Best Family Vacation Resorts & Hotel Suites, Cottages, & Villas

Best Beach Family Vacation Resorts with Hotel Suites, Cottages, & Villas

1. Playa Largo Ocean Residences — Key Largo, FL

3- & 4-bedroom vacation homes; can sleep up to 9 people

If you love a vacation rental with a kitchen and laundry, but don’t want to give up the amenities and convenience of a hotel, the Playa Largo Ocean Residences may be your answer. Playa Largo Resort & Spa (see our resort review) is a Marriott Autograph Collection Caribbean-style luxury resort just an hour from Miami airport. We love it so much, it made our list of the best family resorts in Florida!

The Ocean Residences are brand new luxury vacation homes with their own clubhouse, waterfront pool, and kayaks and paddleboards to use. But guests also have access to all the amenities of the resort including its multiple restaurants, spa, pools, free kids’ activities, and more. Hard to decide if my favorite part is the deep soaking tub in the en suite bathroom or being able to use and earn Marriott Bonvoy points.

2. Kiawah Island Golf Resort — Kiawah, SC

2- to 8-bedroom villas and homes; can sleep up to 18 people

Ten miles of private sandy shoreline make Kiawah Island Golf Resort a destination families return to year after year. Less than an hour from Charleston, Kiawah offers kids clubs for children ages 3-15. Treat yourself to dinner on the porch of the Atlantic Room, overlooking one of the country’s most beautiful golf courses, for killer sunset views over the ocean. A variety of condos and villas are available, but try to get one that’s walkable to the kid-friendly Night Heron pool. Check out our list of the best things to do on Kiawah Island with kids before you go!

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The Cloister is steps away from Sea Island’s family pools and the ocean. Photo by Jackie Jones

3. The Cloister at Sea Island — Savannah, GA

1- to 3-bedroom suites; can sleep up to 10 people

Located about 75 minutes from Savannah airport, Sea Island is part of a cluster of barrier islands tucked into the Atlantic coast of Georgia. Picture five miles of private beach, breathtaking marsh vistas, oak trees for miles, and spending the day crabbing. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a range of activities at Camp Cloister, and horseback rides along the Georgia coast are available for ages 10 and up. Read our review of Sea Island.

4. Winnetu Oceanside Resort — Martha’s Vineyard, MA

1- to 4-bedroom cottages and suites; can sleep up to 15 people

At this family-owned resort, you can sip a lemonade on a grand front lawn while world-class chefs prepare a clambake for your family. The Winnetu also offers complimentary games and activities including tennis courts, bocce, a life-size chess set, a pirate-ship playground, two outdoor heated pools, and face painting. From cottages with one to four bedrooms to private home rentals, the Winnetu can accommodate groups of various sizes. Note: The resort is only open late May through mid-October.

5. Wild Dunes Resort — Charleston, SC

1- to 7-bedroom residences; can sleep up to 16 people

With three hotels and 200 villas and cottages, Wild Dunes offers a true “home away from home” experience. Choose between oceanfront, marina, boardwalk, and golf course views, as well as tranquil, residential enclaves nestled within charming island communities. Each rental features thoughtful amenities such as chef’s kitchens, screened porches, rooftop balconies, game rooms, private pools, and more. The on-site Turtle Cove offers old-school video games, unique crafts with oysters, and even a stuffed turtle-building workshop. And don’t forget our list of the best things to do in Charleston with kids.

RELATED: 12 Hotel Suites Around the World That Will Blow Your Kids’ Minds

Families can spread out in a villa at Grand Isle Resort & Residences. Photo by Mommy Poppins

6. Grand Isle Resort & Residences — Exuma, Bahamas

1- to 4-bedroom vollas; can sleep up to 7 people

Grand Isle is one of our favorite all-villa resorts, and its location can’t be beat. The Exumas are a string of islands and cays in the Bahamas with white-sand beaches, turquoise-blue waters, and a laid-back vibe. Grand Isle’s 78 oceanfront villas have one to four bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, and whirlpool spa baths. There are loads of on-site activities, from an 18-hole golf course to water sports, but be sure to take the popular “swimming with the pigs” excursion—you’ll travel by speed boat to an island inhabited by feral pigs! Read all about it in our review of Grand Isle Resort.

7. Sanderling Resort — Duck, North Carolina

3- to 6-bedroom vacation homes; can sleep up to 16 people

Nestled beachfront on the Outer Banks between the Atlantic Ocean and the calmer Currituck Sound, this resort has activities for the whole family, like a wild horses tour, surf lessons, dune hang gliding, kayak tours, wakeboarding, and water skiing. Accommodations feature private outdoor spaces with breathtaking ocean and sound views. For large family gatherings, The Residences at Sanderling Resort include six private vacation homes that sleep up to 16, with private pathways to the beach. Our guide to the Outer Banks will help you make lasting memories.

