Shopping for a Kid-Friendly Hotel

Traveling with kids

Most hotels allow children to stay free with their parents, and many offer special discounts, packages and amenities to traveling families. Read on for a summary of the policies and programs offered by various hotel and motel chains.

DAYS INN, DAYS HOTEL, DAYS SUITES, and DAYS STOPS

The "Kids Stay and Eat Free" program offers free meals to children under 12 who are accompanied by their parents, and discounts for rooms booked more than 29 days in advance.

FOUR SEASONS

Most Four Seasons resorts have a complimentary "Kids for All Seasons" program, which include a wide range of amenities from fun activities and childproof rooms to milk and cookies and a "Single Parents Weekend" package. For reservations or more information, call 800-268-6282.

HILTON

More than 80 Hilton properties offer a summer-long Vacation Station, which offers welcome gifts and free use of toys and games. Some resorts offer supervised kids' programs year-round. For reservations or more information, call 310-205-4599.

HYATT

More than 100 Hyatt hotels offer welcome packets, special room rates, room-service menus and games to borrow. Sixteen resorts have supervised activities during the summer, holidays and weekends. For reservations or more information, call 800-233-1234.

LOEWS

All Loews hotels and resorts offer special menus, room rates, activities, special gifts and information to guest families. Cribs and rollaway beds are provided at no charge, as well as childproofing kits for families with toddlers. For reservations or more information, call 800-23-LOEWS.

MARRIOTT

Fifteen Marriott resorts offer region-specific children's programs with activities ranging from golf lessons to submarine rides. Many Marriott properties also offer discounted meals. Kids under 18 stay free in their parents' room. For reservations or more information, call 228-9290.

RADISSON

There are game rooms at 56 Radisson hotels, 13 offer children's programs and one has childproof suites. For reservations or more information, call 800-333-3333.

RITZ-CARLTON LUXURY HOTELS

Ritz Kids offers services and activities ranging from hula lessons to kite flying. Their Boston hotel has a special children's suite. For reservations or more information, call 800-241-3333.

WESTIN

Westin's new Kids' Club program provides nightlights, potty-chairs, juice, children's movies and gifts for the kids. For reservations or more information, call 800-228-3000.

MOTELS

Kids under 18 stay free in their parents' room at the following budget motel chains:

Best Inns of America, 800-237-8466

Budgetel, 800-428-4678

Choice Hotels, 800-424-4777

Clarion, 800-221-2222

Comfort Inn, 800-228-5150

Cross Country Inns, 800-621-1429

Drury Inns, 800-325-8300

Exel Inns, 800-356-8013

Knight's Inn, 800-722-7220

La Quinta Motor Inn, 800-531-5900

Motel 6, 505-891-6161

Quality Inns, 800-228-5151

Red Roof Inns, 800-843-7663