Family Hotels
Embassy Suites
This major chain aims to be a top choice in family hotels, with feature such as kids under 18 stay free, free giant breakfasts, and "Kids Eye View" sightseeing guides. Embassy Suites bills itself as "the largest all-suite, upscale hotel chain" in the US, and has locations elsewhere as well. (Embassy Suites is part of the Hilton family of hotels.)
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Fans of this upscale brand -- known for luxury, service, and special touches -- may be happy to learn that Four Seasons hotels and resorts welcome families, with complimentary "Kids For All Seasons" kids' programs, baby furnishings and toiletries, and more.
Ritz-Carlton Resorts for Family Vacations
This well-known upscale brand has a kids program called Ritz Kids, and for ages 13 to 19, has an "Our Space" program with a "teen concierge", a teen room with game systems, movie theater, etc., plus activities such as bike hikes, night sports, movie nights.
Disney World Resorts
Much more than "a place to stay while at Disney World", Disney World's themed resorts are destinations in themselves, especially the award-winning Luxury Resorts with kids clubs. But even the Value resorts have fun theming and special perks.
TRYP by Wyndham
The TRYP by Wyndham hotel brand which has properties in great locations in New York City, Quebec City, and dozens of other places around the world. Look for "Family" rooms that can sleep up to eight.
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
Hyatt has properties worldwide, including the Grand Hyatt brand and Hyatt Regency Hotels. Families like: the lavish pool complexes at some resorts; a "kids under 18 stay free" policy; children's menus; and discounts on a second room. In addition, some Hyatt properties have Camp Hyatt kids programs, with impressive arrays of activities.
Hilton
Hilton has dozens of resorts and hotels that welcome families with kids' programs, playrooms and outdoor play areas. Some are full-fledged resorts-- such as Hilton Hawaiian Village-- with kids clubs, kiddie pool, and complimentary family activities. Hilton also owns several other brands of family hotels, such as Homewood Suites.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
At Homewood Suites, all rooms and suites come with fully-equipped kitchens, suites can sleep six, and "extended stay" guests who stay five nights or more get reduced rates. Complimentary breakfast includes waffles, eggs, bacon, juices.
Montage Hotels and Resorts
This upscale brand welcomes families with kids' programs and other features.
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn is a world-wide brand of family-friendly hotels and resorts. Kids up to 18 stay free in parents' rooms; some hotels have extra features for families, such as KidSuites; and some resorts have a full set of kid-friendly features such as kids' club, watersports, fancy pools, and nursery.
Element Hotels
Element Hotels is an eco-friendly new brand of Starwood and Westin hotels with many features that suit families: good price point, fully equipped kitchens, complimentary breakfasts, healthy food choices (even gluten-free), chlorine-free pools, and a dog-friendly policy.
Apple Core Hotels in New York City
We all know the Big Apple is expensive, so it's good to know that a bunch of centrally located well-priced properties in Manhattan have grouped together as Apple Core Hotels and welcome families.
Affinia Hotels
This brand of boutique hotels, with properties in New York City, Chicago, and DC, offers several perks for families.
Choice Hotels International
Choice Hotels International has many family hotel brands: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Clarion, EconoLodge and more. Expect well-priced family hotel rooms, internet access, and kids stay free pricing (typically for age 18 and under. Often the property will have a pool, and many properties are pet-friendly. Certain brands have special features: for example, check out Comfort Inn for free breakfasts.
Family-Friendly Hostels: Affordable Lodging in Europe
Family-Friendly hostels can be an affordable type of lodging for family vacations in Europe, and also can be fun places to stay, and are often located in buildings full of character.