Best Mountain Family Vacation Resorts with Hotel Suites, Cottages, & Villas

8. Grand Colorado on Peak 8 — Breckenridge, CO

1- to 4-bedroom suites and residences; can sleep up to 16 people

Nestled high in the stunning Rocky Mountains, this resort is a skier’s paradise, with 2,908 acres of groomed slopes, 187 ski runs accompanied by 35 lifts, and a halfpipe. It also has the highest chairlift in North America! At the end of the day, families can ski and ride directly from the resort into town to explore shops and restaurants. When the kids feel too cold to be outside, try the private movie theaters, escape room, indoor children’s pool with a slide, or classic arcade. Four-bedroom residences will keep the whole extended clan comfortable.

9. Killington Resort — Killington, VT

various suites and vacation homes; can sleep up to 15 people

Located in the Green Mountains, with 92 miles of snow sports terrain across 3,000 acres and six peaks, Killington resort has a convenient “ski in, ski out” access. You can take the elevator downstairs, leave your shoes in a cubby near ski check (which will hold your skis overnight), then glide across an idyllic snow-covered bridge over a frozen pond to the chair lift. The on-site waffle cabin serves up Belgian waffles with hot fudge on top, and Ramshead Lodge offers all-day child care. Vacation homes that sleep 15 are great for large groups.

10. Sunriver Resort — Sunriver, Oregon

2- to 7-bedroom condos and vacation homes; can sleep up to 16 people

From skiing nearby Mt. Bachelor to indoor pickleball lessons, Sunriver’s got you covered for family fun. You can even book a horse-drawn ride through a snowy meadow in a Victorian sleigh. Be sure to give the resort’s “Director of Fun,” Takoda the bear, a high-five when you find him in concierge. In summer, older teens might enjoy a horseback-riding lesson along the beautiful Deschutes River with views of Newberry Volcano and Paulina Peak. Vacation homes have up to seven bedrooms and sleep as many as 16, so there’s room for all the cousins!

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Bring the entire extended family to the castle-like Mohonk Mountain House.

Best Family Vacation All-Inclusive Resorts with Hotel Suites, Cottages, & Villas

11. Mohonk Mountain House — New Paltz, NY

The Grove Lodge can sleep up to 26 people.

Soak up the Hogwarts vibes at this castle nestled among 40,000 acres of protected forest. Mohonk Mountain House offers loads of family activities in every season, including over 85 miles of hiking trails, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, guided horseback and pony rides, ice skating, a Jr. Naturalist Program, and so much more (which you can read about in our review of Mohonk). And a trip to Mohonk isn’t complete without a visit to the Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain, which offers milkshakes and egg creams. For larger families, Grove Lodge sleeps up to 26 people and has six bedrooms.

12. Beaches Turks & Caicos

2- to 4-bedroom villas; can sleep up to 14 people

A trip to this famed, luxurious resort isn’t soon forgotten—e’re still reminiscing about our 2014 trip! Visitors can choose from myriad themed villages with varying accommodations that sleep up to 14 (we loved the villas in the Key West Village). Miles of white-sand beach, all-inclusive water sports, a complimentary kids’ camp for babies and up, 10 pools, a water park, and 21 restaurants make for a scrumptious all-inclusive vacation. Of course, it all comes with a hefty price tag. Get the scoop in our review of Beaches Turks & Caicos.

13. Tanque Verde Ranch — Tucson, AZ

Various suites and casitas; can sleep up to 14 people

This iconic Tucson destination in the heart of the Sonoran Desert has a variety of large suite options, including adorable pink adobe villas called “casitas.” A full slate of free children’s programming is available for those who opt for an all-inclusive package, with horseback riding, hiking, crafts, nature programs, tennis, and swimming. Your group (bring Grandma and Grandpa!) can gather around a crackling fire for an authentic ranch BBQ experience in the evening. You’ll find out why Tanque Verde is one of our favorite dude ranch vacations!

14. Alisal Ranch — Santa Barbara, CA

1- to 3-bedroom cottages and houses; can sleep up to 10 people

Situated in the Santa Ynez Valley, Alisal Ranch (read our resort review) is surrounded by mountains and includes 10,500 acres and 50 miles of trails for horseback-riding lessons. Breakfast, dinner, and a long list of activities—such as golf, fly fishing, kayaking, tennis, and pickleball—are all included in your stay. Every Wednesday, enjoy a real rodeo, where wranglers showcase events like roping and barrel racing. Afterwards, kick your heels up with line dancing and an outdoor BBQ. Three rustic homes that sleep 10 are available.

15. Crystal Springs Resort — Hamburg, NJ

1- & 2-bedroom suites and the 6-bedroom Grand Villa; can sleep up to 12 people

When visiting New York City, it might be wise to think outside the box on where to stay, especially if your family doesn’t fit in a typical Manhattan hotel room. Cue Crystal Springs Resort, located under an hour from NYC. This all-inclusive resort has 10 restaurants and a full calendar of family activities, such as skiing, farm visits, archery, pony rides, winter goat yoga, and more. There are two main properties, but try to stay in the Grand Cascades Lodge, which has a one-of-a- kind pool with a retractable glass roof, a swim-through outdoor hot tub, and activities such as movie nights.

