Just in time for summer 2008, the high season for family vacations, the mega review site TripAdvisor.com has conducted a family travel survey of more than 2,400 respondents worldwide. Their biggest discovery was that 51% of respondents said "money is the biggest barrier when it comes to taking family vacations."

Perhaps for financial reasons, 63% of respondents with children said they sometimes leave the kids behind when it comes to leisure trips.Thirty per cent of respondents who traveled with children found it tough to "stay on budget," while 40% of travelers said they sometimes include the grandparents on a family vacation. According to the TripAdvisor press release (surprise!), a full 10 % of those who enjoyed multi-generational trips said they invited elders "so they can pay part or all of the tab (beyond their own expenses)."

With so much financial stress in the family, it's no wonder that 40% of those who did bring kids along said they were "willing to leave their children at a kids' program while on vacation." Nonetheless, TripAdvisor's survey found that 22% of travelers plan to take more family vacations in the next 12 months than in the past 12 months, and 29% said they will spend more. Nearly two-thirds said they plan to take the same number of vacations this year as last.

Keeping families' financial constraints in mind, TripAdvisor (a service owned by the online travel booking giant Expedia) has mined its fantastic database of travel reviews to come up with the top 10 most highly rated budget hotels in the U.S. that welcome families. At FTF, we're disappointed that, with the exception of one hotel in Myrtle Beach, all of the site users' suggestions were in Orlando or Anaheim. Families using the familytravelforum.com site typically have much farther reaching destinations in mind. While the plethora of theme parks in Central Florida and southern California certainly make them family magnets (which in turn fosters more price competition in the hotel market), never fear -- the FTF staff can suggest hundreds of destinations with equally well priced lodging.

What follows is the TripAdvisor write up about each, and they are:

1. 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. 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. Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 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. Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club at 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 feature 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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," commented 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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