The top 12 Hilton resorts perfect for families

As the snow begins to fall, now is the time to consider Hilton's credit card offers for planning your family's spring break or summer getaway next year.

Family vacations come in many forms, but there's something timeless about a serene resort experience. We've curated a list of 12 of the best Hilton resorts for families. If you need extra Hilton points to turn these trips into reality, check out our guide to the best Hilton card bonuses as well.

• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 70,000 bonus points and a Free Night Reward after $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 130,000 bonus points and a Free Night Reward after spending $2,000 in the first three months.
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 130,000 bonus points after $3,000 in purchases in the first three months, plus a Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express: Earn 150,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases within the first three months.

The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The details presented on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

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Grand Wailea Maui

Grand Wailea Maui stands out as one of Hilton's premier resorts in Hawaii, renowned for its stunning beachfront and impressive array of nine pools. While it's a popular choice for honeymooners, it's also an excellent spot for families. The resort features various on-site activities, including complimentary scuba training for first-time divers aged 12 and up. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available, along with a monthly lineup of events such as luaus, yoga classes, Hawaiian games, and hula lessons. (Please note that while the Grand Wailea is a favorite among families for its extensive kids and teen clubs, these amenities are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

A standard room at Grand Wailea Maui costs 95,000 Hilton points per night, but these rooms are notoriously hard to book. It's essential to plan your stay well in advance and remain flexible with your travel dates. If you do manage to secure a standard room, it can be a great opportunity to utilize free weekend night certificates. These certificates can be earned through various methods:

• Anniversary Year: With the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, you’ll receive a free night certificate each time you renew your membership.
• Annual Spend: The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card provides a free night annually if you spend $15,000 on the card during the calendar year. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offers up to two free nights per year—one after spending $15,000 within the calendar year, and another after spending $60,000. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express gives you a second free night certificate after you spend $60,000 in a calendar year.

If you’re considering Hawaii, you can embark on a full island-hopping adventure with Hilton hotels. Family-friendly options include Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort (60,000 points/night) and Hilton Waikoloa Village (65,000 points/night).

Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak

Arizona boasts a variety of resorts, from serene adults-only spas to family-friendly venues with large pools and lazy rivers. The all-suite Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak is a great choice for families. This resort requires between 50,000 and 60,000 Hilton points per night, and even their standard accommodations are suites, allowing your family (up to five guests) to spread out without incurring additional costs.

The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak boasts a sprawling four-acre River Ranch Water Park, complete with pools, waterslides, and a lazy river. Additional amenities include tennis courts, basketball courts, and a mini-golf course. (Please note that during normal operations, kids aged four to twelve could join activities at Coyote Camp, which is currently not open.)

Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, Connecticut

Locating a chain resort in the Northeast can be tricky, but your family can enjoy a getaway on the Connecticut shoreline at the Madison Beach Hotel using Hilton points. Be sure to book well in advance, as rooms tend to fill up quickly during the busy summer and fall seasons.

On pleasant days, your children can spend time at the beach and roast s'mores by the fire pit in the evenings. The hotel also offers activities like biking, kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching. With a nightly cost of 61,000 to 80,000 Hilton Honors points, this is an excellent New England option.

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

If your family is planning a visit to see Mickey and Minnie, the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is conveniently located just a few miles from the Disney theme parks. Guests enjoy perks like a 30-minute early entry at Disney World and complimentary transportation to the park.

On days when you’re not visiting the parks, the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek features a lagoon-style pool, a waterslide, and various poolside activities. In non-pandemic times, there is also a kids club at the nearby Waldorf Astoria hotel (currently closed due to health restrictions).

A standard night at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek costs 60,000 Hilton Honors points, but often only premium rooms are available. If your points budget is limited, consider exploring other Hilton properties in the area, such as the Hilton Disney Springs options.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Florida

The Florida panhandle boasts stunning beaches and is a favorite destination for family vacations. If you’re searching for a comprehensive beachfront hotel with plenty of children's activities, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa offers accommodations for 64,000 to 80,000 points per night. For a little extra luxury, you can use more points to book a suite featuring bunk beds—ideal for families traveling with kids.

This resort features both indoor and outdoor pools, beach volleyball, biking, tennis, golf, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. And, of course, there's the beautiful beach to enjoy.

The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel

Huntington Beach, famously dubbed "Surf City," is located just 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Nestled along its 9.5-mile coastline is The Waterfront Beach Resort, which requires 80,000 points for a night’s stay. This resort is an ideal stop on a California coast road trip or as an addition to a Disneyland getaway. Keep in mind, the hotel is situated across the highway, away from the beach itself.

The Waterfront Beach Resort offers close proximity to the beach and various dining options, all within a tranquil, resort-style setting. Enjoy a pool featuring waterslides, rentable cabanas, and evening fire pits. Rentals available include boogie boards, sand toys, beach chairs, umbrellas, tandem bikes, and beach cruisers. However, it's important to note that the resort no longer provides a kids club for guests.

Hilton Barbados Resort

Barbados is a fantastic family vacation spot. While chain resorts are limited on the island, you can utilize your Hilton points at two locations. The first option is the Hilton Barbados Resort, conveniently located in Bridgetown. (This location may not suit those seeking a more secluded experience.)

With a stunning white-sand beach and a refreshing pool, the hotel provides snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and boogie boards for fun in the sun. The complimentary Kidz Paradise Club operates from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., dividing kids into two groups: Groovy Kidz for ages four to seven, and Cool Kidz for ages eight to twelve. Children under five can eat for free, while those between five and twelve enjoy meals at half price.

While it may not be the most luxurious hotel in Barbados, it’s a fantastic way to utilize your points on an island where accommodation can be pricey. Staying at the Hilton Barbados Resort costs between 59,000 and 70,000 points per night.

For those with a substantial points balance, Hilton has recently added The Crane Resort to its portfolio. The Crane features a complimentary kids club for children aged four to twelve. Rates for the Hilton Grand Vacations at The Crane start at 113,000 points per night for premium rooms. If you have the choice, The Crane is a more upscale option, and during off-peak times, the paid rate may be comparable, making it worth considering instead of using points.

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa

The all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica features a private beach, several pools, and the thrilling Super Mill Falls Water Park. Although it’s no longer the sole waterpark in the Caribbean where you can redeem points, your children will still adore the 280-foot slide and the relaxing lazy river.

Room rates encompass various dining choices, beverages at the swim-up bar, non-motorized water sports, and, naturally, a kids club.

At this resort, a standard room costs between 65,000 and 70,000 points for two guests, with an additional fee for extra guests. Children aged five and under can stay for free, but it's advisable to contact Hilton or the hotel directly for updated pricing information, as costs can vary based on the guest's age.

Hilton Aruba Caribbean

Aruba is a top beach destination for my family. The weather is typically idyllic, the waters are crystal clear, and there’s a plethora of activities alongside great dining options. In the hotel zone, you’ll discover numerous points-friendly choices, including the Hilton Aruba Caribbean.

The resort features two expansive "zero-entry pools" that gently slope into the water, similar to a beach, making them perfect for children. These pools remain open until 10 p.m., allowing kids to play until bedtime and offering families evening activities.

The Shoco Land Kids Club is currently closed; however, when operational, it caters to children aged four to twelve.

Standard rooms at this resort are priced at 80,000 points per night throughout the year.

Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort

The Hilton Cancun celebrated its grand opening in November 2021, making it a fantastic destination to redeem your Hilton Honors points—particularly if you enjoy an all-inclusive experience. Situated in the Riviera Maya, it offers direct access to the beach and is conveniently located near Cancun International Airport (CUN).

There’s an abundance of activities for kids, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, a water playground complete with slides, and engaging nightly shows.

Children aged four to twelve can participate in the Kids Club. Although the permanent facility isn't operational yet, a temporary area is currently available to provide a range of fun activities, such as arts and crafts, gaming stations, and more.

A free night award only requires 95,000 points per night, and children under 12 can stay for free. This presents another excellent opportunity to redeem one of your free night awards that come with Hilton's co-branded credit card.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Located farther away than the other properties mentioned, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui stands out. This resort is particularly appealing for families, offering suites of over 1,000 square feet for just 89,000 points a night. While overwater accommodations come at a higher cost, the land-based rooms are quite comfortable for families of up to four.

Guests can enjoy complimentary activities such as mini-golf, paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing. Additionally, the resort features the free Tamariki Kids' Club, available for children aged four to fourteen.

Given the high nightly rates, this is an ideal location to use your points for a complimentary stay. However, availability for standard rooms booked with points is quite limited, so it's advisable to check the calendar daily for any openings.

Key Takeaway

I really enjoy utilizing Hilton Honors points for my hotel stays, particularly at resorts. When you use points, you won't have to worry about resort fees, and if you hold elite status, you can benefit from a fifth night free. Thankfully, all four Hilton Honors credit cards provide either Silver, Gold, or Diamond status, ensuring that you can take advantage of this perk regardless of which card you choose.

With over 5,000 Hilton properties around the globe, there are countless possibilities for family vacations using points. Which properties are your favorites?