For more great places to stay in the Garden State, check out our list of the top kid-friendly resorts and hotels in New Jersey.

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Can’t choose between a Disney or Hawaii family vacation? Stay at Aulani!​ Photo courtesy of Disney

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16. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa — Oahu, HI

1-3-bedroom villas; can sleep up to 12 people

Aulani offers loads of fun for families. Snorkel in the saltwater lagoon, learn about Hawaiian culture and eat island food at the on-site luau, enjoy outdoor movie nights and other activities, meet Disney characters, and cool off in the lazy river or on the water slides. Younger kids will love the interactive splash zone and the fantastic kids club, Aunty’s Beach House. Villas go up to three bedrooms and can sleep as many as 12. Your family can spend the entire vacation on the resort and never get bored, but our list of things to do in Oahu with kids just might entice you to leave!

17. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Orlando, FL

1- to 3-bedroom villas; can sleep up to 12 people

Inspired by the traditional African kraal, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has a horseshoe-curved design allowing for spectacular views of four lush savannas. The resort features 40 acres of land and over 30 species of animals. Imagine opening your window and seeing giraffes! Experience the flavors of Africa at several on-site restaurants, swim in the zero-entry pool, and catch a live cultural musical performance. Access the rest of Disney World Resort via shuttle bus. If you’re bringing the whole gang, opt to stay in a three-bedroom villa—it sleeps 12. Animal Kingdom Lodge tops our list of the best Orlando hotels for families.

18. Grande Lakes Orlando — Orlando, FL

2-bedroom family suites and 3- & 4-bedroom homes; can sleep up to 10 people

If you love the parks but don’t necessarily want to be on property, the Grande Lakes Orlando—encompassing 500 acres and including both The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes—is a luxurious option. You’ll have access to both properties’ pools, the on-site Grande Lakes Water Park, and various adventures like falconry experiences, archery, and water sports. Larger families can book the JW Marriott’s Family Suite with bunk beds and a dedicated concierge, or even rent a three- or four-bedroom home.

19. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa — Anaheim, CA

1- to 3-bedroom suites; can sleep up to 13 people

Everyone knows little legs can get tired. The benefit of staying at the Grand Californian is that there’s an entrance to Disney California Adventure Park through the hotel! It also has three swimming pools and five dining locations. Kids love Storyteller’s Café for its character breakfast, as well as the Napa Rose for its princess breakfast complete with storytime. Rooms and suites have custom California touches, including paintings by local artists featuring orange trees with hidden Disney characters. It’s no wonder the Grand Californian made our list of the best Anaheim hotels near Disneyland for families.

More Top US Family Vacation Resorts with Hotel Suites, Cottages, & Villas

20. Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino — Las Vegas, NV

1- to 6-bedroom suites and villas; can sleep up to 12 people

If you have a teenager that loves a little leather (or pleather!) mixed with rock n’ roll, save yourself a lot of eye-rolling and stay at the Rio. With its 15,000-square-foot pool deck and indoor, glow-in-the dark mini golf course (complete with live DJ and a KISS rock ‘n’ roll gift shop), Rio is located one block off the Vegas strip on—wait for it… Flamingo Road. Now that’s a street name even the most surly teen will get a kick out of! And there are only suites and villas here, making it a good choice for large or extended families. Check out our list of the best hotels in Las Vegas for families, as many of them also have suites.

21. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions — Sandusky, OH

2- to 10-bedroom suites and villas; can sleep up to 44 people

It’s always 84 degrees at Kalahari’s sprawling indoor water park, and there’s no additional charge for the park if you stay overnight. There are also loads of other activities, including an animal park, laser tag, mini golf, a 7-D motion theater, and so much more. Kalahari also has locations in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, but the Ohio location offers the largest accommodations for multi-generational families, from two-bedroom suites all the way up to a 10-bedroom entertainment duplex! Family reunion, anyone? Oh, and here’s our list of the best family resorts with water parks.

22. Kingsmill Resort — Williamsburg, VA

1- to 3-bedroom condos and 3- to 4-bedroom cottages; can sleep up to 10 people

Located on the banks of the James River, Kingsmill has three championship golf courses, a spa, and three pools (though the lazy river in the river pool will probably be where your kids live). Kingsmill offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos and riverfront cottages with three or four bedrooms. Don’t feel like packing a ton of clothes? The condos come with washer/dryers! Ask at concierge about the shuttle bus to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA, just a few of the places in our guide to visiting Williamsburg.

23. Montage Palmetto Bluff — Bluffton, SC

2- to 5-bedroom homes; can sleep up to 12 people

A heron taking flight over the picturesque May River. Spanish moss-draped trees. The sound of a ball being hit over a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. You’ll experience it all at the Montage, Justin Bieber’s marital spot. Adventurous kids will love its merit badge program, where they’ll earn a prize for completing activities like catching a fish, going shrimping, and spotting a dolphin. While walking around the property be sure to pet the three resident dogs, Cauley, Finch, and Bodie. An array of two- to five-bedroom homes will ensure the whole clan has a place to sleep.

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Unless noted, photos courtesy of the resorts/hotels