9 best points hotels in the US where kids are treated like VIPs
Once you become a parent, family vacations look a lot different from the years B.K. — before kids.
You can — and should — still travel; after all, it’s important to show your children the world. But if we’re being honest, those long days spent strolling aimlessly around new cities are a lot more challenging when there are nap times, bulky strollers and cranky toddlers in the mix.
Rather than pausing travel, a better strategy is to adjust how you do it. For example, you might trade a multicity itinerary for more focused time in one destination, or swap a big outdoorsy adventure with a stay somewhere beautiful with lots to do in and around the resort.
But one thing you don’t need to alter is cashing in points for an indulgent splurge at a high-end hotel. In fact, some of the best hotels in the country cater especially to their youngest guests, treating them like VIPs with special events, rich and immersive programming, wonderful kids clubs, and theme park-like pools and playscapes.
Entertaining and involving littles more meaningfully in day-to-day vacation fun in turn makes for an easier, more relaxing trip for parents, too — almost like the ones you used to take way back when.
Here are the best points-friendly properties where kids are the stars of the show.
Related: Where to go in 2025: The 29 best places to travel
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
From the first glimpse, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach looks a bit like a Tuscan countryside estate with its sweeping entrance, grand marble staircases and manicured gardens.
Instead, it’s just outside ritzy Laguna Beach, California, and the hotel’s polished, upscale air is a favorite with families who flock here for spacious, well-appointed rooms starting at 535 square feet, multiple pools, lawn games, a come-as-you-please kids activity room, an exclusive beach club and nightly music performances where littles are as likely to dance as older couples. The hotel is also home to Ahma & Co, a serene postpartum retreat center for new parents and their infants, who cocoon themselves within the luxurious confines of the hotel for around-the-clock care.
Rates at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club start at $714 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
With its Victorian-style red roof and slate blue clapboard siding, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort feels like a quintessential New England hotel, except it’s perched on a picturesque hill overlooking a bustling harbor and the golden sands of Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California.
And while the hotel has a decidedly sophisticated ambience with a glossy lobby, large spa and several sparkling pools, a real focus here is on kids. There are multiple splash pads, a shallow kiddie pool, a children's putting green, cornhole, daily activities, and a room where kids may play games, join art projects or watch "Bluey" on mounted TVs. The hotel also screens movies for families and provides free popcorn, candy and soda, and littles are often treated like VIPs with surprise stuffed toys at check-in or during turndown service. A playground is also across the street, and the aptly named Baby Beach, revered for its gentle shores, is a short walk or drive away, right next to the Ocean Institute with hands-on kids exhibits.
While children are the star, Marriott Bonvoy members receive extra perks too, like dining credit and free drinks.
Rates at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa start at $252 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: The best coastal hotels to visit during your next seaside getaway
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Set along 32 lush oceanfront acres on the majestic Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, the Fairmont Orchid is a stunning hideaway that’s a favorite for families seeking a quieter, more remote getaway than you’ll find on some of the other islands.
The hotel also has a rare — for this island — swimmable sandy cove beach. Many other Big Island hotel beaches are rough and rocky, but here, kids can swim in calm waters and rent kayaks, canoes or paddleboards — and even go snorkeling. There’s also a large lagoon-style pool and many free cultural activities, from hula lessons to storytelling and lei making. And at a few of the hotel’s on-site restaurants, kids eat free when dining with their parents, adding tremendous value. For even more, Fairmont Gold rooms come with exclusive lounge access, a private check-in desk, free breakfast and canape snacks; just be sure to book directly with Fairmont and Accor Live Limitless to receive added perks like room discounts and food and drink credits.
Rates at Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii start at $586 or 35,000 Accor Live Limitless points per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
A sublime sanctuary for coastal elegance, The Ritz-Carlton is a graceful escape on the shores of one of Florida's barrier islands — and it also happens to have a standout kids program. Ritz Kids focuses on the natural wonders of Amelia Island with supervised programs that incorporate the sea, land and sky. Young guests are immersed in nature through hikes, tidal pool exploration, scavenger hunts, crafts and more.
