"If youâre anything like me, a blank calendar just begs to be filled with fun plans. And whatâs more exciting than jetting off somewhere wonderful with your nearest and dearest? Sometimes, family travel might look like exploring a European city, getting back to nature with an idyllic farm stay, going skiing, or renting a lake house. In other instances, itâs about finding a fantastic, family-friendly hotelâwhether thatâs a dude ranch, a resort in the Caribbean, or a sleek urban retreatâthat ticks all the boxes for traveling with kids. While the enduring appeal of all-stars, such as Nemacolin and Turtle Bay Resort, will never fade, staying at a brand-new hotel with all the bright, shiny bells and whistles does add a certain level of novelty to a family vacation.
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Scroll on for the most exciting hotels opening in 2025 that parents will want to have on their radar before booking upcoming travels. For even more inspiration, we included some of our favorite properties that hit the scene in 2024.
Best New Family-Friendly Hotels in the U.S.
1. Trailborn Grand Canyon, Williams, Arizona
(Opening January 2025)
The Grand Canyon is a bucket-list destination for sweeping views and stunning hikes. To date, the accommodation scene has been a bit lacking. Thatâs all about to change! When Trailborn Grand Canyon, an old-school motor lodge turned contemporary hotel along Route 66, opens next month, crews will have a basecamp for adventure with plenty of contemporary upgrades and family-focused amenitiesâfrom an outdoor pool, hot tub, and game lawn with bocce ball, corn hole, and a dedicated kids play area to darts, shuffleboard, ring toss, movie nights, and Wild West bingo night at Camp Hall.
2. The Asticou, Northeast Harbor, Maine
(Opening May 2025)
A summer getaway to Maine is all about a return to simplicity: walking barefoot, watching the sunset, and fire-roasting marshmallows to make ooey gooey sâmores. In this age of social media and gaming, itâs so refreshing to be able to give kids a low-fi trip thatâs reminiscent of the summer vacations we took in our younger years. Thatâs very much the vibe at The Asticou, a revitalized inn dating back to 1884, on Mount Desert Island. Besides the nostalgic stuff, broods can swim in the outdoor pool, do rock painting and watercolor classes, strike out on guided family hikes in nearby Acadia National Park, eat at the tot-friendly restaurant, and snooze in charming multi-bedroom cottages.
3. OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(Opening Spring 2025)
Few things are more of a blast for kids, teens, and young-at-heart adults than splashing and zipping into the water. Beyond a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark featuring 15 water slides and an enormous 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon complete with an inflatable obstacle course, a âflyâ pool for zipping, jumping, and sliding into the water, cabanas for midday naps, and a sandy beach lined with lounge chairs, OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark will have an entertainment center with interactive arcade games, arts and crafts, and prizes, plus 12 food and beverage options. Bunk rooms and family suites are ideal places to rest weary heads after all that family fun.
4. The Ann Savannah, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy (Savannah, Georgia)
(Opening Q1 2025)
Families who prefer an independent stay but still want the amenities of a hotel should consider The Ann Savannah. Centrally located within the historic district, a short walk from the Savannah Childrenâs Museum, the new Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy outpost supplies 157 spacious crash pads with sizable bedrooms, separate living spaces, full kitchens, and in-unit laundry (because little kids amass a ton of dirty clothes) that work for both short and long-term stays. The common areas are equally compelling and include a restaurant called Little James, a guest-only gym, and a pool.
5. Pendry Natrirar, Peapack, New Jersey
(Opened in 2024)
Nestled on 500 acres of parkland, Pendry Natrirar is a sprawling country estate in Somerset County with heaps for families to do. Highlights include the tractor toy box on wheels full of stuffed animals at reception, e-bike rentals, archery, the Paintbox kids club for children ages 5 and up, and the working farm. It doesnât get better than watching curious tots light up while feeding sheep and chickens and learning how food grows (our toddler happily ate arugula straight from the garden beds). For parents in need of pampering, I highly recommend the harvest mud ritual at the spa.
