Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Runaway Bay, Jamaica

The mid-range Franklyn D is geared towards families on vacation. Supervised arts and crafts projects, a Teen Center with activity coordinators, and even free nanny services for all guests are just some of the kid-friendly perks offered. Pools (including a mini-pool for toddlers), a waterslide, dock space for easy access to water sports, tours to off-site attractions, and many other amenities are also available. Accommodations are tech-savvy for the location; guests will find iPod docking, satellite TV, and an Internet cafe with free Wi-Fi. However, while suites are spacious, decor is a bit dated as are most facilities in general.

While the mid-range Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort gives plenty of opportunity for guests to laze about by its three free-form pools or on the beach, its real strength is in the sheer number of activities on offer, most of which are included in the rate. Kayaking, golfing, and weekly bonfires are all part of the entertainment. And families are attracted to the numerous kids diversions like the on-site water park or laser tag. While the 266 rooms are simple in their decor, they do have furnished balconies, and suites have private plunge pools and butler service. The resort isn't really walking distance to any attractions, but with all the features included, most guests are content to stay put. Travelers could compare rates with the family-friendly Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay.

A massive, beautifully landscaped 850-room Spanish mega-resort, the Grand Bahia Principe is a beachfront property with a ton of features to keep families busy. The spacious, junior-suite-style rooms are on the old-fashioned side and showing some wear, but they come with jetted tubs, furnished balconies -- some with stellar ocean vistas -- and coffeemakers. A large stretch of beach with a nude section is lovely, plus there's a huge pool, free non-motorized water sports, a water park, kids' club, and daily entertainment. A spa and gym are also on-site. The all-inclusive rate covers a decent buffet, tasty a la carte eateries serving Japanese, Italian, and Jamaican fare (reservations required), and alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, top-shelf liquor and in-room Wi-Fi requires a fee, and maintenance and service complaints are common. It's worth considering the smaller Jewel Runaway Bay.