Traveling with teens is always a task. My one sister-in-law is often amazed that my teens want to travel with me when I go, but they love to come along because I always locate the best of fun, food, and lodging. Gone are the days when we could all squash between a few beds. The kids need space and we all need a little privacy at the end of the day.
As a pro-traveler, I know that there are 2 kinds of lodging, suites and basic rooms. Basic rooms are great when it is just me, but when I have the kids, a suite is a must. On our recent trip to Cincinnati, Ohio to visit Kings Island I sought out the best family lodging that offered us both space and good amenities. Lavishly live travel out loud and learn about the best family lodging near Kings Island so your family can experience this too.
Best Family Lodging Near Kings Island
My lodging was provided. Please note, I only write about great places and adventures, so all thoughts and images are my own based on my personal experience.
I am all for clean lodging, clean sheets and bedding that does not look like a train ran over it with greased wheels and I love when towels are soft.
You might ask what makes the best family lodging and I will tell you it is about proximity to attractions and shopping. The best family lodging is about being close to where you have to go, with as little driving as possible while being far enough away that you are not stuck in the congestion of the attractions and we were perfectly situated.
When we travel, I need to get to the place I am expected to cover and I want to travel the path of least resistance in getting there. Let me translate this a bit: I wanted to be able to get back and forth to Kings Island quickly, without a lot of driving. So when we found the SpringHill Suites we were all set.
The entrance to the SpringHill Suites is perfect because it has an outdoor mall right there including a Target, Old Navy and a Costco (gas). How much better can great lodging get than having a mall within walking distance? In fact, with the cool weather, we experienced our first stop was right to the stores for sweatshirts which no one brought with them. The other stores were bonuses for food treat pickups for the room because the kids never stop eating.
ROOMS & SPACE
Teen boys have lots of energy and they need space and food. What I often seek out is a room with a fridge, microwave, and a small area sink. Many different foods can be microwaved and any leftovers (burgers, wings) from dining out can be stored in the fridge and eaten later. Someone is always eating or drinking, they are teens so this set up is perfect!
From a coffeemaker to a microwave, a desk, and the internet we had everything we could need in our room.
BED & BATH
I loved that we had 2 beds and a pull-out couch, the kids all figured out who was sleeping where and I was the queen of my own bed. A rather favorable amenity in this suite was that the sink and mirror were separate from the bathroom and shower, so we could all split up what we were doing.
FITNESS AND RELAXATION
My kids love to swim and I have noted that several families have the same wants as the pool area is always loaded with people. When looking for the best lodging I seek out a place with a pool because after a day in the parks, shopping or touring there is nothing better than a plunge in the refreshing water!
The fitness room is great for our dining expeditions because sometimes we go off of our otherwise healthy eating plans and party for the weekend. It’s nice to find a lodging facility with a workout room and a pool!
BREAKFAST
A good stay comes with a breakfast included! We love the SpringHill Suites offerings of waffles, eggs, toast, bagels, muffins, cereal, and yogurts. The selection is perfect for creating something for everyone from cereal to breakfast sandwiches and the coffee was fresh!
PARKING
More often than not, when we travel we have come to pay a parking fee. It truly is dependent on the property you are staying on, but make a note because there is plenty of parking and no fees to park!
TRAVEL & KIDS
It’s the small things that make the kids happy, trust me. The teens found packets of hot chocolate waiting to be made at the 24-hour beverage station in the main hallway of the hotel. One night there was no more hot water. However, the Manager (Irene) came back with 2 hot cups of water and some more hot chocolate and the boys came up with a great story. My thanks to SpringHill Suites for treating the kids so kindly even without the presence of an adult – that just speaks worlds about the brand and this hotel!
For those headed to Cincinnati for a weekend getaway with your family, make sure to book your room at the SpringHill Suites so you too have plenty of room, and will be within close proximity to all the fun stuff! ~Dana xo