We could all use a little something to look forward to these days—especially a family vacation. And even if you don’t plan to hit the road (or take to the skies) for a while, now is still the perfect time to craft your family travel bucket list of unique destinations and resorts.
Hotly Anticipated New Family Hotels in 2021
In 2021, many exciting new family-focused hotels will be making their debut. From an all-inclusive Nickelodeon resort in the Caribbean to an Orlando hotel that’ll take you to a galaxy far, far away, these are the most anticipated new family hotels opening this year.
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun – Costa Mujeres, Mexico
Opening Date: January 29, 2021
The newly opened, all-inclusive Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Cancun features the first-of-its-kind Planet Play Adventure Park, with a trampoline zone, VR experience, golf simulator, basketball court, and arcade. Other kid-approved amenities include the Star Kids Club, four swimming pools, a lazy river, Shipwreck Cove and Jurassic Splash Park, FlowRider surf simulator, Labyrinth maze, a mini-golf course, and an onsite movie theater.
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Hotel Drover, An Autograph Collection Hotel – Fort Worth, Texas
Opening Date: March 22, 2021
For an authentic western experience in Fort Worth, Texas, look to brand-new Hotel Drover. An Autograph Collection Hotel, it offers a themed Bunkhouse Room with a king bed and double overhead bunk, as well as in-room kids amenities like children’s robes and slippers.
There’s also a ranch-style heated pool and hot tub in “The Backyard,” where families can enjoy games and roasting S’mores at the fire pits. Upon arrival, kids receive welcome gifts (such as a custom-printed bandana or Aurora Horse plush doll) courtesy of the Lil Ropers Kids Club.
The Rally Hotel – Denver, Colorado
Opening Date: March 25, 2021
Developed by Dick Monfort, part-owner of the Colorado Rockies, The Rally Hotel pays homage to its baseball roots with features including the Rockies Hall of Fame on the hotel’s second floor, a baseball-themed restaurant and bar, and a rooftop pool and deck on the Bridge-Way overlooking Coors Field. The hotel is located in Denver’s new McGregor Square.
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Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites – Virginia Beach, Virginia
Opening Date: March 17, 2021
Delta Hotels Virginia Beach is the only hotel on the Chesapeake Bay with its own private beach. The Marriott-operated property features one-bedroom suites with a king and sofa bed, and two-bedroom suites with one king bed, two queens, and a sofa bed. Other features include an outdoor pool, kayaks, bicycle rentals (perfect for the boardwalk), and a signature restaurant specializing in seafood.
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AutoCamp Cape Cod – Falmouth, Massachusetts
Opening Date: April 1, 2021
AutoCamp’s newest location will bring a unique lodging option to Cape Cod: glamping! Families will be able to stay in luxury tents, airstream suites, and more; enjoy a play area for kids (the first of its kind at any AutoCamp location); roast S’mores by the communal fire pits; and rent mountain bikes to explore the property, all just five minutes from area beaches. AutoCamp Cape Cod will be the brand’s first outpost on the East Coast.
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Camp Cedar Luxury Outdoor Resort – Mason, Ohio
Opening Date: Summer 2021
Located just one mile from Kings Island Amusement Park (outside of Cincinnati), Camp Cedar Luxury Outdoor Resort will offer 73 cottages and 164 full-service RV sites upon opening, with plans to add an additional 100 cottages. Amenities will include family and adult pools, an indoor/outdoor restaurant, Peanuts character appearances, and retail shops.
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya – Riviera Maya, Mexico
Opening Date: June 2021
One of the most anticipated new family hotels opening in 2021, Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts’ second all-inclusive property will feature the Aqua Nick water park; character meet-and-greet experiences at Nickelodeon Place; live entertainment at SNICK Lounge and Mainstage; and a full-service spa with treatments for adults and kids alike. All of the accommodations will be oceanfront swim-up suites, and will include extra-special options such as the first-ever Turtle Lair Suite, dedicated to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
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Walt Disney World Swan Reserve – Orlando, Florida
Opening Date: July 2021
Already one of the best Disney hotels in Orlando, The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort will soon open the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, a 14-story, 349-room hotel tower. The new hotel will offer suites that sleep up to eight guests, as well as a restaurant and 90-foot-long pool. Guests will also have full access to all the amenities at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, including five pools, the Camp Dolphin kids club, a sand beach, 18 restaurants and lounges, and special theme park perks.
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Natchez Trace Tiny House Village – Hohenwald, TN
Opening Date: Spring 2021
Ever wondered what it’s like to live in a tiny house? Find out at Natchez Trace Tiny Village, just over an hour southwest of Nashville. The newest lodging by Petite Retreats, Natchez Trace Tiny Village will offer six tiny homes with fully equipped kitchens and sleeping accommodations for up to six guests—perfect for a family reunion. Guests will have access to the amenities at neighboring Natchez Trace RV Park, including swimming in the onsite lake and pool, kayak rentals, pontoon boat tours, mini-golf, and a playground.
Great Wolf Lodge Northern California – Manteca, California
Opening Date: Summer 2021
Northern California is getting its first Great Wolf Lodge, providing a new weekend escape option for families in the Bay Area. Guests at Great Wolf Lodge Northern California can expect to enjoy the brand’s signature indoor water park featuring the first-ever Sequoia Splash raft ride; the Great Wolf Adventure Park, with a ropes course, mini-golf, and an arcade; themed accommodations with separate sleeping areas for kids; and a variety of dining options, including a farm-to-fork restaurant. This will be the 19th resort in the Great Wolf Lodge portfolio.
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LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND New York Resort – Goshen, New York
Opening Date: 2021
LEGOLAND New York Resort is expected to open in Goshen, New York, this summer, and as is tradition at LEGOLAND theme parks, there will be a themed onsite hotel to accompany it. One of the most exciting new family hotels planned for the Northeast, this LEGOLAND-themed hotel will feature themed play areas, daily entertainment, an outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast daily, and themed guestrooms with separate kids sleeping areas and in-room scavenger hunts.
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Orlando, Florida
Opening Date: TBD
Perhaps the most anticipated of all the new family hotels opening in 2021, Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will bring a one-of-a-kind, all-immersive experience to Walt Disney World. A two-night stay will include sleeping in a Passenger Cabin with views of galactic sights; learning how to wield a lightsaber; exploring the inner workings of the Engineering Room; operating the ship’s navigation and defense systems on The Bridge; sipping themed drinks at the kid-friendly Silver C Lounge; and meeting other crew and passengers in The Atrium. Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is expected to open later this year.
Editor’s note May 2021: Disney has recently announced that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will now make its debut sometime in 2022.
