Room to spare: Top budget hotels for families needing extra space

Before I became a parent, I often sought out a distinctive boutique hotel. Room size was less important than convenience, stylish décor, a relaxed atmosphere, and excellent service. Occasionally, I didn’t mind splurging for a memorable experience. However, as a mom to an 11-month-old, my hotel priorities have shifted dramatically.

Rather than cool artwork, I now prioritize child-proof features; I never travel without my hotel room babyproofing tips. I’d choose a full kitchen for making baby food and storing milk over a well-stocked minibar any day. The only services I require are a crib and someone to take out the trash. My biggest concern, like that of many traveling families, is privacy and separation within the room. Discover why families need more space and which hotel brands can accommodate that need.

Why Is Privacy Crucial for Families?

Traveling with a little one means I've often found myself having dinner in the bathroom with my husband while the baby sleeps in the bedroom. I've even had to use the hotel lobby's restroom because our room's bathroom became a makeshift nursery. While I could splurge on a suite at a nearby luxury hotel, it's not always within our budget.

While Airbnb-style accommodations offer additional space, a hotel can still be the best option for certain trips. Limited-service chain hotels feature family-friendly amenities like full kitchens and separate living areas. Recently, I chose to stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Knoxville, Tennessee, instead of the trendier The Oliver. For our summer trip to Mont Tremblant near Montreal, we opted for Homewood Suites by Hilton over the nearby Fairmont.

Top hotel brands for families needing more space

Most major hotel chains have limited-service brands that come with benefits such as spacious accommodations, suites with private bedrooms, complimentary breakfast, evening snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, and more. Here's a rundown of the best hotel chains for families, many of which also offer a good degree of privacy for families on the go.

Hilton Honors

Embassy Suites

• Loyalty program: Hilton Honors
• Benefits: Most locations feature two-room suites, along with a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, and nightly drinks and snacks (Hilton Honors members also enjoy free Wi-Fi).
• Transfer partner: Amex Membership Rewards transfers at a 1:2 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: Discover which Hilton credit card is ideal for families.

With this predominantly all-suites brand, you're almost guaranteed ample space when traveling with family. Additionally, you’ll enjoy free made-to-order breakfasts and a two-hour nightly reception featuring complimentary drinks and snacks. Except for a few exceptions (like in Manhattan), most Embassy Suites locations offer two-room layouts, complete with a wet bar, small fridge, and microwave. The kids can occupy the living area while you have the bedroom to yourself.

Home2 Suites

• Loyalty program: Hilton Honors
• Benefits: All rooms are suites, plus enjoy complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi.
• Transfer partner: Amex Membership Rewards at a 1:2 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: Discover which Hilton credit card is ideal for families.

Another all-suite brand from Hilton, Home2 Suites is designed for extended stays with versatile room layouts. The spacious studio includes a small kitchen (fully equipped with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave), but only features a privacy curtain to separate you from the kids in the main living area. This means you can hear your kids moving around, and they can hear you too. If you prefer some peace for late-night TV, there are larger (and pricier) rooms available with an actual door. Complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi are standard, along with laundry and fitness facilities. Pets are usually welcome too.

Homewood Suites

• Loyalty program: Hilton Honors
• Benefits: All accommodations are suites, plus complimentary hot breakfast, evening socials, grocery shopping services, and Wi-Fi.
• Transfer partner: Amex Membership Rewards at a 1:2 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: Discover which Hilton credit card is ideal for families.

At Homewood Suites, you’ll find spacious suites that include separate living and sleeping areas, as well as fully equipped kitchens with microwaves, full-sized refrigerators, and dishwashers. The studio layouts lack a wall or curtain for privacy between the bed and the pull-out couch; for that, you’d need to upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. The two-bedroom option is the most luxurious, featuring two distinct sleeping areas, allowing both kids and parents to have their own bathrooms, with a living room and kitchen in between.

The complimentary hot breakfast and evening snacks are definitely a nice touch as well.

IHG Rewards Club

Staybridge Suites

• Loyalty program: IHG Rewards
• Benefits: Complimentary hot breakfast, happy hour with food and drinks three times a week, and Wi-Fi.
• Transfer partner: Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card — Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account.