6. Hotel Bardo, Savannah, Georgia
(Opened in 2024)
Hotel Bardo is the perfect mix of urban excitement and relaxed resort life. The unbeatable location directly across from Forsyth Park means easy access to nature, playgrounds, the childrenâs museum, and many historic landmarks. As a Leading Hotels of the World member, guests are assured of thoughtful service and ample amenities. The treasure chest at check-in, afternoon programming at Camp Bardo (pizza making, anyone?), in-room canvas play tents, and turndown with milk and cookies will surely earn parents extra points with kiddos. I recently went on a mama-baby solo trip to Hotel Bardo, and it was fantastic!
7. Kimpton Claret Hotel, Denver, Colorado
(Opened in 2024)
When the Kimpton Claret Hotel opened in the Mile High City, it joined the ranks of the best family-friendly hotels in Colorado. Situated close to kid-approved attractions such as Cherry Creek State Park and Pirates Cove Water Park, the 190-key property has ample perks for youngsters and parentsâincluding board games in the lobby, scavenger hunts, stuffed animal welcome gifts, child-sized robes, special mini fridges for storing breast milk, complimentary bike rentals, and pack-and-plays upon request.
8. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, Kiawah River, South Carolina
(Opened in 2024)
A splurge-worthy domestic escape 20 miles from Charleston, thatâs guaranteed to make nature loversâ dreams come true, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, sits on 2,000 acres of coastal grounds that includes a working farm, 20 miles of riverfront, scenic trails, and marshlands for kids and parents to discover together. Families will also fall for the pool, farm-to-table food, full-service spa, main lodge complete with a library, and wraparound porch for kicking back with a glass of sweet tea, cottage-style accommodations, and warm southern hospitality.
Best New Hotels for FamiliesâInternational
Editorâs Note: When researching or booking international family travel, itâs important to be cognizant of the latest travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. Click here to view all current travel advisories.
9. Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks and Caicos
(Opening February 2025)
Families flock to the Caribbean island of Turks and Caicos. While most vacationers plop down in Providenciales, crews keen to change things up and explore a bit beyond the well-trodden tourist hub will enjoy the untrammeled nature and abundant marine life that await at Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in South Caicos. Set to open in time for February break, the 100-key property has suites with ocean-view balconies (a lovely spot to sip coffeeâeven if itâs 6 a.m.), fun learning experiences at Salterraâs Kidsâ Club, and six different food and beverage concepts. More good news for families: Starting February 15, American Airlines is launching a twice-weekly direct flight between Miami (MIA) and South Caicos (XSC).
10. Rosewood Mandarina, Nayarit, Mexico
(Opening April 2025)
The Rosewood brand has a reputation for treating families right. So it should come as no surprise that its hotly anticipated Nayarit retreat, Rosewood Mandarina, on Mexicoâs Pacific coast (just an easy 60-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport) plans to pull out all the stops for grandparents, parents, and kids, too.
The splurge-worthy resort trades cramped rooms for spacious suites with plunge pools, large outdoor terraces, and custom elements created in partnership with local artists. With native wildlife roaming the lush grounds, the Rosewood Mandarina Explorers Club, both informal beachfront dining and more elevated (read: grown-up options), a spa, and access to surfing and zip-lining, itâs bound to be a repeat family vacation destination.
11. OKU Andalusia, CĂĄdiz, Spain
(Opening Summer 2025)
Jetsetters with a fondness for chic corners of Europe are no doubt familiar with OKU. Perched on a secluded beach on the southern shore of Spain, the forthcoming OKU Andalusia marks a family-friendly expansion for the boutique brand. Built with kiddos in mind, the new 225-key resort will have nearly 10 acres of lush gardens to explore, multiple swimming pools, a spa and wellness facilities, a kids club complex (expect a farmhouse-inspired adventure playground, a splash zone, a shallow pool), bonfires and beach volleyball for teens, and four dining venuesâincluding an adults-only beach club on Playa de La Alcaidesa thatâs perfect for a leisurely lunch when sprouts are otherwise occupied.
