AAA Inspector Favorites: Best of Family Fun Properties

More than 80 years ago, AAA began inspecting lodgings and restaurants with a simple rating system: Good, Very Good, Excellent, and Outstanding. This system was updated in 1976 to the Diamond Rating System, which is still used today. AAA Inspectors not only rate Diamonds for hotels and restaurants in the United States and Canada, but have a designated list of their favorite, “Best of,” locations. We’ve selected a few of our favorite recommended lodgings that are ideal for creating your perfect family getaway.

Best of Family-Friendly

Camelback Resort – Tannersville, PA

Three-Diamond

Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Resort offers an epic adventure for the entire family all year long. Make a splash at Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark featuring wild water slides, the Kahuna Lagoon Wavepool, a lazy river, deluxe cabanas for rent, and much more fun! Visit the outdoor Camelback Mountain Adventures park that will take you to soaring heights on 1,000-foot dual ziplines, mountain coaster, and treetop adventures, and score amazing views of the Poconos on the 4,000-foot Zip-Flyer, PA’s longest zip-flyer.

Keep the fun going through the winter months with traditional snow activities, such as skiing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing, and enjoy Aquatopia, Camelback’s indoor waterpark.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an extended vacation, your adventure awaits at Camelback Resort. Go to camelbackresort.com to learn more.

Great Wolf Lodge – Scotrun, PA

Three-Diamond

For the ultimate family getaway, look no further than Great Wolf Lodge. Our second Pocono Mountain resort has everything your family needs to create a fun, memorable vacation: an indoor water park open all year long, with water slides, wave pool, interactive treehouse, lagoon, water basketball, and more; arcade games; rope courses; Build-A-Bear Workshop; hunt for gemstones; and MagiQuest, an interactive adventure game exclusive to Great Wolf.

Great Wolf Lodge has plenty to do, so don’t miss a moment of fun and enjoy a stay in a spacious suite that is designed for families. For more details, visit greatwolf.com/poconos.

Grand Cascades Lodge – Hamburg, NJ

Four-Diamond

Situated in the scenic northwestern New Jersey mountains is the luxurious, AAA Four-Diamond hotel, that’s part of the Crystal Springs Resort. There’s plenty of adventure, relaxation time, and gourmet eateries at the Grand Cascades Lodge. Kid-friendly activities include swimming in a tropical pool paradise with heated indoor and outdoor pools, horseback riding, goat yoga, family crafting, animal education, water sports, and seasonal activities. Adult guests can plan a day of relaxation at the Reflections Spa, enjoy a self-guided tour exploring the curated collection of the world-renowned Wine Cellar.

To explore the Grand Cascades Lodge, go to crystalgolfresort.com/accommodations/grand-cascades-lodge.

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park – Queensbury, NY

Three-Diamond

When you hear the words “Six Flags” fun comes to mind. Go beyond the amusement park and stay where you play. Bring the whole crew to enjoy the best vacation ever at this Adirondack-themed lodge featuring 200 guest suites and a splash-filled indoor water park! Plus, guests can book a select overnight package to include access to the Six Flags Great Escape theme park and Hurricane Harbor Waterpark, located across the street from the lodge.

More details can be located at sixflagsgreatescapelodge.com.

Best of Pools

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Atlantic City, NJ

Four-Diamond

Stay in luxurious, classic Italian-style accommodations on your seaside getaway to Atlantic City. While there’s plenty of entertainment, casino games, and nightlife in “America’s Favorite Playground,” enjoy the days in relaxation. Sunbathe, swim, or party, enjoy lounging poolside and sipping on cool cocktails at Borgata’s outdoor pool. The 3,200-square-foot Roman-style pool features endless chaise lounges, daybeds, and cabanas. To elevate your outdoor pool experience, reserve a private cabana or daybed. VIP Cabanas are spacious and provide canopy coverage, television, refrigerator stocked with non-alcoholic beverages, and sunscreen, for up to 10 people.

Learn more at borgata.mgmresorts.com.

Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront – Erie, PA

Three-Diamond

This beautiful bayfront hotel is a perfect retreat in Erie that boasts breathtaking views and modern accommodations, and is advantageously located to downtowns restaurants and museums, and is in close proximity to the Erie Zoo. Enjoy views of the Lake Erie Bayfront while enjoying the indoor pool or hot tub - great for family fun and relaxation, especially when the weather isn't cooperating. In the warmer months, guests can refresh in the outdoor infinity pool that overlooks the bay.

For more details, go to marriott.com/hotels/travel/eridt-courtyard-erie-bayfront.

Sheraton Niagara Falls – Niagara Falls, NY

Three-Diamond

Planning a family getaway to Niagara Falls? Located within footsteps of the thunderous falls, this hotel has everything for children to adults. Families will love the experience at the Rainforest Café, test your skill over 30 games including skee ball, Whack n’ Win, and Mario Kart Racing in the At The Falls Arcade, or enjoy the Reef Beach Club, featuring Niagara Fall, USA’s largest indoor pool and tropical Ray and Sand Shark Lagoon.

Go to marriott.com/hotels/travel/iagaf-sheraton-niagara-falls for more details.

Best of Recreational Facilities

The Lodge at Wisp – McHenry, MD

Three-Diamond

No matter the season, Deep Creek Lake is the perfect place for a family retreat. The Lodge at Wisp is located at the Wisp Resort and can accommodate guests and groups of all sizes. The Wisp Resort features activities for all seasons including, skiing, mountain coaster, rope courses, hiking, whitewater rafting, watersports, golfing, and more!

Go to wispresort.com to see a full list of activities.

The Warehouse Hotel at Spooky Nook – Manheim, PA

Three-Diamond

Spend the night in the largest indoor sports facility in North America. With a stay in environmentally-friendly accommodations at The Warehouse, you’ll have full access to all the activities at Spooky Nook, a 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art health and fitness center. Sports and fitness activities include a rock-climbing wall, indoor fields, batting cages, arcade, fitness store, and more. The Warehouse Hotel is just a short drive to Hersheypark and the PA Renaissance Faire.

Find out more at warehousehotel.com.

To learn more about AAA Diamonds, go to AAA.com/Diamonds. To start planning your fun family vacation, contact your AAA Travel Agent at 1-800-222-1469 or stop by your local AAA office.

Photo credit: Shutterstock.com | EQRoy