Do you need a weekend break, a fun location for a child's birthday sleepover celebration, or a more convenient home base for downtown sightseeing? Taking an inexpensive mini-vacation close to home may be just the answer. Pack your suitcases and take the family to a local hotel with great amenities.

All-suite properties or hotels with an indoor pool are also good choices for these types of getaways. Most hotel suites include a separate living room (with a fold-out sofa bed), as well as a private bedroom both with televisions. Breakfast is often included with the price of the room. Other family-friendly amenities can include a pool, game room and fitness facilities.

Homewood Suites are an excellent choice for family vacations and celebrations. All of the Homewood Suites properties are perfectly designed to make guests feel right at home in spacious one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, large living rooms and comfy sleep sofas. In addition, Homewood Suites offer a free hot breakfast daily, complimentary evening light dinners and drinks every Monday through Thursday, free shuttle service, complimentary high-speed Internet, and much more.

Embassy Suites Hotels are another good option for families, since they offer roomy two-room suites and a free buffet breakfast. Other hotels in your area may be offering excellent rates for the weekend, however. Check out Priceline, Expedia, Hotwire, and other online sites. Since this is a local excursion, you might also want to look in the Sunday travel section of your local newspaper.

Once you've selected a great place to stay, plan your weekend's adventure just as if you were a vacationer in your own town. See a movie or take in a local event. Sometimes a little change of scenery can give you just the escape you need - without breaking the bank!