130-room, family-owned and -operated, independent oceanfront resort in South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. The Betsy proudly refers the services of itavi, a premium and accredited child care service that provides families with reliable and safe child care during their stay. All of itavi’s “Mzees” (screened child care professionals) utilize the itavi Method, an engaging “curriculum” designed by industry experts to provide a mix of fun and interactive playtime, learning opportunities, local culture immersion, arts and crafts, exercise, and more. Prior to providing any services, a Mzee meets with the parents or guardian and the children one on one to introduce themselves and learn more about the family. This family-friendly option also offers real-time video check-ins and has a formal process to ensure safety and a positive experience.
© The Elser Hotel & Residences
The Elser Hotel & Residences
The Elser Hotel & Residences is a vibrant 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami featuring 646 spacious hotel suites for families of all sizes. Options include two-bedroom suites with en-suite bathrooms and three-bedroom suites with separate rooms and cozy living areas. Each suite also boasts a full-sized kitchen, and is conveniently located near grocery stores for easy stocking of essentials. Every suite also includes a washer and dryer. Families appreciate the California-style closets and family-focused amenities for a stress-free stay. In partnership with itavi, The Elser provides families with reliable and safe child care.
© The Ellie Beach Resort
The Ellie Beach Resort
The Ellie Beach Resort provides the perfect accommodations for a family looking to stay together with enough space to spread out. The resort’s spacious rooms boast larger-than-average floor plans with configurations that include two king beds or bunk beds in addition to a king bed or two queens, great for families. Spanning 30 oceanfront acres, the resort is near the beach, Springmaid Pier and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. On site, guests find everything needed for a family vacation, including five pools, a lazy river, three water slides, a spacious splash pad just for kids, daily programming for all ages, games like bingo, an on-site mini golf course, Barnacles play area, a poolside bar, live music and private cabanas.
© Arlo NoMad
Arlo NoMad and Arlo SoHo
Arlo SoHo and Arlo NoMad both feature cleverly designed bunk bed accommodations that maximize space while giving kids a setup they will actually be excited about, alongside queen or king beds for parents. At Arlo SoHo, families can unwind at ART SoHo rooftop, overlooking the city skyline. In Midtown, Arlo NoMad lets parents toast the city from the ART NoMad rooftop while kids recharge from their own bunk nook.
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