Every room at Staybridge Suites is equipped with a full kitchen featuring a full-sized fridge with ice maker, microwave, stovetop, toaster, coffee maker, and dishwasher. Even in the studio layout, you’ll benefit from these cooking amenities, though you won’t have privacy in the smallest room category. To gain that, you’ll need to upgrade to a one-bedroom suite, which includes a wall separating the bedroom from the living area. The two-bedroom option provides even more privacy, with the living room situated between the two bedrooms and each room having its own bathroom. Guests with the IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card enjoy the fourth award night free.

Marriott Bonvoy

Residence Inn

• Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy
• Benefits: Complimentary hot breakfast, evening socials, grocery delivery service, and Wi-Fi.
• Transfer partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio; Amex Membership Rewards at a 2:3 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: The top Marriott credit cards.

In every layout option offered by this chain, you'll find distinct living and sleeping areas, but privacy is nearly absent in the studio setup. It's more akin to an alcove studio, where you can easily see and hear everything happening in the pull-out couch area. To achieve true separation, you'd need to upgrade to a one-bedroom or two-bedroom layout (check out larger suites you can book with points). These options include an actual wall separating the bedrooms from the common space. The good news is that all categories feature fully equipped in-suite kitchens — complete with a stove, full-sized fridge, and dining bar — along with complimentary grocery delivery service.

Springhill Suites

• Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy
• Benefits: Complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.
• Transfer partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio; Amex Membership Rewards at a 2:3 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: The top Marriott credit cards.

While there isn't a wall with a door separating the beds from the pull-out couch area, this brand has made an effort to position the sleeping spaces as far apart as possible within the limited area. Additionally, they've included a desk with a curtain on one side to serve as a soft barrier between the two zones. When lying in bed, you may not have a clear view of where your children are sleeping, and vice versa. Although there’s no wall to block sound, it’s certainly better than nothing.

TownePlace Suites

• Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy
• Benefits: Complimentary hot breakfast and Wi-Fi (You can also borrow items like board games, blenders, spatulas for outdoor grilling, and more.)
• Transfer partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio; Amex Membership Rewards at a 2:3 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: The top Marriott credit cards.

With TownePlace Suites, booking the one-bedroom option is necessary for any real sense of privacy. The king and queen studio options place the small living space right at the foot of the bed. You’ll enjoy a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and stovetop, but the sleeping arrangements are not much improved compared to a standard hotel room. Opting for the one-bedroom suite will provide the actual separation you need, with a wall between the living and sleeping areas.

World of Hyatt

Hyatt Place

• Loyalty program: World of Hyatt
• Benefits: Complimentary hot breakfast (for World of Hyatt members booking eligible rates through Hyatt) and Wi-Fi.
• Transfer partner: Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
• Cobranded credit card: World of Hyatt Credit Card — Earn 35,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Additionally, earn up to another 30,000 points by accumulating 2 bonus points for every $1 spent on purchases that typically earn 1 bonus point, on up to $15,000 in the first six months after account opening.

In the realm of select-service hotels for families, Hyatt Place offers a more conventional layout. There are no kitchens, and the design features one large open room. However, they occasionally provide a partition between the beds and pull-out couches, giving traveling families a touch of privacy. While you may not be able to see your kids' heads while they sleep, you can likely glimpse their toes and hear their little snores. Fortunately, there’s a 24/7 Gallery Market stocked with grab-and-go foods and beverages for those late-night cravings. Plus, a free breakfast is provided each morning — as long as you booked your room through Hyatt.

Similar to other hotel chains, booking a one-bedroom suite at a Hyatt Place offers significantly more privacy.

Conclusion

All of these hotels provide amenities that facilitate travel with children. However, for optimal privacy, it's advisable to reserve at least a one-bedroom suite to ensure a wall separates you from the kids. With few exceptions, Embassy Suites tends to excel in this regard.

For more privacy, the studios at Home2 Suites or Springhill Suites with a curtain are likely your best options outside of actual two-room suites. Remember, even a small separation can significantly enhance your getaway experience with young children. It might be a good idea to use those points for an upgrade—getting quality sleep and a little extra time to unwind after the kids are asleep is definitely worth it.

Looking for additional resources for traveling with a baby? Check these out:

• Hotel Stays with a Baby — Keeping Your Sanity Intact
• Extended Stay Hotels: Ideal for Business Travelers and Families Alike
• Choosing a Bulkhead Seat When Traveling with an Infant?
• Seeking Privacy — Top US Airline Seats for Lap Infants and Nursing Mothers
• Understanding Why Babies Struggle to Sleep in Hotels — and How to Resolve It
• Finding a Babysitter While Traveling
• Tips for Award Travel with an Infant