1. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
Picture an enormous Victorian castle on a lake and you just may envision Mohonk. Nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains and situated amid 7,800 acres of nature preserve, the 140-plus-year-old resort has welcomed five presidents, as well as a plethora of families looking for a relaxing retreat. Nine adjoining buildings of various facades and heights (as well as turrets and towers) house 265 guest rooms in traditional, Victorian, and suite categories. Families can hike more than 85 miles of trails, and go horseback riding, cross-country skiing and ice skating. Kids programs are offered during the summer, when families will also enjoy ice cream sundae socials, campfires and dance parties.
2. Stowe Mountain Lodge, Stowe, VT
What resembles a traditional Rocky Mountain ski chalet can actually be found in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where traditional New England charm seeps into every room. The ski-in/out resort has grown to include 139 rooms, decorated in indigenous materials such as Vermont birch and marble from neighboring Lake Champlain. Of course, hiking in the colorful fall foliage makes the resort popular in fall, with hiking and biking fun in the summer. Just down the road is the intimate village of Stowe, which remains as quaint as it was during its founding 240 years ago.
3. The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV
Forget what you may have heard about the stately Greenbrier: it has been restored to its grand dame status following an $80 million renovation. Although, it includes the opening of a gaming casino opening in July 2010, the National Historic Landmark maintains its gorgeous stature in the Allegany Mountains. People have been visiting the Greenbrier since 1778, when the area's healing sulphur waters beckoned political families from city life in Washington, D.C. Book one- to three-bedroom guestrooms with front porches to truly enjoy the view, then go horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking, and enjoy kids programs and even falconry.
4. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
This grand dame has welcomed families to its timeless island since 1887, making its infamous appearance in the 1970s classic, "Somewhere in Time." Bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are primary forms of transportation, as no cars are permitted on the island, and no two of the 385 rooms are decorated alike. Open only from May through October, Grand Hotel is nicknamed "America's Summer Place," and still requires eveningwear in all areas of the hotel during the evening. Don't fret: it's still a family-friendly resort! All-inclusive rates, children's programs, games, swimming, tennis, croquet, and more are all for the taking.
5. Timberline Lodge, Timberline, OR
Just an hour outside Portland, the Timberland Lodge's awe-inspiring mountain backdrop is just one reason this resort is a grand hotel. The lodge opened in 1937 and was named a National Historical Site 40 years later, now receiving more than two million visitors per year through U.S. Forest Service tours. Chalet-style accommodations won't feature the luxurious marble bathrooms and goose-down pillow-top comforters found in newer hotels, but the old-fashioned fun the family will enjoy is worth it: skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, and enjoying the heated outdoor swimming pool year-round.
6. The Sagamore, Bolton Landing, NY
Sweeping views of Lake George give this grand hotel a decidedly Adirondack feel in a Georgian setting. The views are so inspiring, Georgia O'Keeffe and her husband Alfred Stieglitz summered here throughout the 1920s. The resort houses 350 guestrooms in its main hotel and Lodges, with families enjoying the nature trails through pines overlooking the lake, kids programs, lakeside water fun such as kayaking and sailing, croquet on the front lawn, biking and more, all on a 70-acre island.
7. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
A family favorite and long-time travel award winner, The Broadmoor is known for its luxurious accommodations and unparalleled service. Majestically standing on a beautifully manicured 3,000-acre property, the Broadmoor offers gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and beckons serenity and relaxation. This expansive property has three buildings with 593 guestrooms, 107 suites and 44 cottage bedrooms as well as a championship golf course, six tennis courts, 18 restaurants and 25 retail shops. And although The Broadmoor showcases its colorful history, it is absolutely up-to-date with lots of eco-friendly initiatives, flat-screen TVs and wireless Internet, and fresh furnishings. Families will enjoy the Bee Bunch children's program and all the thoughtful amenities that are standard at this truly grand property.
8. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, NH
Since the turn of the century, the Omni has welcomed families to its Mount Washington peaks and 800,000 acres. (Yes, 800,000!) Choose from the grand resort, the Bretton Inn, or the ski-in/out Lodge, all of which were renovated recently to the tune of $50 million and feature spectacular views. Four pools, kids programs, 434 acres of skiable trails, lift-serviced mountain biking, equestrian center and more keep families entertained during any season.
9. Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Bay, CA
Twenty-eight miles south of San Francisco, on dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific, awaits the luxury known as the Ritz. Fishing, surfing and sunbathing on the beaches are the main draw to this 250-room resort with floor-to-ceiling windows, stone fireplaces and private dining options. Ritz Kids programs provide more fun for the kids during the day, with special teen and night programs. The entire family can also enjoy the fire pit by the ocean, hiking, biking, golf and tennis.
10. Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
The massive 125,000 acre Biltmore Estate showcases the Biltmore House, designed in the Chateau style for George Washington Vanderbilt II and the largest home in America. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and majestic mountains, the estate is an unsurpassed playground for families looking to have fun in the outdoors. From biking, hiking and horseback riding to river rafting, kayaking and fly fishing, families will find more than enough ways to keep everyone happy with outside play. But those looking for a more refined experience will also find their fun at the Biltmore, with tours of the 117-year-old Biltmore House and the winery, walks in the beautiful gardens (especially in the spring when the tulips are in bloom), and onsite shopping and dining. Treat your family to a stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate; it's the only property inside the gates.
For more fantastic hotels we love, check out:
- 10 Best Mountain Family Resorts
- 10 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts
- 10 Best Caribbean Family Resorts
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