Best Family Hotels in Dallas – Fort Worth

Located off of North Stemmons Freeway several miles northwest of downtown Dallas, the Hilton Anatole is far enough from the city to be a peaceful retreat, yet close enough to be convienent for sightseeing. But for most visitors, what sets this hotel apart from its competitors is its size. This massive Hilton property contains more than 1,600 guest rooms, each with enough room for one king-sized or two double Serenity beds, as well as a private bath with double vanities, a flat-screen TV and video game access. What's more, the Hilton Anatole still has space left over for the V Spa, a fitness club and several on-site eateries. The new JadeWaters Resort Pool Complex boasts numerous pools, a lazy river, swim-up bar, two waterslides and more. Recent guests marvel at the hotel's grand stature, and Hilton Honors rewards club members can save a pretty penny by using points to cover the room rate.

Overlooking Grapevine Lake (roughly 23 miles northwest of Dallas), the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a destination unto itself. Inside, visitors will find a 25,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center, retail outlets and several restaurants. The highlight of the resort, however, is the pool complex: Recent guests say that their kids loved splashing in the lazy river and riding the waterslide. Guest rooms here aren't huge, but they're equipped with internet access and cable TV; most guests say that's all they need. On top of the nightly room rate, you should also be prepared to pay an additional resort fee for access to Gaylord's facilities. And because Gaylord Hotels is part of the Marriott family, loyal guests can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points here.

Located near the Museum of Art, the Dallas edition of the luxurious Ritz-Carlton brand goes beyond just offering many of the amenities you'd expect from a five-star hotel. For instance, this hotel boasts not just a pool, but a saline-treated rooftop pool; and not just facials and massages, but a 12,000-square-foot spa. But guests say that the rooms alone are worth The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas' high price tag. Spacious and elegant, these high-end digs come equipped with 400-thread-count linens and iPod docking stations, not to mention HD televisions and fully stocked minibars. If peanuts and cookies won't tide you over, make reservations at Fearing's Restaurant; previous visitors said that the eatery deserves its numerous accolades thanks to its gourmet American cuisine. But while most recent guests were satisified, a few say the service wasn't up to par for a Ritz property. Because of The Ritz-Carlton's affiliation with Marriott, member's of the company's loyalty program can trade in their rewards points for extra perks.

Though it may not look like it from the outside, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel embraces its cowtown setting: Guest rooms are decked out in brown and red hues and sport decorative "saddle-style" blankets and colorful photos of the state's beloved longhorns. (However, some recent guests complain that the rooms were too small for the fairly high price.) Common areas, like Bob's Steak & Chop House, the Cast Iron Restaurant and the Whiskey & Rye bar feature sultry leather and wood furnishings. Previous visitors rave about the food served here, praising Cast Iron's breakfast buffet for its variety and Whiskey & Rye for its wide selection of drinks. This member of the Omni hotel family is within a couple of miles of some of Fort Worth's most popular attractions, but should you prefer to stick around the property, you'll find a heated outdoor pool and a full-service spa. What's more, members of the Omni Select Guest loyalty program can easily use their points for perks.

New to the Hilton brand, The Highland Dallas is the first hotel in Hilton's boutique Curio Collection and aims at adding sleek personality to the hotel. So far, recent guests haven't been disappointed with the swanky digs or the customer service, saying staff goes out of their way to meet their needs (including those of your four-legged friends). Pooches aren't the only ones pampered at this property, however: Treat yourself to a massage or yoga class at the Exhale Spa before spending a lazy afternoon by the infinity pool and an evening at the popular Knife restaurant. When it's time to sleep, you'll find Italian Frette linens and 32-inch flat-screen TVs in your room. And while these features – combined with a great seat near the southeast corner of Southern Methodist University's campus – surely capture guests' attention, most visitors say that it's the warm, welcoming staff that make their stays memorable. Members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program may use their existing points for perks like free room upgrades.

Shopaholics take note: This member of the expansive Westin family may be a hike from downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, but its seat next to the Galleria Dallas shopping center allows for prime access to your favorite stores. The decor at The Westin Galleria Dallas is hip and modern; boasting simple yet trendy furnishings and city views. Previous guests loved the hotel's rooftop pool and splash deck, which is lined with private cabanas for those who prefer to take their refreshments in the shade. Recent guests also praised the menu at The Second Floor Regionally Inspired Kitchen for its ability to please a variety of taste buds. Plus, the hotel features The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Visitors also commend the customer service and describe the staff as extremely friendly and helpful. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

The Fairmont Dallas is where luxury meets location. Sitting near the Dallas Museum of Art, this swanky hotel caters to visitors who enjoy the high life, offering spacious guest rooms with pillow-top beds, marble-clad bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Guests praise the lavish decor in the common areas, which includes marble floors and columns, decadent chandeliers and antique furnishings. Meanwhile, the hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and well-equipped fitness center. And last (but certainly not least), this member of the AccorHotels family received high praise for the contemporary American cuisine at The Pyramid Restaurant & Bar. However, recent visitors warn that indulgence has its price, noting that room rates are higher than other comparable hotels like the nearby Adolphus. 

The Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre is only 12 miles north of downtown Dallas, and recent guests say that getting into the city is relatively easy. However, their feelings on the hotel itself are mixed. Some visitors describe the hotel staff as extremely friendly and appreciate the unstandardized look and feel of the guest rooms. Others wish that the rooms were larger and room rates lower. But those in town on business find that the Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre is suitable for their visit, citing ample business amenities and meeting rooms as reasons to stay here while on the clock. When you're not plugging away, you can burn off some energy in the fitness center, the pool or along the walking path. And as far as dining goes, Crockett's Restaurant & Bar offers an eclectic, Texas-inspired menu in a swanky atmosphere, and H Bar provides a hip environment for drinks with co-workers. Because this is a Hilton hotel, Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem rewards points here.

North of Dallas and right off the North Dallas Tollway, Le Méridien Dallas by the Galleria is a great hotel pick if you're planning to partake in one of Dallas' favorite pastimes: shopping. The Galleria Dallas mall sits adjacent to the property and tempts fashionistas with everything from Gap to Godiva to Gucci. Business travelers will also enjoy staying at this Le Méridien thanks to the hotel's 24-hour business center and complimentary wireless internet access in common areas (fee applies to access it in your room). Recent guests love the look and feel of the rooms, which feature calm lavender decor with bright fuschia accents, signature beds, Frette linens and tech-friendly amenities, like 42-inch HDTVs, laptop safes and iPod docking stations. The eclectic menu and service staff at the on-site restaurant also earns a thumbs-up. However, visitors say that the hotel's layout – with guest rooms surrounding an atrium – results in a noisy atmosphere. And because of this hotel's ties to the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Many guests give this Renaissance hotel good reviews for its customer service. But they enjoy the guest rooms even more, which feature contemporary brown and red decor and all the standard amenities of a Renaissance property (like flat-screen TVs, custom duvets and in-room coffee makers). The hotel, located roughly 17 miles north of Dallas, also receives props for its facilities. Recent visitors appreciate the indoor pool and hot tub, while restless travelers find the fitness facility to be an excellent touch. And with ample business services and meeting space, the Renaissance Dallas Richardson Hotel makes a great home base for working guests. The property also satisfies appetites with its in-house restaurant, R: Visitors enjoy the contemporary cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. Recent guests did warn that the lobby bar's location within the open atrium can make for a noisy night. Still, since this property is part of the Marriott's large hotel family, loyal guests can use or earn points through the brand's rewards program.

About 14 miles north of central Dallas, the InterContinental Dallas is filled with all the amenities that give its brand a loyal following, including a spa, pool and business center. Recent visitors appreciated the size of the guest rooms, which include coffee makers, minibars and plush bathrobes. Guests did note that while the lobby is immaculate, guests rooms could use a major facelift. Recent travelers who stayed here on business praise this hotel for its professional amenities, including courier services and ample meeting space. For less formal get-togethers, guests appreciated the Q Bar in the lobby. For a more filling meal, Q de Cheval Restaurant serves up an interesting combination of French and Texan flavors and has earned a reputation for being a brunch hot spot. Those who frequently stay at InterContinental properties can get free nights and other perks through the IHG Rewards Club.

Boasting fantastic skyline views, guest rooms at this Hyatt hotel earn positive reviews from recent visitors, who appreciate the spacious layout and trendy decor. Visitors also say they were pleasantly surprised by the amount of effort put in by hotel staff to ensure a pleasant stay. And though this may not be the prettiest part of downtown Dallas, travelers who choose the Hyatt Regency Dallas will find themselves just a short walk from the Sixth Floor Museum and the Dallas World Aquarium. Stay on the property to take a swim in the third-floor pool or relax on the sundeck. When you prefer to retreat to your room, you'll find flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations, but guests with the city view rooms do warn about late-night noise from the nearby train station. If you feel like splurging, book a table at Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, which guests say is particularly tasty. You can always make up for the pricey eats by paying for your room with Hyatt Gold Passport rewards points.