Best Family Hotels in Dallas

Posted on March 20, 2020February 1, 2024 by gigis ramblings

The city of Dallas offers lots of exciting activities for families to enjoy, making it a top vacation destination for travelers with kids. From its zoos and aquariums to its beautiful outdoor gardens, there are lots of attractions to see while visiting. Parents will be happy to know that there are also a number of hotels that offer family amenities and cater specifically to children. Here’s a short list of our recommended family-friendly hotels in the Big D.

Westin Hotel Galleria Dallas

For a completely non-smoking establishment, families can stay at the Westin Hotel Galleria Dallas, which is located inside the Galleria Dallas shopping center. This gives families easy access to popular retail stores and restaurants that are located in this complex. Room service is available 24/7 and front desk service is available around the clock as well. Kids stay for free and can visit the onsite kids club for a chance to enjoy fun activities like arts and crafts. The hotel welcomes dogs that weigh up to 40 pounds, so small family pets are welcome to stay so long as they are properly supervised by their owners. The Second Floor Restaurant and The Oceanaire Seafood Room are two wonderful restaurants at the hotel where guests of all ages can enjoy seasonal entrees and locally-inspired dishes.

Residence Inn Central Expressway Dallas

The Residence Inn Central Expressway Dallas is ideal for extended stays, so anyone planning a long family vacation should consider booking a room at this hotel. Complimentary amenities include high-speed internet access and a free daily breakfast. Onsite laundry facilities make it easy for parents to wash their children’s clothing. Cribs are available upon request for people traveling with young infants, and rooms feature pull-out sofas for families who need extra sleeping space. Local restaurant delivery is a convenient option for guests who want to eat great local food from the comfort of their lodgings. The outdoor pool is perfect for hot days when families need to cool off. The hotel is only two miles away from a miniature golf course and about four miles from popular hiking trails.

Hyatt Place Hotel Park Central Dallas

For a kid-friendly hotel in North Dallas, families should try the Hyatt Place Hotel Park Central Dallas. Guests have easy access to the Dart Light Rail, which offers public transportation to local attractions in the area. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service within a five-mile radius. Free Wi-Fi is available so that guests can stay connected and 24-hour room service ensures that hotel patrons can always order something to eat. A complimentary breakfast is offered to guests every morning to help them start the day off right. People of all ages will love the onsite swimming pool and the 24-hour fitness center. Pets under 50 pounds are welcome for an additional fee, so kids can bring their favorite small dog along for the trip.

Hotel Crescent Court

Families who are in search of a luxury hotel in Uptown Dallas can stay at the Hotel Crescent Court. With a perfect blend of modern style and traditional Texas hospitality, this hotel is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy high-class amenities and comfortable accommodations while visiting the Lone Star State. The Rose Buds program is designed especially for children so that they can enjoy fun activities during their stay. The program offers kids menus for onsite dining and makes it easy for parents to request cribs, baby monitors and babysitting services. Families that want extra room can even choose to stay in spacious suites with full kitchens.

Ritz Carlton Hotel Dallas

Another luxurious place to stay in Uptown is the Ritz Carlton Hotel Dallas, which features upscale amenities and elegant furnishings in every guestroom. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day and the hotel features an onsite restaurant called Fearings Restaurant and has poolside dining options. The Ritz Kids program is designed to welcome children and help them enjoy their time at the hotel by offering fun activities and helping them explore the local area. There are several types of rooms and suites to choose from, including rooms with two queen beds to accommodate families with at least two children. The hotel is less than a mile from popular attractions like Victory Park, the Dallas World Aquarium and American Airlines Center.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

Affordable Family-Friendly Hotels in San Antonio

Posted on May 16, 2018March 29, 2020 by gigis ramblings

Somewhere down south, between the Alamo and the ruins of the Old Spanish Missions, lies the heart of San Antonio. Whether your plans include a tour of historic San Antonio or an exuberant trip tubing down the rapids of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, you will find plenty of family-friendly hotels across the Greater San Antonio area to choose from. These include selections from waterfront hotels along the famous Riverwalk to resorts situated in the Texas Hill Country, take your pick of some of the most affordable kid-friendly hotels in San Antonio.

Omni La Mansion del Rio River Walk

Towering over the Riverwalk, within walking distance of The Alamo and the world-renowned Ripley’s Believe It or Not, you will find the Spanish-themed Omni La Mansion del Rio River Walk. The property caters to families traveling with children. Upon arrival, young guests are given a backpack packed with family-friendly activities and goodies that encourage healthy eating, as well as milk and cookies delivered to their room on the first night. The hotel also hosts a special scavenger hunt. Popular attractions such as the Riverwalk Boat Tours are located directly outside the property. You may also enjoy on-site dining at Las Canarias and Ostra restaurants, or spending time at the spa or the Courtyard pool.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort San Antonio

Families interested in staying in more of a secluded location, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort offers a whole host of activities for you and your family. The resort offers complimentary amenities like bikes, tennis courts and a sand volleyball pit. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the 5-acre water park located on the property, which includes a wading pool, cabanas, the Ramblin’ River and, for those looking for thrills, the 22-foot Edge Falls water slide or the Flowrider wave simulator. Families will also enjoy movies under the stars and making s’mores at the fire pit.

