How to book the best family vacation with hotel points
A great family vacation could include unforgettable memories at Walt Disney World Resort — Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando
A family vacation is more than an ordinary trip — it’s a chance to build memories that will last a lifetime. If you’ve been collecting hotel points, you can whisk your family to a fun-filled escape they’ll never forget.
Savvy travelers can book the best family vacation destinations in the U.S. with points. We’re talking about places like Lake Tahoe, Hawaii, and Orlando, to name a few. Here’s how.
What are hotel points?
Hotel points are a reward for participating in hotel loyalty programs. You can redeem them for valuable perks like free hotel stays, dining credits, and complimentary upgrades. They’re an incentive to give your repeat business to one hotel brand over all the others.
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How do you get hotel points?
The first step to earning hotel points is enrolling in a hotel loyalty program. It’s free and usually comes with additional benefits like free Wi-Fi. Once you’ve signed on, it’s easy to rack up points through activities like hotel stays, dining, special promotions, or spending with co-branded credit cards.
The more points you earn, the more you’ll have to spend on a family vacation or other travel experiences.
How many hotel points do you need for a free night?
The number of hotel points you need for a free night varies. Generally speaking, the more expensive the hotel, the more points you’ll need. In addition, you can expect to spend more points during peak season or dates when reservations are in heavy demand.
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Are you ready to get started? We’ve curated a list of some of the best family vacation destinations you can book with hotel loyalty points.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
You can’t beat a family vacation by the clear, blue waters of Lake Tahoe — Photo courtesy of Tamara Gane
In Lake Tahoe, snow-topped mountains cast their reflection into one of the world’s deepest, bluest bodies of water. Voted as one of the best lakes in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, this is a place where you can truly choose your adventure with beaches, ski resorts, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe represents the best of Lake Tahoe with a ski-in, ski-out location at Northstar Ski Resort plus an exclusive Lake Club on the beach. Other family-friendly amenities include a newly redesigned club lounge with stunning mountain views, a year-round heated pool, Topgolf Swing Suites, and Ritz Kid activities.
Standard rooms require 78,000 to 138,000 points a night.
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Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino
Families at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa, and Casino spend their days playing on a private beach across from the hotel, splashing in the pool, or engaging in a robust roster of rotating activities, from kayaking to archery.
Standard rooms require 17,000 to 23,000 points a night.
Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe
Holiday Inn Express South Lake Tahoe offers wallet-friendly amenities like free parking, complimentary breakfast, and an outdoor pool. The convenient location on Lake Tahoe Boulevard is a short walk from the beach or the Heavenly Mountain Gondola.
Standard rooms require 17,000 to 99,000 points a night.
Orlando, Florida
Family vacation fun awaits in Orlando’s Icon Park — Photo courtesy of Visit Orlando
Attractions like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Icon Park, and LEGOLAND Florida Resort make Orlando a bucket-list spot for a family vacation. Don’t get so caught up in the theme parks that you miss Lake Eola Park and the tantalizing downtown Orlando food scene.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Luxury and kid-friendly amenities go hand in hand at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. It’s located within Walt Disney World Resort and offers two swimming pools, a golf course, lawn games, a kids’ club, and early access to the park.
Standard rooms require 70,000 to 168,000 points a night.
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JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa
Your kids will have so much fun at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa that they might not want to leave to go to the theme parks. Amenities include a Kids Conservatory Lounge with games and virtual reality headsets, a kids’ club, pool, climbing wall, mini golf, and complimentary shuttle service back and forth to Walt Disney World Resort.
Standard rooms require 40,000 to 67,000 points a night.
Hyatt House across from Universal Orlando Resort
The oversized rooms at Hyatt House across from Universal Orlando Resort offer plenty of space for families to spread out. Most include kitchens, so you can save money preparing your meals. Other budget-friendly perks include complimentary breakfast, shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort, and discounts on food and merchandise within the theme park.