12. The Sundays, Whitsundays, Australia
(Opening Spring 2025)
Weâre not suggesting every family needs to plan a trip to the Whitsundays, the string of islands off the coast of Queensland in Australia (although, crews who do never regret it). The truth is that long-haul travel from the U.S. might be too much for some kiddos and parents. But those who do make the voyage will find a bastion of relaxation awaits at The Sundays.
At this laid-back boutique escape on Hamilton Island, itâs all about relaxing and connecting with nature. Older kids and parents can (and, realistically, will) spend many hours snorkeling with colorful fish and marine life along the Great Barrier Reef and enjoying complimentary access to water sports, including kayaks and catamarans. For littles, soft sand to teeter around and build sand castles, gentle water, and hammocks are plenty to happily monkey around for a few days.
13. Few & Far Luvhondo, Limpopo, South Africa
(Opening January 2025)
Once kiddos reach the age when âkeep your hands in the vehicleâ actually means something, intrepid parents might be ready to scratch the itch of a bucket-list safariâbut, of course, it needs to be kid-friendly. Thatâs where Few & Far Luvhondo comes in to save the day, err holiday. Situated within the UNESCO-registered Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africaâs newest experiential eco-lodge promises ample ways for guests of all ages to connect with nature, whether thatâs during family game drives, stargazing, learning how to be a âconservationist for a day,â or guided nature walks and wildlife tracking through the Young Explorers program.
14. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
(Opening January 2025)
Families brave enough to attempt long-haul flights and flip days and nights with minis have no doubt done plenty of research and know Thailandâs vibrant capital is a fascinating and affordable destination for families. A stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok (which admittedly fetches a higher rate than some of the more budget hotels in the city) means swish rooms with comfy beds and blackout shades to help weary travelers combat jet lag and catch up on sleep. Tiny jetsetters can embark on imaginative adventures thanks to fun and educational Ritz Kids programming. The edu-travel initiatives continue with guided tours of the creative arts district. Thereâs also a standout spa.
15. Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, Nosara, Costa Rica
(Opened in 2024)
Located in a Blue Zone surf town on Costa Ricaâs Nicoya Peninsula, the sustainably-minded Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences invites guests of all ages to experience a true sense of pura vida. While LOs get their wiggles out at creative movement class, parents can recharge with a massage or sip cocktails by the pool. Surf lessons are sure to be a hit with adventurous teens. The residential-style accommodations boast all the conveniences of home (ahem, kitchens, dining areas, and washers/dryers) and then some (hello, patios with grills and private barrel saunas).
16. AVA Resort Cancun, Cancun, Mexico
(Opened in 2024)
All-inclusive resorts take the guesswork out of a family getaway with accommodation, food, and entertainment as part of the package. If you vibe with that kind of stress-free trip, book it to AVA Resort Cancun. The sprawling property will have a lot of holidaygoers to enjoy. Topping the list of selling points for younger travelers? A prime beachfront real estate and six swimming poolsâincluding a water park and 2.8-acre lagoonâa kids club supervised fun, and a teen zone with gaming, ping pong, and snacks. Add to that over 1,700 ocean-facing rooms, suites, villas, and 17 different places to eat.
17. Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, Bodrum, TĂŒrkiye
(Opened in 2024)
Love fun in the sun with the family and ready to explore a coastal paradise thatâs a bit further away than Florida or the Caribbean? Check into Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, thatâs perched on the Bay of GöltĂŒrkbĂŒkĂŒ. Besides contemporary suites and delicious food, the new property possesses a kids club called Maxxi Land that brings the excitement factor up a notch with age-appropriate activitiesâfrom crafts to pool games. Baby stuff (donât worry about bringing bath products or a monitor) and babysitting services are also available.
18. Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Algarve, Portugal
(Opened in 2024)
In need of some inspiration for a fabulous summer vacation with the kiddos? Look no further than the sun-splashed southern region of Portugal, a place known for its beaches and surf breaks. The Viceroy at Ombria Algarve provides a mix of rooms, suites, and residences with balconies to fit families of all sizes. The property also offers a kids club, two family pools, eight food and beverage outlets to tempt even picky eaters, babysitting services (because date nights hit differently on holiday), and an 18-hole golf course with lessons and junior club rentals.
19. Six Senses Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
(Opened in 2024)
Itâs rare to find a property that feels completely peaceful and yet welcomes kids with open arms. That is the magic of Six Senses Kyoto. Located in the Higashiyama district, itâs a serene urban sanctuary that doesnât take itself too seriously. Children are greeted with little treats while parents sip tea and inhale fragrant incense. The multi-generational experiences continue with furoshiki wrapping workshops. While children play, do puzzles, and learn origami at the kidsâ club, parents can sneak off to the world-class spa for rituals inspired by micro-seasons. The Kyoto National Museum and Sanjusangendo Buddhist Temple are within walking distance for an easy off-site history lesson.
20. SO/ Maldives, Maldives
(Opened in 2024)
While the Maldives is well regarded as a romantic destination for honeymoons and babymoons, itâs also a great place to bring LOs. A private island haven for families, SO/ Maldives serves up both beachfront and over-water villas with indoor/outdoor living spaces, private pools, and ocean views, plus three restaurants, clubs for kids and teens, and babysitting for tots at no extra cost. Bonus: Itâs just a short 15-minute speedboat ride from MalĂ© Velana International Airport, which cuts down on the time from sitting on the tarmac to splashing in the turquoise water.
How to Choose the Best Hotel for Your Family in 2025
The hospitality industry is growing rapidly, and a huge part of that expansion leans in the family-friendly direction. There are more options than ever for broods looking to get away. And you donât have to travel far to find a fantastic place to stay.
Travelers on a tighter budget might want to consider a hotel within driving distance to cut down on flight costs. Alternatively, if youâre keen to get on a plane, booking in advance, flying on weekdays versus weekends, and avoiding holidays will result in the most favorable rates. Shoulder season is a great time to visit destinations that peak in the summer or winter. Itâs during these less crowded times that properties are most inclined to offer special rates and promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions for Hotel Travel With Kids
What are the top family-friendly features to look for in a hotel?
Traveling with kiddos is great, but it also requires a lot of planning. Doing thorough research to guarantee a hotel has ample amenities for families can make or break a trip. For example, crews vacationing in the Caribbean will likely want a pool and swimmable beach. A kids club is always a bonus, but thatâs typically something youâll find at a resort versus a smaller hotel. For comfort (and to ensure youâre not too cramped), itâs always wise to look into the availability of connecting rooms, family suites, and/or larger setups like villas, bungalows, and apartments. To cut down on overpacking and having to lug extra gear around, check if the property supplies cribs or pack-and-plays, high-chairs, baby toiletries, and even strollers for use.
Do new hotels offer special discounts for families?
While you arenât likely to find promotional discounts at a hotel just because itâs new, many family-friendly properties offer specials such as kids under 10 stay and eat for free.
Are family suites worth it?
Some hotels have family suites that are specifically designed to sleep two adults and two children comfortably. Another option? Connecting rooms. Sometimes, it ends up being less expensive to book two smaller rooms versus one large suite.
Lindsay Cohn, Contributing Writer
Lindsay is a freelance writer and avid traveler who has visited 46 countries across six continentsâand counting. She writes articles for The Everymom about all things travel, from the best family-friendly destinations to tips for traveling with kids and beyond. When sheâs not writing, you can find her doing yoga, spending time with her sons, and planning the next trip on her bucket list.