Best hotels with a “cool factor” for kids
My family has travelled extensively over the years, and we put a lot of effort into choosing a hotel. Let’s face it, overnight accommodations can make or break a vacation. My Dallas-Ft. Worth list emphasizes convenience, cost, location, amenities, and last but not least, a “cool” factor.
1. Omni Dallas Hotel
555 S. Lamar Street, Downtown
Location, location, location. Connected to the Convention Center via Sky Bridge, the Omni Dallas Hotel is close to the Arts District and most area attractions. It features a beautiful infinity swimming pool, spacious fitness center, and a variety of eating establishments. Complimentary milk and cookies and a backpack filled with crayons, a coloring book, and other goodies set the tone for a fun-filled visit. I personally love the fact that it is a smoke-free facility and meets the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold Certification standards. Starts at $200/night.
2. Great Wolf Lodge
100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine
Located four miles from DFW Airport, Great Wolf Lodge is specifically-designed with kids in mind. From its massive indoor water park, unlimited WiFi, story time with milk and cookies, fitness center, kids’ activities (all included), plenty of dining options, themed rooms with bunk beds, arcade, kid spa, adult spa, ropes course, and Early Saver Special, this place will have you and your kids jumping for joy. Starts at $250/night.
3. The Joule
1530 Main Street, Downtown
The Joule is a jewel, and one of my favorite downtown hotels. Situated in the same block with the Neiman Marcus flagship store, a host of great restaurants, and city attractions, it exudes an undeniable vibrancy that’s hard to resist. The interior is not grand in size but upscale in style with a quaint library room (where you can book afternoon tea), a really interesting gift shop, terrific on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa, and gorgeous rooftop pool boasting marvelous city views. Cribs are complimentary and roll-aways an extra $40. Starts at $300/night.
4. Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
Centrally-located between Dallas and Fort Worth with an abundance of restaurants, shops, and activities available onsite, you may never leave. Restaurants offer kids’ menu and table activities. There’s also an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, day spa, jogging trail, and separate waterpark (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) featuring a toddler pool, water slide, and lazy river. Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center also showcases tremendous seasonal displays like an ice show and sledding hill during the winter months. Starts at $200/night.
5. Fairmont Dallas
1717 N. Akard, Arts District
Set in the center of the Arts District, it’s perfectly located for discovering local museums and historical sites. Elegant and refined with an old-world charm, the Fairmont Dallas features a spacious rooftop pool and restaurant, on-site Starbucks, snack bar, and fitness center. Guests also can enjoy complimentary health club and spa privileges at the YMCA, located directly across the street. Connecting rooms, cribs, and mini-refrigerators are available upon request. Starts at $272/night.
6. Hyatt Regency Dallas
300 Reunion Boulevard, Downtown
Located in the heart of downtown, the Hyatt Regency Dallas is another great choice for exploring the city. The hotel offers complimentary weekend shuttle service to and from most area attractions and great deals including the Stay, Shop, Sparkle (excellent for going to popular Northpark Center) and the JFK Museum packages. Other amenities include a beautiful outdoor pool and fitness center. Starts at $189/night.
7. Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
2927 Maple Avenue, Uptown
If you’re looking for an intriguing boutique hotel with a neighborhood feel and an abundance of charm, The Stoneleigh is it. The aged art deco façade and sleek outdoor pool add to the hotel’s overall appeal. It also has a 24-hour fitness center, on-site restaurant and lounge, and is located within walking distance to the Katy Trail. Suites are available with pull-out couches and kitchenettes; cribs and roll-aways are available upon request. Starts at $199/night.
KidTripster Tip: The Katy Trail is a 3-1/2-mile-long landscaped walking, jogging, inline skating, and bicycling path that runs through the Uptown and Oak Lawn areas of Dallas. It’s a great way to get out and get some exercise, and if you plan properly, you can stop along the way to investigate specific areas like Knox-Henderson, which is a great place to stop, eat, and shop.
8. Hotel Lumen Dallas
6101 Hillcrest Avenue, University Crossings
Located five miles from downtown Dallas across the street from Southern Methodist University, this mid-century modern boutique hotel is a great alternative to your run-of-the-mill chain. Non-smoking and pet friendly, Hotel Lumen’s amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, free wine reception (daily from 5-6 p.m.), free bicycle program, free house car use within a 3-mile radius, and $5 breakfast (drink, fruit, and pastry). Cribs, rollaways, and connecting rooms are available at no charge but are limited, so make your request early. You can also request a room that is pet-and-allergen-free. Starts at $209/night.
Another option in the same vicinity is The Highland (5300 E Mockingbird Lane), situated near SMU and right across the street from the shops and restaurants at Mockingbird Station. Cribs, rollaways, and highchairs are available. Starts at $169/night
9. Oakwoods Dallas Uptown
2901 CityPlace West Boulevard West Village
If you are planning on visiting for a week or more, Oakwood Dallas Uptown Apartments are conveniently located in the West Village, a very popular area loaded with shops and eateries. In fact, one of my favorite Eats is right across the street – Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria. The complex includes a clubroom, billiards room, pool, and grilling area. Studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units are available; pet-friendly; parking included. It’s a great deal! Starts at $125/night.
10. The Westin Galleria Dallas
13340 Dallas Parkway, North Dallas
Set in the Galleria Dallas shopping complex, The Westin Galleria Dallas is located 10 miles north of center city. Upon request, kids are greeted with a complimentary coloring book, crayons, and personal journal. Amenities include direct access to the shopping mall (with a play area on 3rd floor outside Nordstrom and an ice skating rink on 1st floor), hotel pool, fitness studio, babysitting services, and two on-site restaurants. A variety of packages are offered including Shop and Stay, 40% off your second night, and the American Girl Sweet Dream package. Suites are available and select rooms include access to club lounge, free breakfast, free Wifi, and drinks. The hotel also hosts a complimentary “Decorate Your Cupcakes” party on weekends. Starts at $259/night.
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Marcia Carroll Burzair lives outside of Dallas with her husband and daughter. While this Northeast transplant desperately misses the beach, she has come to love the weather, the big sky, and the wildlife. Hey, it’s not everywhere you get to see a coyote, armadillo, and road runner all in one day!
This writer received some complimentary stays for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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