Hyatt Regency Newport

For being one of the top destinations in New England, Newport can be a frustrating experience for families, with its crowded wharfs, silent B & Bs, and "don't-touch-that" mansion tours — all of which raise the stress level for vacationing parents. Think of the newly renovated 257-room Hyatt as a family oasis, set across a causeway from the bustle of downtown Newport and featuring outdoor and indoor pools, organized games and activities, and a parklike "Great Lawn" where kids can stretch their legs to their heart's content. Adults, meanwhile, will appreciate the Five33 lounge, which boasts panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and a killer coconut-rum cocktail.