Our Favorite Hotel Brands for Large Families (Tested by a Family of 6!)

If you’ve ever tried squeezing your whole family into one hotel room, you know the chaos that follows — crowded beds, stuff everywhere, no personal space, and one tiny bathroom everyone’s fighting over.

After 11 years of traveling with our family of six, I’ve found the hotel brands that make family travel so much easier (and actually enjoyable!).

These are the hotels I always check first when planning a trip because they consistently offer space, comfort, and amenities that work for big families.

Note: Amenities vary by property and can change. Double-check breakfast, suite layout, pool, and parking before you book.

Residence Inn by Marriott

Residence Inn is usually my first choice when we’re booking a family trip.

They offer one- and two-bedroom suites, which are perfect for large families.

If we can get a two-bedroom suite at a good price, it’s a total win!

These rooms come with two bathrooms, and that’s a game-changer when traveling with four boys!

I also love the separate living area, which gives us a little breathing room after a long day.

The full kitchen (with a real refrigerator, counter space, and table) makes life so much easier for snacks, drinks, and all of our “stuff.”

Plus, their complimentary breakfast saves both time and money before heading out for the day.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Homewood Suites is another family favorite.

We love their roomy one- and two-bedroom suites, full kitchens, separate living areas, and complimentary breakfast that helps us get out the door faster.

Most locations also have a pool—always a favorite with our boys and on-site laundry, which is convenient and helps us pack lighter on longer trips.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

TownePlace Suites feels a little more casual but still gives us the space that we need.

While it is not my top pick, it is still a solid choice for our family!

Many locations offer two-bedroom suites, and all rooms include a full kitchen, which is perfect for storing and prepping quick snacks or a light meal.

It’s also a great option for road trips or longer stays, and the price point is usually very reasonable.

Quick Tip: On road trips, I usually book our overnight stops ahead of time (with free cancellation) so we’re not searching late at night.

Most locations have a pool (kid favorite) and on-site laundry so we can pack lighter.

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Embassy Suites is a long-time favorite for us.

Every room has a living area with a pull-out couch and a small wet bar that includes a mini fridge and microwave.

With four kids, an Embassy Suites hotel can feel a little more tight than others but we still love staying there!

We especially love the open atrium layout (though not every property has it).

The kids always get a kick out of riding the glass elevators and looking down from the hallways.

If you’re heading to Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, I wrote a full post about our stay (three king beds + incredible views): Best Hotel for Big Families: Embassy Suites Fallsview.

And breakfast? Embassy Suites wins here every time. Their cooked-to-order breakfast is phenomenal! Everyone finds something they like, and it saves us both time and money.

Drury Inn & Suites

Drury Inn & Suites is another go-to brand for our family.

They offer great rooms, a fantastic breakfast, and the 5:30 p.m. Kickback which includes light dinner items and snacks.

When you’re traveling with kids, being able to eat at the hotel can be a huge help after a busy day.

Many locations also have indoor or outdoor pools, which is always a must for our boys. Swimming is one of their favorite ways to unwind at the end of a travel day.

Our go-to Drury pick near Kansas City is Overland Park. It’s consistently well-run and easy for families.

In St. Louis, the Drury Plaza at the Arch is one that we keep returning to thanks to its unique historic feel and truly walkable location for visiting Gateway Arch National Park and other top spots in downtown St. Louis.

If you’re planning a St. Louis getaway, don’t miss my post: Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch. It shares more details from our stay and why this hotel is such a great fit for families visiting downtown St. Louis.

How We Choose Between Residence Inn and Homewood Suites

Our top two hotels that offer us the most space and value are Residence Inn and Homewood Suites.

Whenever we’re on a road trip or staying longer at a destination, I check availability and price at these two first (unless we’re choosing a vacation rental).

When I’m deciding between them, I look at a few key factors: price, availability, reviews (cleanliness), layout, and location.

Two-bedroom suites at either brand can sell out quickly, so I try to check early.

I always scan the most recent reviews and guest photos because cleanliness is a big priority for our family.

For layout, I prefer a true one- or two-bedroom suite with a separate living area—that extra door and living space make a big difference for a family of six.

I also pay attention to proximity to our main attractions to save time (and sanity) during busy days.

One more thing that often plays a role: hotel points.

I have the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card and I’m a Hilton Honors member, so sometimes my choice comes down to where I can use or earn the most points on that trip.

On road trips specifically, I usually book our overnight stops ahead of time with flexible cancellation.

It saves us from searching late at night, and I filter for suites, easy freeway access, breakfast, (if we’re running low on clean clothes) on-site laundry, and always read the reviews.

My Tips for Booking Hotels for Large Families

• Book 2-bedroom suites early. Inventory is limited and sells out fast in peak seasons.

• Read recent reviews. They’re telling. A few bad reviews are normal, but if the same issue comes up again and again, I take that into account. I expect top notch reviews when it comes to cleanliness.

• Confirm the layout. A true 1–2 BR with a separate living area beats a large studio for a family of six.

• Map the location. Shorter drives to your main attractions = less stress and fewer meltdowns.

• Compare weekday vs. weekend rates. Midweek can be much cheaper outside peak times.

• Use cashback tools—I use Rakuten (sign up using my Rakuten referral link) for easy money back on hotel stays.

• Join loyalty programs. Free perks (Wi-Fi, late checkout, upgrades) add up over multiple stays.

• Call the hotel directly. Verify suite layout, crib/rollaway availability, and connecting rooms.

• Ask about parking & fees. City hotels may charge nightly parking or resort fees.

• Pools & laundry. I check if the pool is indoor/outdoor and on-site laundry lets us pack lighter.

• Pack swimsuits in an easy-to-reach bag. If your room isn’t ready yet, the kids can still swim while you wait—total sanity saver after a long drive!

• Road trip tip. Book overnight stops ahead of time with flexible cancellation; filter for suites, easy freeway access, breakfast, and (if you’re running low on clean clothes) on-site laundry.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels for Large Families

Finding hotels that actually fit your family can make or break a trip.

These hotel brands have saved our sanity more than once, giving us space to spread out and relax after busy travel days.

If you’re starting to plan your next family getaway, bookmark this post for later.

Ready to plan your next family getaway?

Grab my Free Travel Itinerary Planner—it’s the exact tool I use to keep our trips organized and makes planning so much easier!

May you LOVE your adventure! KW