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America's Best Family Hotels 2011

America's Best Family Hotels 2011

By Dorkys Ramos , Travel + Leisure and Travel + Leisure Staff

September 19, 2012

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Credit: © The Walt Disney Corporation

There’s no need to leave the kids at home, thanks to Travel + Leisure’s list of the best hotels for families in the U.S.

Don’t be fooled by its name: Colorado’s Bachelor Gulch is well suited for families, with wide-open spaces and tons of activities. And if you stay at the Ritz-Carlton here, you’ll find enough amenities (and nannies) to ensure that parents get a vacation, too.

Family-friendly activities, attentive service, and beautiful landscapes are hallmarks of America’s Best Hotels for Families, as voted by readers in T+L’s annual World’s Best Awards survey. And the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, ranked No. 6, is a prime example of a property that offers something for every family member: air hockey and video games in the teen lounge; a 21,000-square-foot spa with claw-foot copper tubs; and access to Vail Valley’s numerous golf courses.

Connecting kids to the outdoors is a priority for many parents, so it’s no surprise that America’s Best Hotels for Families includes plenty of properties in natural settings. “Experiencing or reconnecting with nature is growing in popularity because of the benefits to children as well as adults,” says Diane Wood, president of the National Environmental Education Foundation. “In fact, more physicians are prescribing outdoor activities and time in nature for kids to help tackle obesity and other conditions.”

According to the 2011 TripAdvisor family travel survey, 37 percent of families plan to visit a national park this year. They’d do well to stay at Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa (No. 7) in Jackson Hole, WY. One mile from Grand Teton National Park and 60 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, this timber resort teems with outdoor activities, from ice-skating to horseback riding. Back at the hotel, spacious suites have pull-out sofa beds and kitchens, while customized massage packages are available for mother-daughter duos.

But even if the call of the wild is getting louder, Walt Disney World remains an indisputable kid-pleaser. This year, six resorts at the Happiest Place on Earth made the list of America’s Best Hotels for Families—and they offer a variety of accommodation styles. Disney’s Craftsman-style Wilderness Lodge (No. 8) within the Magic Kingdom has a rustic feel, while those sporting Topsiders will feel right at home at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (No. 16)—a waterfront property that channels New England right in Epcot.

Read on to see all of America’s best hotels for families.

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No. 1 Disney'sAnimal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando

Credit: © The Walt Disney Corporation

Next to the theme park, a little piece of Africa: spot free-roaming zebras and antelope from your private balcony overlooking 33 acres of savanna. Doubles from $350.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 2 SanderlingResort & Spa, Duck, NC

Credit: Courtesy of The Sanderling

Newly renovated 88-room beachfront retreat bordering an Audubon sanctuary, with a seafood-centric restaurant in an 1899 former lifesaving station. Doubles from $300.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 3 BeaverCreek Lodge, CO

Credit: © The Kessler Collection

Tucked into a village just steps from the lifts, with fly-fishing and white-water rafting in summer. Doubles from $599.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 4 EliotHotel, Boston

Credit: Courtesy of Eliot Hotel

Family-owned Back Bay boutique property, around the corner from Newbury Street and minutes from Fenway Park. Doubles from $285.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 5 FourSeasons Resort, Jackson Hole, WY

Credit: Courtesy of the Four Seasons Resorts

An in-house biologist leads excursions to track moose and mountain lions—that is, if you can pry your crew away from the Xbox 360 in the kids’ club. Doubles from $550.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 6 The Ritz-Carlton,Bachelor Gulch, BeaverCreek, CO

Credit: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Winter heaven, with an affordable ski-nanny program, doggie spa treatments, and fire pits. Doubles from $549.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 7 Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, Jackson Hole, WY

Credit: Courtesy of Terra Resort Group

Tall-timber resort abutting the entrance to Grand Teton National Park; the new 16,000-square-foot spa has a rooftop yoga studio that offers kids’ classes. 800/631-6271; doubles from $389.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 8 Disney’sWilderness Lodge, Orlando

Credit: © The Walt Disney Corporation

Totem poles, carriage rides, and a man-made geyser are just a few of the features of this Craftsman-style homage to America’s national park lodges. Doubles from $375.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 9 The Sagamore Resort, Adirondacks, NY

Credit: Courtesy of The Sagamore

Storied 1883 hotel on the shores of shimmering Lake George, where cruises take place on a handsome replica of a 19th-century wooden boat. 800/358-3585; doubles from $189.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 10 GrandWailea, Maui

Credit: Courtesy of Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa

Calling all swimmers: this seaside complex has nine pools, a baby-friendly beach, and seven waterslides (some with white-water rapids). Doubles from $519.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 11 (Tie) Cloisterat Sea Island, GA

Credit: Courtesy of Sea Island Resorts

Eighty-three-year-old grande dame with a coastal flavor (crabbing off the dock, anyone?). Doubles from $395.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 11 (Tie) TrappFamily Lodge, Stowe, VT

Credit: Courtesy of Trapp Family Lodge

Yes, it’s owned by that von Trapp family—thus the Austrian-style décor and the weekly Sound of Music sing-alongs. Doubles from $325.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 13 Sanctuaryat Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC

Credit: Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Barrier-island resort that has wide-ranging activities: tie-dye lessons, all-ages golf, and Surf Kayak Rodeo. Doubles from $460.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 14 TheGreenbrier, WhiteSulphur Springs, WV

Credit: Courtesy of The Greenbrier

Recently renovated 1913 property with a Cold War–era bunker that’s open for tours. Doubles from $359.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 15 Disney’sPolynesian Resort, Orlando

