Big Families, Bigger Comfort: Hotels That Get It Right

Just because a hotel or resort is considered ‘family-friendly’ doesn’t mean it accommodates large families. There used to be a time when most hotels offered adjoining bedrooms. That simple connecting door made traveling as a family much easier. Parents could put the kids to bed at their usual bedtime and hang out in the next room feasting on seared filet mignon and dark chocolate mousse. Or, they could hire a babysitter and go out on the town.

Today, many resorts have large suites but they are still essentially designed for couples rather than families. This puts parents in the unfortunate position of shelling out more money for two or three-bedroom suites. Depending on the time of year, these rates can be astronomical. For the times we want to splurge, this isn’t an issue. But when we don’t, we need to get creative and do some research.

Thankfully, I’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

Whether looking for ways to travel with a nuclear family of five or a multi-generational group of 12, read along for inspirational lodging ideas. There’s no need to break the bank every time. Family-friendly vacations are accessible at multiple price points. Are you looking for the best hotels for families—specifically large families? Keep reading.

Space is the Ultimate Luxury

Some travelers think a hotel room is just a place they rest their heads at night. They don’t prioritize physical space. Space is the ultimate hotel amenity when traveling with multiple kids in tow. When we have room to spread out, we’re more relaxed and less inclined to get on one another’s nerves. Having space at a hotel or resort allows for much-needed downtime between activities—a place to regroup and recharge.

But often, space comes at a cost. This is especially true during the times of year our kids are on vacation—summer, spring break, and long holiday weekends. Hotels increase their prices knowing we’re at the mercy of the school calendar. Depending upon your family's flexibility, there are deals to be had at even the most luxurious properties. Always look for ongoing promotions and last-minute deals if your schedule allows.

Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts that Accommodate Large Families

Hotels and resorts that welcome large families are on the rise. These properties understand families' needs and have thought about how to please them best. Whether that be a well-managed kids’ club, unique in-room amenities, a high-tech on-site games room, or on-property treehouses, resorts are upping the game on family-friendly travel. This is often done without the resort feeling like it’s catering only to kids.

A few hotels and resorts that accommodate larger families and multigenerational travel follow:

The Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

As a brand, the Four Seasons aims to please families without being kid-centric. Their Costa Rica property achieves this in spades and is brimming with ways to make large families feel comfortable and well taken care of.

This stunning and tropical Central American resort has private residences with up to six bedrooms—most with panoramic views of the sea and lush gardens. Some of the three-bedroom canopy suites have private plunge pools that will have your kids feeling like they are swimming in the sky. The Kids-For-All-Seasons and Tuanis Teen Center are two ways your kids can enjoy ‘pura vida’ living while you chill on the beach. Between guided nature hikes, golf, fishing, crafts, and tennis, you just might not see them again until it's time to check out.

The Four Seasons knows its audience. Small, and not-so-small treats may await you in the room each day. For instance, a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or a popcorn-making machine with flavored kernels to pop on demand. The Four Seasons has cracked the code in reaching our kids’ hearts through their stomachs. Be warned. They’ll be asking to stay at the Four Seasons time and again.

Pro Tip: The Four Seasons often runs specials and promotions. Be sure to check the website to see if your vacation aligns with one of its many ongoing offers.

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

The American West is one of the most glorious and unspoiled parts of the country. It’s also a playground for families that love nature and outdoor life. The Resort at Paws Up is a 37,000-acre property that caters to families of all sizes, but it’s truly magical for large ones.

An ideal choice for family reunions, the resort has luxury ranch homes nestled between tall timbers and meadows. With up to four bedroom options, these wilderness homes have modern kitchens, slate floors, stone fireplaces, and multiple outside decks where families can relax. Paws Up also has rustic and elegant one to three-bedroom safari-styled tents that kids of all ages will love.

The adventures that can be experienced at Paws Up are as varied as the landscape, with each season having its own set of high-adrenaline activities. In the winter, dogsled, play broom hockey, ride MoonBikes, or snow tube. In the summer, drive Go-Karts, take pony rides, go geocaching, or white water rafting. Fall adds paintball, ATV-ing, and water-based adventures along the mighty Blackfoot River. Montana is a treasure trove for intrepid and enterprising families.

Pro Tip: While the Resort at Paws Up is great for families large and small, they specialize in groups. If organizing an uber-sized retreat with family or friends, get in touch with one of their group sales managers to discuss your lodging options.

Viceroy Sugar Beach, St. Lucia

The Pitons of St. Lucia are two of the most dramatic mountains in the Caribbean. Viceroy Sugar Beach won the lottery on location, tucked within a crescent beach between these twin peaks. A hilly and intimate resort, Sugar Beach caters to families by offering a variety of accommodation choices. From hillside multi-room bungalows and cottages (many with private pools) to enormous open-plan modern beach villas.