La Cantera Hill Country Resort

La Cantera Hill Country Resort replicates the Heart of Texas into resort form. La Cantera not only offers breathtaking views of the pristine Hill Country overlooking 2 Championship golf courses; but it’s also a short trip to the endless number of attractions in San Antonio, like Sea World and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. For those traveling with children, there are a number of accommodation options: connecting rooms, suites and private Casitas, secluded cottages that sit in a private complex within steps of the main resort. You will also find five swimming pools, along with the Teen Lounge, Kids Camp, and Kids Club that offer exciting activities for children of all different ages.

Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch Hotel San Antonio

If you are interested in experiencing authentic ranch life in style, the obvious choice would be the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch Hotel where you can enjoy real Texas Barbecue, explore the native wildlife nature trails and stay in a 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom residential-style condominium. Children will enjoy Camp Armadillo, the property’s kids’ program that includes amusement park excursions and scavenger hunts, as well as activities like arts and crafts. The property also boasts the 800-foot Rattlesnake River Pool with water slide, three spa locations, and a fire-pit at the Wildflower Pavilion where you can take in a movie under the stars.

Westin Riverwalk Hotel San Antonio

The Westin Riverwalk Hotel offers the ideal downtown getaway, facing the lower loop of the River Walk, offering great panoramic views of the lively area. It is also a few blocks from the Buckhorn Saloon, The Alamo, and a short drive from the Tower of Americas. The Westin Kid’s Club provides young guests with goody bags that contain make-your-own postcards, a big world map to find their location and other materials to help them explore the hotel and beyond. Westin Service Express is available if diapers, playpens, bottle warmers, booster seats or strollers are needed. Suites are available for those who are wanting a little more space and don’t forget to take a dip in the outdoor heated pool.

San Antonio will always be one of my favorite vacation spots. The city is so rich in history and culture, it is impossible not to become intrigued. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you will find plenty to keep your family entertained.

Wonderful Venice Hotels for Families with Kids

Posted on February 8, 2017January 30, 2024 by gigis ramblings

Venice, Italy, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful city built on 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. Separated by canals between the islands and linked by bridges, Venice has only water transportation. Here are five great family-friendly hotels in Venice, some of which were palaces during the Renaissance! All of these have babysitting services or a kids’ club so you can also have some time alone.

The Belmond Hotel Cipriani Venice is located on the Giudecca Island with breathtaking views of the Lagoon and the Doge’s Palace and is a four-minute boat trip to St. Mark’s Square. A private boat can take you on tours of the Venetian Islands. The hotel has a big heated filtered sea-water swimming pool, pampering spa, fitness center, boutique and an on-site family-friendly restaurant with high chairs and kids’ menu, and can also accommodate large families. Kid-friendly amenities include a children’s pool open from May to September, a children’s welcome kit with DVDs, slippers and bathrobes, children’s and teens’ treatments at the Casanova Wellness Centre, and the Smile Club. The Smile Club operates between April and September and offers supervised fun activities for kids. This kids’ Smile Club plus the babysitting services will give you the chance to pamper yourself in the Cassanova Spa, work out in the fitness center, play tennis or have an evening out.

The Residence Corte Grimani is a 17^th century refurbished Venetian palace in the heart of Venice that offers non-smoking family-friendly apartments with amenities such as a washing machine and dryer and a fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator and dishwasher. Apartments are suitable for large families and children through age five stay for free in an apartment with their parents. Babysitting services allow you to have some time alone. Corte Grimani is walking distance to St. Mark’s Square Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and market. Corte Grimani has its own dock so it is very convenient for traveling about with water taxis.

The Hotel Antiche Figure is a 15^th century palace that overlooks the Grand Canal and is adjacent to an old gondola workshop. It can also accommodate large families. You will appreciate starting the day with a complimentary breakfast before setting out with the kids to explore Venice. The hotel is walking distance to many famous sites like the Basilica dei Frari, Scuola Grande di S. Rocco, the Jewish Ghetto, the Rialto Bridge and the modern Art Museum of Ca’ Pesaro. St. Mark’s Square is a 30-minute walk or you can ride a vaporetto water bus. The hotel can arrange gondola and other tours. Kid-friendly amenities include babysitting services. The hotel is conveniently located across from the Santa Lucia Train Station.

The Palazzo Odoni is a historic 15th-century palace that has been refurbished with modern conveniences located in the heart of Venice. From here you can take a fascinating gondola tour or walk to St. Mark’s Square and to many of the historical buildings and art attractions like Scuola Grande di S. Rocco and the Ca’ Rezzonico Museum – Museum of 18th century Venice. Besides the homemade pastries and biscuits served at breakfast, some of the foods like jam, eggs, and yogurt come from organic farms. Kid-friendly amenities include babysitting services. The hotel is near the train station and the dock for cruise ships.

The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort is built in Moorish Renaissance style and is located right on the beautiful Lido Beach with its kid-friendly shallow water. Besides the luxurious private beach with cabanas, there is a large heated outdoor swimming pool, gym, tennis court, golf course and boutique. The rooms and suites, which can accommodate large families, have a view of the sea, the Lagoon or a beautiful Moorish courtyard garden and fountain. On-site gourmet restaurants specialize in Mediterranean cuisine. Kid-friendly amenities include babysitting services and a Kids’ Club for ages 4-12 from 10am to 6:30pm that will allow you time alone. The hotel offers all-day free shuttle boat service to and from St. Mark’s Square Piazza San Marco.