10 Playful Yet Stylish Family-Friendly Hotels

Kid-friendly doesn't have to mean costumed characters and storytimes. These hotels boasting stylish appeal and grown-up amenities are pretty fantastic for kids too.

By: Erin Gifford

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Photo By: Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

Photo By: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Photo By: Jason Stemple

Photo By: Francesco Tonelli

Photo By: Andrew Bordwin Photography

Photo By: Terranea Resort

Photo By: 21c Museum Hotel Lexington

Photo By: Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

Photo By: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Photo By: Omni Mount Washington Resort

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington, DC

At Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington, DC, kids can start off their stay at this urban sanctuary with their choice of a toy from the treasure chest and a splash in the hotel pool, which features a full bucket of pool noodles and dive sticks. Enjoy complimentary bike rentals, luxuriating Atelier Bloem bath amenities, and kid-friendly dining at Urbana, which has a popular "build your own pizza" option on the children’s menu. Moms and dads can unwind each evening at the hosted wine hour from 5 to 6 pm in the hotel’s stylish living room.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Set mid-mountain at Northstar California Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe allows for effortless ski-in, ski-out convenience in the winter months. S’mores fans will love the signature Marshmology program (aka s’mores roasting) at the fire pit each day from 4:30 to 5 pm. Book the Indoor Camp Out package for kids ages four to eight who won’t believe they’re sleeping in a tent with a teddy bear and a camping lantern. Parents, reserve a spot at the Chef’s Table at Manzanita and book time to decompress in the eucalyptus-infused steam room at the spa.

Hawks Cay Resort

Damaged by the brutal hurricanes last fall, Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys is readying for an eagerly-anticipated grand re-opening this summer. Children will love shooting water cannons and crawling through tunnels at the Pirate Ship Pool, while adults will appreciate the serenity of the adults-only Tranquility Pool. Get up close and personal with dolphins at the on-site Dolphin Connection facility, then make time for the Calm Waters Spa while the kids play at the resort’s activities center. A cheery coastal casual design celebrates the resort’s seaside location.

The Mark Hotel

The Mark Hotel in New York City is not only a luxurious five-star hotel, it’s also a haven for families, offering bike rentals, made-to-order picnic baskets, and pop-up tents as part of their Suite Slumber Party package. Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten even oversees a hot dog cart just outside the hotel entrance, serving up organic chicken hot dogs. Inside, grand spaces are both elegant and welcoming, delighting guests with custom furnishings, modern light fixtures and specially-created art objects and paintings.

The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block

Get ready for an urban adventure at Denver’s hip, new Maven Hotel at Dairy Block in the mixed-use historic LoDo neighborhood. The inviting lobby caters to the curious, both young and old, thanks to statement art pieces, antique pinball machines, and colorful, vintage furniture. There’s even a retro Airstream trailer in the lobby serving up breakfast burritos and freshly-brewed coffee every morning. Book the Family Fun Found Package, which includes a to-go breakfast and passes to the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Terranea Resort

There’s no better place to delight in the magic of the California coastline than from the rocky beaches of Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Kids will love free shaved ice, lawn games, and dive-in movies, as well as the Tide Pool Kids Club. Parents, sign up for a sommelier-led "wine walk" or a mixology class to create the ultimate craft cocktail. Or, simply wander about the property to soak in the timeless Mediterranean-style architecture at this seaside gem.

21c Museum Hotel Lexington

21c Museum Hotel Lexington in Kentucky is both a vibrant boutique hotel and an art museum that was designed to house a portion of an eclectic 2,000+ piece art collection. Children and adults will be entranced by pops of color around every corner, like fuchsias, limes and azures. For a kid-friendly look at the hotel’s gallery spaces, book the Kids’ Exploration Package, which includes an I-Spy Guide, as well as a tent and bedtime milk and cookies. The hotel’s Lockbox restaurant offers creative fare and locally-sourced ingredients.

Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

You won’t find a casino or an epic pool party at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, but you will find a children’s playground, a ping-pong table and a family pool with a water slide at this desert oasis. You’ll also find Rick’s Café, which serves both Grilled West Coast Salmon for adults and Green Spaghetti (spaghetti with pesto sauce) for the kiddos. Enjoy the views of Lake Las Vegas from the private lagoon at Riatta Beach or book a stand-up paddleboard lesson.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Choose from more than 70 activities available to guests of all age year-round at Choose from more than 70 activities available to guests of all ages year-round at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. A ropes course, ziplines, mini golf, fly fishing and snow tubing, as well as swimming in multiple pools, are just a few of the activities available to guests. Book a stay at Nemacolin’s Falling Rock, a boutique hotel designed by David Merritt, a one-time apprentice to famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s signature style is celebrated in the natural building materials and finishes, as well as in the abundant use of natural light.

Omni Mount Washington Resort

At the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, kids start their stay on the right foot with a backpack filled with fun items, like card games, crayons, and an activity book. However, one look at the daily activity schedule packed with river tubing, scenic chairlift rides, rock climbing and go-karts, and kids may not find time for much else. Parents, take in the stately elegance of this Renaissance Revival-style hotel that was originally built as a summer resort for the wealthy.

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10 Playful Yet Stylish Family-Friendly Hotels

Related To:

Shop This Look

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Washington, DC

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Hawks Cay Resort

The Mark Hotel

The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block

Terranea Resort

21c Museum Hotel Lexington

Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

Omni Mount Washington Resort

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