Standard rooms require 9,000 to 15,000 points a night.
Park City, Utah
Park City is made for family vacation fun, on the slopes or off — Photo courtesy of Yobro10 / iStock Via Getty Images
It’s hard not to be wowed by Park City. From the Park City Town Lift running from the heart of the plaza to the astonishingly beautiful mountain scenery, there are no bad views in this upscale Utah community.
In winter, skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding take center stage. When the snow melts, hiking, biking, zip lines, and alpine coasters are a magnet for families.
Waldorf Astoria Park City
Skiers will rejoice in Waldorf Astoria Park City’s easy access to Park City Mountain via the Frostwood Gondola. Nestled on more than 7,300 acres, the resort offers hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing. A swimming pool and Little Miners Camp keep the little ones entertained, while a luxurious spa caters to the adults in the family.
Standard rooms require 110,000 to 340,000 points a night.
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Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection
Bonded babysitting services make Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection, the ideal choice for adults who want a little me time for spa treatments or shopping during their family vacation. Other family-friendly amenities include a swimming pool and adventure concierges to help you arrange everything from dinner reservations to whitewater rafting or snowmobiling excursions.
Standard rooms from 140,000 – 212,000 points a night.
Hyatt Place Park City
Hyatt Place Park City offers complimentary shuttle service to select ski resorts during your stay. If you don’t bring gear, the on-site ski rental shop will hook you up. The year-round heated pool and complimentary breakfast are popular with families.
Standard rooms require 12,000 to 18,000 points a night.
Oahu
A family vacation on Oahu is possible when you use hotel points — Photo courtesy of Fly View Productions / E+
Warm weather, endless beaches, and gorgeous scenery have long made Hawaii a dream vacation destination. Oahu offers a wide selection of points hotels in Honolulu near attractions like Diamond Head State Monument, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
It’s hard to beat Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa’s beachfront location. If you can pull your kids away from the sand, family-friendly amenities include a swimming pool, packages with surf lessons, and family suites with lots of living space. Upgrade to add club access and enjoy complimentary breakfast, snacks, and evening hors d’oeuvres.
Standard rooms require 17,000 to 23,000 points a night.
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Between a location steps away from the beach and an oceanview swimming pool, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is always a hit with families. Popular activities include an on-site luau and surf lessons for groups or individuals.
Standards rooms require 65,000 to 87,000 Marriott points a night.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
A block from Waikiki Beach, Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk combines a stellar location and suite accommodations for families. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool, free breakfast, and a complimentary evening reception with drinks and appetizers.
Standard rooms require 70,000 to 372,000 points a night.
Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. brims with free family activities — Photo courtesy of Washington.org
Families get a lot of bang for the buck in Washington, D.C., with free attractions like the Smithsonian museums — some of the best free museums in the country, as voted by 10Best readers. Whether your kiddos are interested in history, science, culture, or outdoor attractions like the Potomac River, the nation’s capital has something to keep them intrigued and entertained.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center offers close access to Washington, D.C., on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Unique family activities include a swimming pool with a splash zone, scavenger hunts, and augmented reality experiences featuring endangered animals. If you’re visiting during the holidays, don’t miss the Christmas light show or ice tubing.
Standard rooms require 61,000 to 118,000 points a night.
Kimpton George Hotel
Kimpton George Hotel, located near the Capital Building and Union Station, makes traveling with an infant a breeze. The hotel provides a complimentary play yard with a bassinet and an infant tub for your stay. In addition, an on-demand family fridge allows you to store breast milk safely. Don’t miss happy hour in the lobby for free soft drinks or adult beverages in the evening.
Standard rooms require 28,000 to 89,000 points a night.
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Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House
The Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House is a short walk from attractions like the White House, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums. A heated indoor pool provides year-round recreation, and a complimentary hot breakfast offers families plenty of fuel for a day of sightseeing.
Standard rooms require 30,000 to 50,000 points a night.
