The Broadmoor in Co Spgs is great for kids—lots of programs, close to the zoo, horseback riding etc. Spa and golf for the adults and beautiful setting

I know you said you don't want to be hot, but two places to think about for your budget are Sea Island and Ritz Amelia Island. We have done both in July and both are a good compromise of a beautiful, luxury resort with lots of kids activities at a reasonable price. This was pre-Covid, but at both we were able to get nice suites for under $1000/night, and brought a ~5 night vaca in around your budget.

OP here again. It’s without flights included. Meaning I could spend additional money for flights over the $7,000 for hotel. But I guess driving it is. My issue isn’t so much we can’t afford it, but rather my husband thinks it’s wasting money to spend more than that.

We’ve done Four Seasons but local not flying. Somehow it doesn’t pain him to spend that way.

For your budget, you're driving for sure. (No shade at all, my taste is more Aman but that hasn't happened since we had kids I would not consider them "luxury" but either the Greenbrier or the Homestead will probably be on budget and will have lots of activities, if you're up for that "dirty dancing" kind of vacation. Haven't been to either in a couple years, but the Homestead's rooms were in bad shape, although the amenities were better than Greenbrier -- they have the lazy river which is super fun for kids and a mini golf course. Greenbrier has less deferred maintenance and the casino, which is only helpful if you use the resort babysitters (who were great).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico. Has a private Waternill water park, lush gardens, private beaches, and outstanding tropical spa that’s like being in a dream, a fantastic private pool club called Encanto, terrific restaurants. Sublime. And in the US. A direct 3.5 hour flight from the east coast. And of course, if you didn’t already know, no passport required.

You’ll have a great time! We sure did!

Agree with PP. This is a great place. Everyone gets free bikes. They have cute kid bikes. Water park is also included and fee.

You're not doing that hotel for 7k for a week. Right now doe a week in August that room rate is 1,999/nt for one room, double occupancy.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mohonk Mountain House? It’s about a 5 hour drive and basically a very upscale summer camp for both adults and kids.

Her budget is 5-7K. 7 nights in a shared room there is $12,749

OP could afford Capon Springs in WV, double occupancy

That budget *Might* cover Nemacolin double occupancy if she found some sort of way to get a discount.

But they could drive and put the plane money towards the stay.

That's still over her budget. Her budget is maximum 7k and domestic airfare for 4 won't be more than $3200.

Op, your budget of 5-7k for a week’s vacation, flights included, is not luxury— more mid scale or upscale. (Not even upper upscale, which is a step before luxury)

-a hotel exec

Anonymous wrote:Ritz Carlton Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico. Has a private Waternill water park, lush gardens, private beaches, and outstanding tropical spa that’s like being in a dream, a fantastic private pool club called Encanto, terrific restaurants. Sublime. And in the US. A direct 3.5 hour flight from the east coast. And of course, if you didn’t already know, no passport required.

You’ll have a great time! We sure did!

Agree with PP. This is a great place. Everyone gets free bikes. They have cute kid bikes. Water park is also included and fee.

Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod if you'd like a beach without the high heat. Easy and cheap flight to Boston or you can drive. Lots for kids to do there and easy ferries to nantucket and Marthas vineyard for day trips.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mohonk Mountain House? It’s about a 5 hour drive and basically a very upscale summer camp for both adults and kids.

Her budget is 5-7K. 7 nights in a shared room there is $12,749

OP could afford Capon Springs in WV, double occupancy

That budget *Might* cover Nemacolin double occupancy if she found some sort of way to get a discount.

But they could drive and put the plane money towards the stay.

If you want a resort-environment, I agree that Montauk Mountain House might be perfect for those ages.

I also think they’re great ages for National Parks out West but it’s much harder to plan/get lodging at this stage I think.

NP. Is there anything like Mohonk Mountain House on the West Coast? And if you were planning to do 5-7 days at a dude ranch (2 adults, 7yo DD) with a nice but not luxury budget, any favorite options? Could you do something with good food for $15-20k all in? (This puts it in line with a Backroads travel trip…)

Anonymous wrote:Mohonk Mountain House? It’s about a 5 hour drive and basically a very upscale summer camp for both adults and kids.

I LOVE this place, good suggestion!

Acadia in Maine is beautiful and not likely to be hot.

I love Sun Valley, Idaho. You could spend a night or two at the Rocky Mountain Ranch about 45 mins north of SV.

A Disney cruise will get you what you want.