What to look for in a vacation destination when bringing along an infant or toddler is totally different from the all-day, action-packed activities required to entertain older children. While it’s certainly worth applauding any hotel or resort that endeavors to ease the process of traveling as a family, the majority of programs are actually focused on kids ages five and up.
That’s why it’s so very much appreciated (and I speak on behalf of all parents with a LO under 3-years-old), when properties beyond the obvious picks—ahem, Beaches, Disney, and Universal Studios—have amenities and services geared towards the littlest guests that actually help make a family vacation feel like, well, a vacation. Here, we’re sharing 9 of the best hotels for traveling with babies and toddlers.
1. Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, St. Barts
Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France welcomes kiddos with open arms and just about the swankiest setup a baby could ask for (if they could talk). Perched on Flamands Beach, spacious villas and suites have multiple bedrooms, private swimming pools, and all the essentials that would be borderline impossible to haul on a plane—high chairs, cribs, changing tables, and bottle warmers. The culinary team will happily whip up veg-forward purees and tasty solids recipes. A newly launched experience led by an expert therapist gives parents the chance to learn and practice calming baby massage techniques. The hotel also offers aqua-osteopathy for babies.
2. Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya – a Concept by Hyatt, Mexico
Families with children have always loved the extensive lineup of activities like treasure hunts, eco-cruises around the lagoon, and piñata making at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya – a Concept by Hyatt. The newest addition to the lineup is geared toward an even younger crowd. Designed for guests 3-months to 4-years-old, Kimbo Baby provides a dedicated space with age-appropriate toys and Mexican tassel-adorned cribs for safe fun and snoozing under the supervision of trained childcare professionals who can also administer bottles and change diapers. In other words, it’s like a really awesome vacation daycare.
3. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Colorado
Hitting the slopes when you have offspring too young to enroll in ski lessons might seem like a far-gone fantasy. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek makes it possible for parents to get in a few runs while tots are looked after by a local sitter or at Small World Play School. However, the real draw of this mountainside property is the quality family time. There’s a cozy in-room camping amenity that includes a tent with a sleeping bag, faux fire pit, s’mores, and PJs. Milk and fresh-baked cookies at turndown, and a crib for bub to (hopefully) sleep through the night, sweeten the deal.
4. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
For a BVI holiday with a baby or toddler, it’s hard to compete with Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Set on a secluded crescent-shaped beach with sugary sand and calm water, this five-star property appeals to families with its stellar service, multiple swimming pools, and a luxe array of niceties for every member of the family. Most parents—especially if it’s their first time doing a big trip—prefer one-on-one care, so it’s great that the resort supplies babysitting and nanny services. Thoughtful conveniences for the littlest guests include monitors, high chairs, cribs and linens, pint-sized bathtubs, towels, diaper pails, bottle warmers, play tents, and strollers.
5. Kimpton Alton Hotel, California
Completely refurbished from head-to-toe—and clearly redone with young families in mind—the Kimpton Alton Hotel is located in a stroller-friendly neighborhood just steps from all the excitement of Fisherman’s Wharf. Bottle feeding or breastfeeding and require proper storage? “Mini-me milk fridges” are free of charge upon request at the front desk. Another great offering at the San Francisco outpost and a handful of other Kimpton properties is the ability to call ahead and reserve a complimentary 4moms Breeze Plus Playard with a bassinet and changing table attachment, Cleanwater Tub with a built-in thermometer, and the popular MamaRoo4 Infant Seat.
6. Martinhal Cascais, Portugal
Hotels that pride themselves on being family-focused often cater ridiculously well to kiddos, but less so to parents seeking boutique ambiance moments of quietude. Martinhal Cascais combines the best of both worlds with a sprawling kids clubhouse, outdoor playgrounds, multiple swimming pools, stylish two-bedroom villas, and a spa. New parents can literally rest easy dropping little ones ages 6-months to 3-years-old at the Creche, a sun-lit daycare facility with a storytelling corner, puppetry area, ball pool, games, and trained caregivers. Even the pickiest little palates won’t be able to resist the baby’s first solids menu, featuring homemade purees using local ingredients.
7. Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Florida
Every single property in the Loews portfolio participates in the brand-wide “Loews Loves Families” initiative. We’re particularly partial to the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, one of the rare places in the area that provides such stellar family programming and proximity to the sand. A partnership with Little Spoon makes it possible to feed tots fresh, organic baby food through room service or in any of the on-site restaurants. Since the property is stocked with Hello Bello baby products, ranging from diapers to shampoo and lotion, parents can spend less time running out to the store and more time creating cherished memories as a family.
8. Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, Mexico
Baja California bliss for guests of all ages awaits at the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. The list of complimentary amenities for the most youthful crowd is truly extraordinary. Cribs, high chairs, and diaper genies? Of course. Bottles, warmers, and sterilizers? You bet. Forget the white noise machine? You won’t lose sleep over it. No need to bring a bathrobe, shampoo, soap, or swim diapers for your tiny humans either. Need some grown-up time? Rest assured the trained babysitters will watch over your LOs while you enjoy a pampering massage at the spa or a romantic dinner.
9. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a particularly easy Caribbean getaway for families because passports aren’t required. Mitigating the stress of family travel even further, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas—which was already a favorite thanks to its private pool cabanas, splash pad, waterslide, and gratis shovels, pails, beach balls, and baby sunscreen—recently debuted a partnership with French baby goods brand BEABA. The baby concierge service as we’re calling it, allows parents to rent bassinets, high chairs, and pack and plays at no cost. Forgot bibs, cutlery, sippy cups, and insulated jars for beachside snacking? Not to worry—all that is available for purchase without leaving the resort.
