The Best New England Hotels for a Family Getaway

Best Overall: The Lodge at Spruce Peak

Why We Chose It

Calling itself the only ski-in, ski-out luxury resort in New England, The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers several levels of accommodation including private family-style penthouses in scenic Stowe, Vermont. 

Notable Amenities

Heated indoor/outdoor pool and hot tubs, fitness center with Peloton bikes, on-site ski valet

Nestled in the Green Mountains of Stowe, a sweet Vermont ski town with upscale shops and restaurants, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a vibrant destination for active family travelers. The family-friendly ski resort has several restaurants onsite, including the casual WhistlePig, where you'll find Vermont craft beers and comfort food cuisine, and Alpine Hall, a fine-dining concept serving Vermont cider steamed mussels and a hearty baked pasta with venison ragu. 

Skiing is the obvious winter draw, with hot tubs and an onsite spa to loosen up tired muscles after an exhilarating day on the slopes, but don't overlook the area's charms—and relative quiet—in summer or fall, when the trees turn fiery reds and oranges. In warmer months, you might try a guided fly fishing lesson, golf, or enjoy the pool. Stay in the lodge or choose a penthouse for a more private stay, where your group will have a full kitchen and two to four bedrooms. The recently refurbished guest rooms boast new carpets, flat-screen TVs, handcrafted furniture, and nature-themed art by local Vermont artists.

Best Luxury: The Ocean House

Why We Chose It

Near some of Rhode Island's best beaches, The Ocean House routinely makes travel industry best-of lists and offers thoughtful children's programming. 

Notable Amenities

Mercedes-Benz convertible for day trips (first-come, first-served) available for guest use, free daily activities like yoga and cooking classes, private beach and dedicated beach butler

Set on Block Island Sound, The Ocean House is a popular destination for couples and families. While it's close to Block Island, the Mystic Seaport and Aquarium, several local wineries, and outdoor summer theater, the real draw is the hotel itself. Rooms are well-appointed in a New England coastal style (blue and white with nautical touches) and include high-tech features, like wireless internet and docking stations. Larger groups can choose suites, which may include bunk beds or twin beds. In-room amenities include 400-thread count sheets, goose down pillows, plush bathrobes, and complimentary refreshments. 

The Ocean House welcomes children of all ages. Children five and older can take part in the Sand Castles program and a scavenger hunt; with advance notice, families can arrange for babysitting. Pet parents, not to worry: Dogs are welcome up to 50 pounds for a one-time fee of $195. (Note: This is for one larger dog or multiple small dogs that weigh 50 pounds combined.)

Regular programming includes art classes, fitness, yoga, croquet clinics, and cooking classes. Try your hand at surfing or paddling boarding, charter a yacht for a sunset sail, book a private tennis lesson, or relax with the kids by the heated, saltwater lap pool; most activities are included in the resort fee.

Best Budget: Red Jacket Mountain View Resort

Why We Chose It

With an indoor water park and access to New Hampshire skiing and hiking, Red Jacket Mountain View Resort is one of the best New England resorts in any season.

Notable Amenities

Award-winning indoor water park

Red Jacket Mountain View Resort has an enviable location in the White Mountains getaway town of North Conway. The resort is close to adventure parks and White Mountain ski resorts and hiking trails. Its onsite indoor water park is a big draw, but you'll find more than a splash park if you stay here. There is also an arcade room, heated outdoor pool, and family-friendly activities, like horse-drawn wagon rides or campfire nights. 

Though they're on the simple side, rooms cater to families with loft alcoves for extra beds or family-style suites that sleep up to seven. While the resort fee includes several activities, you'll need to pay extra for water park admission, parking, meals, and more. Still, package deals make this a strong value pick for families.

Best Family Option: Cliff House

Why We Chose It

It's time for a new generation to fall in love with Cliff House in Ogunquit, Maine, recently reopened after renovations to the historic beachside resort.

Notable Amenities

On-site spa, guest access to Cape Neddick Golf Club, evening fire pit with complimentary s’mores

Set on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cliff House is exactly what you picture when you think of a New England coastal getaway. Open once more after updates to the 145-year-old hotel, the property offers seasonal programming for families including school vacation programming with nature experts and a doll-friendly tea party with The Linnea Company, a local doll company. 

Accommodation options include guesthouses, family suites, and a standalone cottage. Decor is modern with features like Comphy linens, nautical decor, oversized flat-screen LCD television, and hardwood floors. Many rooms have private balconies and ocean views. While the kids are busy with a program, adults can unwind with a signature spa treatment like Untamed Maine, a soothing massage and marine mud body wrap experience.

Dine at fresco at Cove Bar & Grille or indoors at Nubb’s Lobster Shack, where you can enjoy seafood classics and modern takes on comfort food, like lobster mac and cheese or clam chowder “totchos” (tater tot nachos).

Best Entertainment: MGM Springfield

Why We Chose It

This four diamond AAA-rated hotel isn't just the clear pick for a Six Flags New England visit, it's a standout in its own right thanks to ample entertainment and amenities.

Notable Amenities

Outdoor heated pool

Yes, this casino hotel in Springfield, Massachusetts is close to Six Flags New England and The Basketball Hall of Fame, but there's a lot more to see and do at MGM Springfield than use it as a home base. For example, the TAP Arcade and Bowling spot is your rainy-day destination, with arcade games galore and, of course, bowling. Adults can enjoy facilities like the casino, a symphony hall, a comedy club, burlesque shows, and multiple bars. When it's time to eat, choose from Wahlburgers, The Chandler Steakhouse for fine dining, or South End Market, a food hall dining experience with a lobster shack, a gelato and coffee bar, and diner fare.

The property's rooms are contemporary with dark wall colors, gallery walls, and an in-room seating area for work or socializing. Suites include a separate living room to give families more space.

Best Beach Hotel: Chatham Bars Inn

Why We Chose It

This quintessential Cape Cod beach hotel combines luxury amenities with family-friendly activities for an unforgettable stay. 

Notable Amenities

Complimentary yoga and meditation classes, award-winning spa, Lexus shuttle service for guests' off-site dinner reservations

Set on 25 acres between Chatham's Main Street and the beach, Chatham Bars Inn was originally created to be a hunting lodge for the New England elite. While steam heat and long-distance telephones were the draws of the day, nowadays it's wellness activities, farm-to-table cuisine, and upscale surroundings that lure families to this luxury beach hotel on the Cape. The inn's current owner recently completed a $100 million renovation, which netted acclaim from travel media. 

Choose from the main inn, spa suites, or private cottages set on the quiet private beachfront. Cottages sleep two to four and offer separate sleeping and living quarters and gas fireplaces. While rooms in the main inn also sleep two to four, large parties can fit eight in the presidential suite, a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom accommodation. Rooms are a pleasing neutral palette with refined touches, like fine linens, marble vanities, and in-room Nespresso machines; ocean view rooms have balconies.

For entertainment, you'll find tennis courts, private beach cabanas, and pools. Special excursions, which include family escape rooms and a great white shark boating expedition with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, can be arranged.