TripAdvisor(R), the world's largest travel community, has announced its top 10 family friendly bargain hotels, according to traveler ratings for family-friendliness, with an average rate of $123 per night.

TripAdvisor also conducted a family travel survey of more than 2,400 respondents worldwide, and discovered that more than half of travelers surveyed (51 percent) said money is the biggest barrier when it comes to taking family vacations. The hardest part of taking a family vacation is staying on budget, according to nearly one-third (30 percent) of respondents who take trips with their children. Forty percent of travelers said they sometimes include the grandparents on a family vacation and 10 percent of those travelers said it's so they can pay part or all of the tab (beyond their own expenses).

Sixty-three percent of respondents with children sometimes leave the kids behind when it comes to leisure trips. Forty percent of travelers surveyed said they are willing to leave their children at a kids' program while on vacation.

Twenty-two percent of travelers plan to take more family vacations in the next 12 months than in the last 12 months, while 63 percent plan to take the same amount of vacations this year. Twenty-nine percent said they will spend more on their family vacations this year than last.

  Top 10 Bargain Hotels for Families in the U.S.
  1. Water World: Dunes Village Resort, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina --
     Average Nightly Rate: $139
     Featuring its own fantastic indoor water park, in addition to beautiful
     ocean views, the new Dunes Village Resort is a property that is as
     appealing to children as it is parents.  Visitors will marvel at the
     resort's huge indoor river ride and water slide.  According to a
     TripAdvisor traveler, "Very clean rooms, water parks were amazing and
     the view was to die for!"

  2. Pop Top: Disney's Pop Century Resort, Orlando, Florida -- Average
     Nightly Rate: $104
     Pop Century is an entertaining resort that features themed areas
     celebrating American pop culture from the past, and offers several
     outstanding heated pools.  Said one TripAdvisor traveler, "There are
     many pools, ALL the employees and guests are very kind, it's very close
     to all the parks, and the rooms were very clean and very new!"

  3. Hooray for HoJo: Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel - Anaheim, Anaheim,
     California -- Average Nightly Rate: $105
     A short walk to all the attractions at Disneyland, the hotel has two
     pools, a "spray ground" for the kids, and spacious rooms with free
     internet access.  As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "The HoJo is
     definitely value for money! The service desk was pleasant, the
     concierge was very helpful and the rooms were quite big and
     comfortable."

  4. Happy Horizons: Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club at Orlando, Orlando,
     Florida -- Average Nightly Rate: $151
     With a pirate-themed pool and water slide pool, the kids will have
     plenty to enjoy. A gamer's paradise, the resort also features
     basketball hoops, pool tables, ping pong, and a mini golf course.
     Stated one TripAdvisor traveler, "For families with kids under 10 or so
     this is an awesome place. If they like pirate type stuff, this place is
     unbeatable."

  5. Lights, Camera, Fun: Disney's All-Star Movie Resort, Orlando, Florida
     -- Average Nightly Rate: $103
     Featuring themes of many popular Disney movies, the resort has several
     delightful pools for the kids, as well as an arcade and some remarkable
     family-friendly hotel amenities, such as babysitting and laundry
     services. As one TripAdvisor traveler said, "The atmosphere is very
     festive and you definitely feel the Disney 'magic.'"

  6. Viva Grande Vista: Marriott's Grande Vista, Orlando, Florida -- Average
     Nightly Rate: $156
     Offering large, comfortable rooms and beautiful views overlooking a
     lake and wonderful pools, the Grande Vista is a great choice for
     families interested in extra space. As one TripAdvisor traveler said,
     "We had a 2-bedroom unit that was simply fabulous. The room was
     spacious and was fully equipped with everything you would have in your
     home."

  7. No Place Like Homewood: Homewood Suites Anaheim -- Main Gate Area,
     Anaheim, California -- Average Nightly Rate: $121
     Only one mile from Disneyland, Homewood Suites offer spacious
     accommodations, helpful staff and a nice daily buffet breakfast, in
     addition to the pool and fitness center.  According to a TripAdvisor
     traveler, "The whole place is delightful, the suites are spacious and
     immaculately clean, with all the facilities required for a comfortable
     stay."

  8. A Great Stay: Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida --
     Average Nightly Rate: $155
     Large rooms, great facilities and location and outstanding outdoor and
     indoor pools make the Staybridge Suites a great destination for
     families. As one TripAdvisor traveler described, "This is a perfect
     place for families who prefer to stay in a suite rather than the
     standard hotel layout."

  9. Maingate Mainstay: Comfort Suites Maingate East, Kissimmee, Florida --
     Average Nightly Rate: $98
     The Comfort Suites Maingate East makes families feel at home by
     offering large suites, free internet, deluxe continental breakfasts and
     a large outdoor pool, spa tub and a children's pool.  As one
     TripAdvisor traveler said, "This place is very nice for the price. The
     rooms are huge, complete with free internet and refrigerator."

  10. Music to Their Ears: Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Orlando, Florida
     -- Average Nightly Rate: $102
     With a musical theme throughout the grounds, including oversized
     musical instruments and music piped throughout the property and pools,
     this resort is a hit for children.  As one TripAdvisor traveler
     commented, "We can't say enough good things about this resort."

"These hotels are great for families and easy on the wallet," said Michele Perry, for TripAdvisor. "Outstanding pools are what really set these properties apart, and when planning trips with kids, it's always nice to be able to save some money where you can."

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SOURCE: TripAdvisor