Beyond these activities, the hotel has children's menus, play areas, activity books and fun add-on experiences like a pirate-themed tuck-in. Upgrade to a club room for lounge access with complimentary food served multiple times per day, an honor bar, continental breakfast, cocktails and, for families staying over the weekend, a supervised night of fun while parents step away as part of the nightly rate.
Rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island start at $823 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
The newly rebranded Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is a full-service property that will appeal to everyone from golfers to spa-seekers, but should be strongly considered by families. Booking here is kind of like bringing your kids to a wonderful summer camp with hosted rotating monthly activities that might include anything from field games like potato sack races to face painting, art projects, cookie decorating and seasonal crafts. There’s also pickleball, tennis, a rock climbing wall and a newly renovated pool complex with a sandy beach and three-story waterslide.
Rooms are generously appointed too, though families will have the most room to spread out in any of the suites or casitas, which come with separate living rooms and multiple bedrooms.
Rates at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort start at $404 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Set just outside Austin, this expansive resort proves everything really is bigger in Texas, including kid-friendly perks. The ranch-style resort is home to animal mascots including miniature horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, pigs and longhorns that do meet-and-greets daily. The hotel also has an on-site playground, arcade, bike rentals, basketball, craft workshops, family yoga, fishing, a family golf clinic and a massive water park with a lazy river, two-story waterslide, splash pad and multiple pools, including a kiddie option.
Parents can also take advantage of Camp Hyatt for supervised fun for their littles while they hit the spa or play a round of golf. The program puts on everything from outdoor movie nights with s’mores to scavenger hunts, craft activities and more.
Rates at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa start at $294 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Nestled on 600 acres of oak-covered hills in Texas Hill Country, on the outskirts of San Antonio, this JW Marriott seems tailor-made for guests with children — and the young at heart — with a 9-acre water park that has a 1,100-foot lazy river, a plunge body slide that reaches 20 mph, a sandy beach pool, tube slides, a kiddie pool, an activity pool and more.
Outside of aquatic adventures, kids may join supervised parents-night-out programs, activities like slime making and jumbo backyard games, and special seasonal programming, including a Dr. Seuss-themed ice show featuring whimsical scenes from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas" with ice slides, character moments and interactive displays — all carved out of 2 million pounds of ice.
Rates at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa start at $388 or 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: The best resorts in Texas for a Lone Star State getaway
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark
When it comes to treating kids like VIPs, no one does it quite like Disney. However, Disney hotels tend to be expensive and lack loyalty or major points programs to save on rates. The next-best thing you can do is stay at a “Good Neighbor” hotel, which is a property located within the theme park grounds.
One of our top picks is this Holiday Inn, which costs a fraction of the price of an official hotel and feels a bit like a theme park itself with a zero-entry lagoon with splash pad, waterslides and an enormous water park with play structures. That attraction alone could rival a day in the parks, but the hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to Walt Disney World, as well as a slew of activities centered around entertaining kids, such as minigolf, an arcade, basketball courts, a playground, movie nights and all-suite rooms ranging from one to three bedrooms, some of which come with bunk beds. There are also five on-site eateries, all serving favorites for even the pickiest kids, from chicken tenders to pizza, burgers and ice cream.
Rates at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark start at $80 or 13,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay
Recognizable from its starring role in the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” the famed Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu, Hawaii, rebranded as a prestigious Ritz-Carlton earlier this year. Set on 1,300 oceanfront acres on the North Shore, there are multiple pools, waterslides and gorgeous beaches — but the offerings for kids go far beyond water play.
Some of the hotel’s best programming is focused on children with an impressive range of activities including kayak tours, outrigger canoe rides, stargazing, horse and pony rides, scavenger hunts, lei making, hula lessons, night snorkeling, bird watching, paddleboarding and all kinds of surfing, from one-on-one instruction to adaptive courses and even a unique experience with dogs. Upgraded club bookings come with lounge access and complimentary meals and snacks, too.
Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Oahu, Turtle Bay start at $903 or 67,200 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.