GRAND CANYON RAILWAY HOTEL, WILLIAMS, AZ
After a hard day of exploring the Grand Canyon, you'll want a comfortable bed, and the kids will want a break from geology lessons, no matter how cool they are. There are hotels within the National Park, but none are as kid friendly as the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.
Grand Canyon — Photo courtesy of Steve Larese
Located 65 miles south of the Grand Canyon's South Rim Village in the Route 66 town of Williams, the hotel is home of the Grand Canyon Railway, a passenger train that ferries you to the park in style.
Grand Canyon Railway Hotel lobby in Williams — Photo courtesy of Steve Larese
For the kids, the hotel has a heated indoor pool, game room and playground. For the grown ups, there's a hot tub and Spencer's Pub. For everyone, there are Old West gunfight reenactments and special holiday events. Downtown Williams is a quick walk away and home to fun shops, restaurants and bars all in Historic Route 66 neon glory.
Grand Canyon Railway — Photo courtesy of Steve Larese
PISGAH INN, BREVARD, NC
Sitting at an elevation of 5,000 feet on the peak of Blue Ridge Parkway, the Pisgah Inn only opens its doors from April to October, giving guests easy access to a network of nearby hiking trails. The view from the Inn is so good that travelers frequently make the drive just for a meal in the restaurant overlooking the surrounding mountains.
HOLIDAY INN, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT
Whether you're exploring Yellowstone National Park or the rustic charms of the town of West Yellowstone, West Yellowstone Holiday Inn makes a home base that will keep the kids from complaining after a busy day of bison. Located in Montana just a few blocks from Yellowstone National Park's west entrance in Idaho, West Yellowstone Holiday Inn is walking distance to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, Yellowstone IMAX Theater, Rendezvous Ski Trail and Yellowstone Riverside Trail that enters the park.
Ski into Yellowstone National Park from Montana into Idaho from the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn. — Photo courtesy of Steve Larese
Rent cross-country skies or bikes at Free Wheel and Heel, and stroll to the shops and restaurants of West Yellowstone. Kids will love the indoor pool, and parents will enjoy the hot tub and the Branch Restaurant and Bar. Free WiFi will keep everyone connected. Many snowmobile tours and fly-fishing shops and guide services are located in the town of West Yellowstone, as well as white-water rafting and other adventures not available within the park.
