The best new points hotels for families to visit in 2026
Regardless of who I'm traveling with, I always look for hotels that participate in major hotel loyalty programs, allowing me to earn points and enjoy elite status benefits, such as room upgrades and late checkout.
Aside from that, though, the types of hotels I look for when traveling with my family can differ vastly from those I consider when traveling solo or with my husband.
When I'm traveling with my family, at the very least I need enough beds for everyone to sleep in, a bathroom that's big enough for all of us to get ready and an easily accessible pool. Ideally, I'll also find a place within walking distance of local attractions, with kid-friendly activities and maybe a waterslide or two (which I pretend is for the kids, but is actually for me).
This year, there are some impressive new properties you should add to your search. Here are 10 of our favorite new points hotels for families.
Related: These are the best new hotels that opened in 2025
Voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort
You don't have to leave the U.S. for a relaxing, all-inclusive vacation. The recently opened Voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is situated on the banks of the St. Lucie River, offering a range of family-friendly activities both on and off the water. Think waterfront yoga, pickleball, volleyball, pool games and more.
Related: Best all-inclusive resorts in the US
When you work up an appetite after all that fun in the sun, the resort has four on-site restaurants, three bars and a walk-up coffee window. You can choose from a standard room or a two-bedroom suite at this 355-room resort, and all accommodations feature a private balcony or patio.
Rates at the Voco Sandpiper All-Inclusive Resort start at $257 or 84,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda
Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda, an Autograph Collection property, opened in January near Costa Rica's Carara National Park. This intimate, 84-room resort immerses guests in the tranquil rainforest setting, with mountain and forest views, wildlife experiences like birdwatching and nature tours, Costa Rican cuisine, a spa with open-air treatment areas, and a relaxing pool.
The resort also has a kids club, so you can enjoy the amenities while your children play. Guest rooms range from standard king-bed and two-queen rooms to junior suites and a handful of one-bedroom suites, each with a private balcony or patio and locally inspired decor.
Rates at the Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda start at $295 or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown
Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown opened in September 2025. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the excitement of the shops, dining and attractions along "The Parkway," while still showcasing the splendor of the Smoky Mountains with mountain views from the rooftop terrace (the tallest in the city), heated infinity pool (open seasonally) and your room's furnished balcony.
In addition to easy access to downtown Gatlinburg, this hotel puts you only a short distance from other area attractions like Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood.
Rates at the Hotel Indigo Gatlinburg Downtown start at $295 or 43,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
2 new Under Canvas locations
Under Canvas already has 12 safari-inspired glamping destinations situated near some of America's most beautiful national parks and scenic landmarks, but it is bringing that total to 14 this year with two new locations.
Under Canvas Yosemite will open April 16, just 10 minutes from the main entrance station to Yosemite National Park, and Under Canvas White Mountains will open June 4, outside White Mountain National Forest.
Related: Glamping at Zion: Elevate your national park adventure at these points-friendly resorts
All Under Canvas locations offer family-friendly tents that sleep between two and six guests and amenities like on-site dining, outdoor and board games, live music, unlimited s'mores, and more.
Rates at Under Canvas start at around $180 or 16,500 World of Hyatt points per night.
JW Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Elena
When JW Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Elena opens in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province in late 2026, it will mark the brand's first all-inclusive in the country and among the first in the world. The hotel will feature 415 elegant guest rooms, 17 pools, a full-service spa, fitness center and 11 dining outlets in a beautiful beachfront setting.
The resort is in the resort-residential community of Costa Elena, a quiet, rugged and expansive sanctuary where tropical forests meet the open sea. If seclusion and luxury are at the top of your family's beach vacation wish list, this upscale resort will be your new favorite vacation spot.
Rates at JW Marriott All-Inclusive Costa Elena will be available later this year.
The Westerly at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort
Reservations are already open for the Westerly, an all-new oceanside tower within the well-known Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. The 161-room "resort within a resort" offers guests a boutique hotel experience alongside the amenities of the larger Palm Beach resort.
Related: 7 family-friendly beach resorts you can still book with points for spring break
Guest rooms sleep up to four guests with pool, resort or ocean views; spa-inspired bathrooms; sophisticated decor; and Lavazza espresso machines to perk parents up in the morning before a day of swimming, kayaking, cycling, crafts and other fun hotel activities.
Rates at the Westerly at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort start at $580 or 210,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Conrad Athens The Ilisian
Conrad Athens The Ilisian, formerly the Hilton Athens, opens later this year and is already accepting reservations for June 1 and beyond. The 307-room property will house an indoor and outdoor pool, including the largest outdoor pool in the city; a '60s-themed kids club; a full-service spa; and nine bars and restaurants, all within walking distance of iconic museums, parks and historic sites.
Many of the modern, stylish guest rooms have balconies with views of the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus. In addition to standard rooms that sleep two guests, the hotel has several suites, including a Premier Family Room type with a king bed, sofa bed and separate dining area.
Rates at Conrad Athens The Ilisian start at $580 or 210,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa
When the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa opened in October 2025, it added yet another family-friendly option to the already inviting Texas Hill Country in San Antonio. The sprawling 496-room resort overlooks the rolling hills, with guest rooms that exude an inviting Southern flair.
The recently refreshed resort offers nine dining outlets and amenities like a kids club, two pools, nature trails, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and fitness center, nature trails, and kid-approved activities like candle making, rubber duck races, bingo and more.
Rates at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa start at $580 or 210,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort
The Westin Playa Vallarta, an All-Inclusive Resort, opens May 1, offering families a stress-free, tropical escape in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Included in the cost of your stay, you'll enjoy food from 10 dining venues, a kids club with indoor and outdoor activities, separate family and adults-only pools, nature trails, sports courts, and direct beach access.
Families will appreciate the "Wholesome Family" suites, studio or two-bedroom suites that sleep up to six guests and have in-room laundry, a kitchenette, a furnished balcony and pool views.
Rates at Westin Playa Vallarta start at $338 or 91,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Kimpton Ashbel
The Kimpton Ashbel New York-Park Avenue is a must for your big-city adventures. Opening in early 2026 in midtown Manhattan, the Kimpton Ashbel's beaux arts style harks back to its 1928 origins, with a location and amenities that will make your family's Big Apple vacation one to remember. Think rooms with views of Park Avenue and the Empire State Building, easy access to Grand Central Station for exploring the city, and a selection of connecting rooms for larger families.
Rates at the Kimpton Ashbel start at $254 or 44,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Bottom line
From water parks to spacious accommodations, these new hotels each have something to offer globe-trotting families. Their family-friendly amenities and points program perks will make planning your next vacation even easier. Now, you just have to decide what to do when you aren't enjoying your hotel.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees