A family-friendly hotel used to mean a crib was available for infants, but today the game has changed and parents have a much wider selection of kid-friendly hotel options. Free meals, kid clubs, swimming pools, playgrounds and welcome packs are just a few of the ways hotels are appealing to child-toting guests.

As a parent, I can say enthusiastically that there is nothing better than checking into a hotel with the children, usually after a long day of travel, and feeling at home.

Below are several top hotel brands that have fantastic reputations amongst parents and for good reasons.

Omni hotels have been a favorite with my clan for several years because of the friendly welcome our children receive upon every check-in. Young Omni guests receive a backpack filled with an assortment of toys and activities, as well a cup for free-refills during their stay. Another fun event occurs on the first evening of the visit, a surprise bedtime snack of milk and cookies. The service is always superb, too. We’ve experienced the same top-notch service from coast to coast – San Diego and Orlando.

Loews has made the effort to welcome families by teaming with Fisher Price. Kid-friendly activities include kids clubs for the youngsters and age-appropriate programs for the more independent teens. A couple of years ago, my family escaped to the Lake Las Vegas property and the kids couldn’t get enough of the pool’s water slide or the Kids Camp.

The Marriott brand boasts comfortable rooms, nice amenities and great dining options – JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort even presented a kid-sized buffet during our visit. What’s even more impressive is that the Marriott brands cater to families by offering child proofing kits, travel cribs and even bath toys.

Hyatt ranks up there for their outreach to families with their Camp Hyatt, a supervised kids’ program geared toward children, ages 3 through 12. Activities and adventures keep the kids entertained while parents take a little time for themselves. What’s really neat is that each program exposes the children to the region’s culture, history, and environment.

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Homewood Suites. Families on the go can always count on a pleasant stay thanks to the spacious rooms, free daily hot breakfast and evening dinner and drinks (Monday through Thursday). But that’s not all. Each room comes with a kitchen, which helps save time and money. A refrigerator is especially helpful for families traveling with milk-drinking babies, and it provides the convenience of being able to bring back the children’s restaurant leftovers. I can say from first-hand experience that is one feature that is priceless!