The V Team Kids Club nurtures the minds and bodies of young adventurers. Treasure hunts, archery, cookie making, and coconut bowling are just a few of the dazzling activities on tap at Sugar Beach. Families can hike the Pitons, sail Hobie cats, snorkel, or night scuba. The beauty of Sugar Beach is how well it pleases each member of the family. There is no end to the Caribbean adventures on its white and sandy shores.

Pro Tip: Parents in need of a spa break can head to Sugar Beach’s Rainforest Spa. Babysitting services are on hand should a couple’s spa be on the agenda.

Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina

Montage Palmetto Bluff is a well-preserved town on the May River, in South Carolina. The resort has 200 rooms and 35 private residences which vary in size and style—from traditional hotel rooms to multi-bedroom river cottages and village homes.

Palmetto Bluff sits in the Low Country marshlands, amid centuries-old live oaks and a bird sanctuary. Striking the right blend of highly-curated activities and unique dining options, it has everything it takes for families to experience Low Country living, in style.

Some of the endless amenities that large families can take advantage of include; clay pigeon shooting, bowling, biking, marshland river boat riding, stand-up paddling, and golfing. Enormous treehouses wrapped around live oaks will tempt the adult ‘kids’ in your family. Palmetto Bluff’s Paintbox Program for kids between 5 and 12 will allow grown-ups some time to themselves if needed.

Pro Tip: Rent Village Home 33—a Victorian-inspired five-bedroom home that’s within walking distance to the quaint, storybook village and River House restaurant. It has a huge front porch and the home is filled with games and activities.

Thinking Outside the Box: Other Family-Friendly Ideas for Large Families

For families willing to go beyond the confines of a traditional hotel room, there are interesting options to be found worldwide. Hotels with suites are lovely, but less typical options can add to the adventure.

Airbnb’ing

Airbnb is one company that has risen in popularity among families over the past few years. Airbnbs are often a more economical way to travel with a large family as they can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Known to offer more value for the money, over 90% of Airbnbs have kitchens—a necessary amenity when traveling with toddlers or babies. Anyone who’s ever had to store baby formula or milk in a tiny, not-so-cold, hotel refrigerator will surely agree.

The fact that Airbnbs can now be found around the globe means families can see parts of the world they may not have otherwise been able to consider. Good price points and a user-friendly website make Airbnb an intriguing option for large families.

Glamping

Another out-of-the-box vacation idea for larger families is glamping. Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a trend that’s become popular as many parents want to experience the outdoors with their kids without the hassle of traditional camping. Glamping tents span a range of amenities, but some have plush king-sized mattresses, hardwood floors, and private bathrooms. Others have hot tubs, fire pits, and wooden decks.

One company that has made a mark in glamping is Under Canvas. Under Canvas has locations in stunning destinations like Moab and Lake Powell, Utah. They can also be found near many National Parks including Yellowstone, Zion, and Acadia. Families will enjoy sleeping under the stars and soaking up the magic of the outdoors—all the while being fully entertained by activities and adventures.

Families can go on scavenger hunts, practice yoga, play bingo, hike, stargaze, and participate in outdoor games and movie nights. Glamping is one of the best ways to take advantage of the beauty and landscape of our National Park areas while reconnecting as a family.

Under Canvas’ suite tents sleep up to four people and have a private bathroom and wood-burning stove. Kids’ tents have two twin beds and can be positioned adjacent to the main tent. Some Under Canvas locations have two-tent suites for even larger families or groups. However large your family or group, Under Canvas has a sleeping solution designed to fit your needs.

Sailing by Private Charter

A private charter is one of the most liberating and freeing ways to spend a family vacation. Warm-weather destinations like Croatia, Greece, Belize, and the British Virgin Islands are just a few places that offer sailing holidays worth traveling to. Companies like Moorings and Sun Sail are well-adept in catering to large family's needs. Most boats come loaded with fantastic ‘toys’—like stand-up paddles, inner tubes, and snorkeling equipment, to name a few.

Sailing vacations allow everyone to be together, yet each do their own thing. Whether that be finding a cozy nook to read the latest Stephen King novel or doing backflips off the deck. Splurge and hire a local chef, so that cooking and meal planning isn’t an issue.

When traveling to Europe, gulets are another wonderful sailing option. These traditional wooden sailing boats have been repurposed for tourism in countries like Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. Gulets come with a staff, including a chef, so that families can experience local foods. The boats are perfect for large families, multi-family trips, and family reunions alike.

Time to Get Away

Family-friendly hotels aren’t always friendly for large families. Discovering the resorts, hotels, and hotel brands that make large families feel special is important as you plan future travels. Whether you’d like to island hop along the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia or glamp in the mountains of Maine, opportunities to bond as a family abound when you find the right fit.

The vacation time we have with our families is precious—and fleeting. Planning trips shouldn’t be stressful. Thankfully, hotels and resorts are more clued in than ever and have created ways to accommodate our ever-growing families.

So call your travel advisor or head to the websites of the hotels and resorts listed above. No doubt you will find a vacation idea that meets your family’s needs. Get creative. Your kids will likely remember sleeping under the stars in Zion far longer than in a traditional hotel room. I’ll bet you will, too.