Planning a family holiday is exciting—but choosing the right accommodation can make or break the experience. Parents today aren’t just looking for a place to sleep. They want family friendly hotels that offer space, safety, convenience, and easy access to attractions—without unnecessary stress.
That’s why destinations like Orlando, Anaheim, and San Diego continue to rank among the most searched family travel cities on Expedia. These cities combine world-class attractions, excellent weather, and a wide range of family hotels US travellers trust.
In this guide, we’ll help you decide where to stay, which neighbourhoods work best for families, and how to book smarter using Expedia—so your next trip feels enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Why Choosing the Right Family Hotel Matters More Than Ever
Modern family trips are about balance:
- Comfortable rooms with space to unwind
- Kid-friendly amenities without sacrificing adult comfort
- Locations that reduce travel time and tantrums
- Flexible booking options
That’s why kid friendly hotels and well-located family vacation stays are outperforming standard city hotels—especially when booked through Expedia’s family-focused filters.
Orlando: The Ultimate Family Travel Capital
Orlando is practically built for families. With theme parks, water parks, and entertainment complexes spread across the city, choosing the right area to stay is key.
Best Areas to Stay in Orlando with Kids
Lake Buena Vista
- Closest to major theme parks
- Ideal for first-time family visitors
- Wide range of family-focused hotels
International Drive
- Excellent value
- Close to attractions beyond theme parks
- Plenty of dining and entertainment options
Kissimmee
- Spacious resorts and vacation-style stays
- Great for longer trips and larger families
- Often more affordable
Expedia makes it easy to filter by family travel hotels, pool access, free breakfast, and multi-room availability.
Why Orlando Works So Well for Families
- Hotels designed for kids
- Large rooms and suites
- Shuttle services to attractions
- On-site dining and activities
If you’re travelling with younger children or planning a theme-park-focused trip, Orlando remains one of the best destinations for family friendly hotels.
Anaheim: Compact, Walkable & Perfect for Short Family Trips
Anaheim is ideal for families who want a simpler, more walkable experience—especially for shorter stays.
Best Areas to Stay in Anaheim with Kids
Anaheim Resort District
- Walking distance to major attractions
- Minimises daily travel time
- Ideal for families with young children
Garden Grove
- Slightly quieter
- Often better value
- Still close to key attractions
Expedia’s map view helps parents choose hotels that are genuinely walkable—not just “nearby” on paper.
Why Families Love Anaheim
- Easy to navigate
- Less overwhelming than larger cities
- Shorter travel days
- Great for 2–4 night trips
Anaheim is perfect if you’re looking for family vacation stays that feel manageable, calm, and efficient.
San Diego: The Best Family City That Doesn’t Feel Like a Theme Park
San Diego is often overlooked as a family destination—but it’s one of the most balanced cities for parents and kids alike.
Best Areas to Stay in San Diego with Kids
La Jolla
- Beach access
- Safe, relaxed atmosphere
- Great for older kids
Mission Bay
- Calm beaches and parks
- Family-friendly resorts
- Ideal for outdoor-focused trips
Downtown / Gaslamp (with kids)
- Best for families with teens
- Close to museums and attractions
- Walkable and lively
Expedia allows you to filter for family hotels US travellers rate highly, including beachfront stays and suite-style rooms.
Why San Diego Works for Family Travel
- Beaches + city attractions
- Mild weather year-round
- Outdoor activities for all ages
- Less crowd pressure than theme-park cities
San Diego is ideal if you want family travel hotels that feel relaxed, scenic, and flexible.
What Makes a Hotel Truly Family-Friendly?
Not all hotels that allow children are actually family-friendly. The best kid friendly hotels usually offer:
- Larger rooms or suites
- Cribs or extra beds on request
- Pools with shallow areas
- On-site dining or nearby restaurants
- Safe, walkable surroundings
Expedia highlights these features clearly—so you don’t have to guess.
Is It Better to Stay Near Attractions with Kids?
In most cases, yes.
Staying closer to attractions:
- Reduces daily commute stress
- Saves time and transport costs
- Makes mid-day breaks easier
- Keeps kids energised instead of exhausted
That’s why the best areas to stay with kids often prioritise proximity over luxury.
Are Family Hotels More Expensive?
Not necessarily.
While some family resorts cost more upfront, they often save money overall by offering:
- Free breakfast
- Kitchenettes
- Included activities
- Reduced transport costs
Expedia packages often make family friendly hotels more affordable when booked with flights.
How to Book Smarter Family Trips on Expedia
Expedia simplifies family travel by offering:
- Family-specific hotel filters
- Flight + hotel bundles
- Free cancellation options
- Price comparison tools
Tips for Families
- Look for suite-style rooms
- Book early for school-holiday periods
- Compare near-attraction vs city-center hotels
- Use package deals for better value