Any chance to squeeze in family time is precious, which is why picking a hotel that is fun for both adults and kids alike is important when we have a day off from our busy lives. These hotels will show your whole family a good time this Memorial Day Weekend.
1. Hotel Marlowe, Boston
A "discovery" theme (hallway carpets patterned with stars and moons), kids' menus, large guest rooms, and lots of freebies -- welcome treats for kids, free use of bikes and kayaks, a free lending library of books, free cribs and playpens, free child-size bathrobes -- make Hotel Marlowe a great choice for families. Plus, across the street, hotel guests get free use of the telescopes at the Museum of Science observatory.
2. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
MGM Grand’s 6.6-acre, five-pool complex features a long, winding river pool with waterfalls and fun, cave-like grottos. At the Rainforest Cafe, kids will enjoy the rainforest decor, periodic mist showers (don’t worry, not as wet as it sounds), and animatronic gorillas; for real, live animals, they can check out the hotel’s lion habitat.
3. Terranea Resort, Los Angeles
The Terranea offers the full range of resort amentities for kids (and their parents). This full-scale Rancho Palos Verdes property has a pool with a waterslide. The kids’ club offers arts and crafts, games, and nature activities ($55 a day). Teens can kayak, surf, and attend free “Teen Scene” nighttime events.
4. Marriott Doral Golf Resort And Spa, Miami
The $80-per-day Camp Doral, for kids 5 to 12, includes swimming, arts, fishing, karaoke, sports, and more. The Doral even makes golf family-friendly: Club rental and greens fees are free for adolescents (or anyone under 15 who can play 18 holes) after 3 p.m. when they’re accompanied by an adult.
5. Affinia Fifty, New York City
Families love the Affinia Fifty, given its safe, convenient location in Midtown East, its large rooms, and its laid-back lounge with plenty of board games. Affinia also runs a popular “Jet-Set Kids” promotion, where young guests receive a New York City guidebook for kids, plus NYC stickers, a scrapbook, and even a digital camera.
6. Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando
From the gazelles and giraffes freely roaming the grounds to the enormous pool with a waterslide, the safari-themed Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge was designed to amaze and delight children. Throughout the day, staff members lead (free) educational activities for children like craft-making, African drumming, or mini-lessons about where giraffes come from. Here, even the learning is captivating.
7. Argonaut Hotel, San Fransisco
With its “treasure chest” full of free toys in the lobby and nautical-themed guest rooms, the Argonaut is a great family option across the street from the Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront, near the docks where the ferries leave for Alcatraz and one block from the tempting chocolate concoctions in Ghirardelli Square.
8. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
Given the Shoreham’s excellent outdoor pool, ample space to play outside (assuming there’s not a wedding going on), and a great location near the National Zoo and Rock Creek Park, it is an excellent choice for families in the summer. Kids get a free backpack upon arrival with games and treats from the Omni Sensational Kids program, including a first-aid kit, night-light, and outlet covers (for parents).
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