Credit: © The Walt Disney Corporation

Connected by monorail to the Magic Kingdom, this tiki lover’s fantasy features everything from a Tahitian ceremonial house to a volcanic pool that “erupts” with water. Doubles from $510.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 16 Disney’sYacht Club Resort, Orlando

Credit: © The Walt Disney Corporation

Near Epcot, a Nantucket-worthy shingled village with three acres of pools. Doubles from $465.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 17 FourSeasons Resort Hualalai, HI

Credit: Susan Seubert

Inspired by the golden age of Hawaii; keikis get to make kiddie-size leis and snorkel Kealakekua Bay. Doubles from $795.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 18 Disney’s Grand CalifornianHotel & Spa, Anaheim, CA

Credit: © The Walt Disney Corporation

Takes its cues from California’s Yosemite National Park, down to an Ahwahnee-like lodge and a redwood waterslide. 407/934-7639; doubles from $265.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 19 (Tie) Disney’sBoardwalk Inn & Villas, Orlando

Credit: © The Walt Disney Corporation

Americana, everywhere: think carnival games and enough street theater to rival Atlantic City. Doubles from $500.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 19 (Tie) WhiteElephant, Nantucket,MA

Credit: Courtesy of White Elephant

Kids get pails and shovels upon check-in at this quintessential New England beach retreat, where expansive green lawns lead to the harbor’s edge. Doubles from $720.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 21 GrandHyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, HI

Credit: Courtesy of Hyatt Kauai Hotels & Resorts

With an inventive youth spa menu (hair braiding; Polynesian temporary tattoos). Doubles from $365.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 22 HiltonWaikoloa Village, HI

Credit: Courtesy of Hilton Waikoloa Village

Water, water everywhere, from the saltwater lagoon to the tropical-fish-filled canals. Doubles from $369.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 23 HyattRegency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Cedar Creek,TX

Credit: Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort

Twenty-three miles east of Austin, with draft horses for mascots and a “Don’t Mess With Texas Animals” program where children learn about the wildlife of the surrounding habitat. Doubles from $319.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 24 StoweMountain Lodge, VT

Credit: Stowe Mountain Lodge

The only ski-in, ski-out hotel on one of the best slopes in the East, with an après-ski spa for all ages. Doubles from $259.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 25 Disney’sVero Beach Resort, FL

Credit: Alan Schein Photography/Corbis

Two hours from Orlando: beachfront breakfast with Goofy for the kids, wine-pairing classes for you. Doubles from $375.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 26 SteinEriksen Lodge, Park City, UT

Credit: Courtesy of Stein Erikson Lodge

Five minutes from Main Street and right beside the lifts, with ski valets for every age. Doubles from $639.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 27 LoewsPortofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando

Lavish re-creation of a picturesque Italian town, complete with nightly operas sung from the balconies. Doubles from $349.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 28 GrandHotel, Mackinac Island, MI

Credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel

Open from May to October, this legendary 19th-century resort on Lake Huron features 100 rocking chairs on the world’s longest porch. From $279 per person, including children’s activities and most meals.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 28 HyattRegency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, BonitaSprings, FL

Credit: Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Near the Gulf of Mexico, with adventure—a rock-climbing wall; corkscrew waterslides—around every bend. Doubles from $199.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 30 HyattRegency Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio

Credit: Courtesy of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

SeaWorld is your neighbor, but the fun begins on site: the four-acre water playground includes a 950-foot tubing river and a zero-entry kiddie pool. Doubles from $349.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 31 HyattRegency Maui Resort & Spa

Credit: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Set along a three-mile stretch of Maui’s crescent Kaanapali Beach and fresh from a $15 million face-lift; the stargazing nights are a hit. Doubles from $279.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 32 Ritz-Carlton,Naples, FL

Credit: Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Naples

Eleven aquariums, eco walks, and naturalist-led boat tours give young guests a crash course in conservation. Doubles from $769.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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No. 33 LaPlayaBeach & Golf Resort, Naples, FL

Credit: Courtesy of Laplaya Beach & Golf Resort, Naples

Order piña coladas by the Gulf of Mexico after dropping the kids off at Aquatic Camp. Doubles from $439.

See the full results of the World’s Best Awards.

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America's Best Family Hotels 2011

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No. 1 Disney'sAnimal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando

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No. 2 SanderlingResort & Spa, Duck, NC

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No. 3 BeaverCreek Lodge, CO

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No. 4 EliotHotel, Boston

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No. 5 FourSeasons Resort, Jackson Hole, WY

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No. 6 The Ritz-Carlton,Bachelor Gulch, BeaverCreek, CO

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No. 7 Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, Jackson Hole, WY

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No. 8 Disney’sWilderness Lodge, Orlando

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No. 9 The Sagamore Resort, Adirondacks, NY

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No. 10 GrandWailea, Maui

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No. 11 (Tie) Cloisterat Sea Island, GA

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No. 11 (Tie) TrappFamily Lodge, Stowe, VT

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No. 13 Sanctuaryat Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC

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No. 14 TheGreenbrier, WhiteSulphur Springs, WV

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No. 15 Disney’sPolynesian Resort, Orlando

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No. 16 Disney’sYacht Club Resort, Orlando

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No. 17 FourSeasons Resort Hualalai, HI

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No. 18 Disney’s Grand CalifornianHotel & Spa, Anaheim, CA

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No. 19 (Tie) Disney’sBoardwalk Inn & Villas, Orlando

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No. 19 (Tie) WhiteElephant, Nantucket,MA

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No. 21 GrandHyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, HI

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No. 22 HiltonWaikoloa Village, HI

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No. 23 HyattRegency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Cedar Creek,TX

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No. 24 StoweMountain Lodge, VT

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No. 25 Disney’sVero Beach Resort, FL

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