We rounded up some of our favorite budget-friendly hotels we’ve personally stayed at, focusing on places that offer great value for families without sacrificing comfort or location. These are hotels where we felt our money went further — with reasonable nightly rates, family-friendly setups, and locations that made sightseeing easy. They’re the kinds of stays that help keep a trip affordable without feeling like a compromise.

Here are our 2025 Travel Awards: favorite destinations, standout experiences I’ll always recommend, and moments that made this year special — plus picks from other creators and their favorite travel this year!