Family Housing Near Children's Medical Center Dallas: Ronald McDonald House, Hotels & Free Lodging
Children's Medical Center Dallas is the flagship hospital of the Children's Health system and is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the United States. As a Level I pediatric trauma center, it draws families from across Texas and beyond for specialized care in pediatric oncology, cardiac surgery, organ transplant, neuroscience, and rare diseases. For families traveling to Dallas for their child's treatment, finding affordable lodging close to the hospital is one of the most urgent concerns. This guide covers every option — from free nonprofit housing to medical-rate hotels.
The Ronald McDonald House Dallas is the primary family housing option for Children's Medical Center patients, with 77 bedrooms and 6 dedicated transplant apartments just minutes from the hospital. For families who don't qualify or when RMHD is full, the Dallas Medical District offers several hotels with pediatric family rates and extended-stay options with full kitchens — important for families managing special diets or bringing siblings.
Quick Facts — Children's Medical Center Dallas
Why families travel to Children's Medical Center Dallas
Children's Medical Center Dallas is a destination hospital for complex pediatric conditions. Families travel from across the region and nationally for subspecialty care that may not be available closer to home.
Pediatric oncology
Comprehensive cancer program including chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplant, and clinical trials for childhood cancers.
Cardiac surgery
One of the largest pediatric heart surgery programs in the country, treating congenital heart defects and complex cardiac conditions.
Organ transplant
Kidney, liver, heart, and multi-organ transplant programs. Families must remain near the hospital during the waiting period and post-transplant recovery.
Neuroscience & rare diseases
Specialized programs for epilepsy, brain tumors, genetic conditions, and rare diseases that require multidisciplinary evaluation.
Free and low-cost lodging
Ronald McDonald House Dallas
$10-25/night suggested77 private bedrooms plus 6 dedicated transplant apartments at 4707 Bengal St, Dallas, TX 75235 — minutes from Children's Medical Center. No family is ever turned away for inability to pay.
- Cost: Suggested donation of $10-25/night. Completely free for families who cannot pay.
- Who qualifies: Families of children receiving treatment at Children's Medical Center Dallas or other area hospitals.
- Transplant families: 6 dedicated transplant apartments with additional space and privacy for extended stays.
- How to apply: Hospital referral required — physician, nurse, or social worker contacts RMHC on your behalf.
- Amenities: Meals provided, free laundry, hospital shuttle, communal kitchen, playrooms, WiFi, free parking.
Phone: (214) 631-7354 · Address: 4707 Bengal St, Dallas, TX 75235
Hope Lodge Dallas
Free Cancer patients50 free rooms at 210 N. Hall St, Dallas, TX 75226. Primarily for adult cancer patients, but parents of pediatric cancer patients may qualify — ask your social worker.
- Cost: Completely free — no fees, no deposits, no donations required.
- Who qualifies: Adult cancer patients in active outpatient treatment. Parents of pediatric cancer patients may be eligible.
- How to apply: Social worker referral required. Apply as early as possible — waitlists are common.
- Amenities: Communal kitchen, free laundry, free parking, WiFi.
Phone: (469) 451-4900 · ACS helpline: 1-800-227-2345
Ark House Dallas
~$28-30/nightFurnished private apartments in Richardson, serving patients of any diagnosis receiving treatment at Dallas-area hospitals.
- Cost: Approximately $28-30/night.
- Who qualifies: Any diagnosis. Must be receiving treatment at a Dallas-area medical facility.
- How to apply: Social worker referral required.
- Amenities: Furnished private apartments with kitchen facilities.
Hotels near Children's Medical Center Dallas with medical rates
If nonprofit housing is full or doesn't fit your situation, several hotels near the Dallas Medical District offer discounted rates for patient families. Joe's House (joeshouse.org | 877-563-7468) is a nonprofit that maintains negotiated corporate codes at hotel chains nationwide. Call the hotel directly and ask for the "Joe's House rate" or enter the corporate code when booking online. Ask your Children's social worker for the hospital's partner hotel list as well.
| Hotel | Rate | Distance | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonesta ES Suites Medical/Market Ctr | ~$60–100/night | ~1.8 mi | Full kitchen, free breakfast, free parking |
| Courtyard Medical/Market Center | ~$98–151/night | ~2 mi | Rates for 6 hospitals, free parking 7+ nights |
| Dallas Marriott Suites Medical/Market Ctr | ~$119–205/night | ~1.5 mi | Suites, shuttle within 5 mi |
All rates are approximate and subject to change. Always call the hotel to confirm current pricing and availability. Distances measured from Children's Medical Center.
Furnished apartments for extended pediatric treatment stays
Families of children undergoing transplant, cancer treatment, or extended surgical recovery often need lodging for weeks to months. A furnished apartment with a full kitchen, in-unit laundry, and space for siblings provides a more stable environment than a hotel — especially important for families with other children who need routine and normalcy during a stressful time.
For stays of 30 or more consecutive days at the same property, the Texas hotel tax exemption eliminates state and local hotel occupancy taxes — saving approximately 15% in Dallas. On a 60-day stay at $100/night, that's about $900 in tax savings.
Tax tip: The Texas hotel tax exemption (up to ~15% savings in Dallas) applies to stays of 30+ consecutive nights at the same address. Read our full guide to the TX hotel tax exemption →
What your stay will actually cost
| Option | Nightly Cost | 30-Day Cost | Kitchen | Parking | Referral |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald McDonald House | $0-25 | $0-750 | Communal + meals | Free | Hospital referral |
| Hope Lodge | Free | Free | Communal | Free | Social worker |
| Ark House | $28-30 | $840-900 | Full | Free | Social worker |
| Hotel (med rate) | $89-200 | $2,670-6,000 | Rarely | Varies | No |
| Extended Stay | $65-110 | $1,950-3,300 | Full | Free | No |
| Furnished Apt | $100-150 | $3,000-4,500* | Full | Included | No |
*30-day rate with TX hotel tax exemption applied. All rates approximate — call to confirm.
Tips for families of pediatric patients
Ask your child's care team about Ronald McDonald House on the first day. The hospital referral process starts with your physician, nurse, or social worker. Rooms fill quickly — especially transplant apartments — so don't wait.
Apply to multiple programs simultaneously. There is no rule against being on waitlists at Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, and Ark House at the same time. Cast a wide net and take the first opening.
Plan for siblings. If you have other children, look for lodging that accommodates them. Ronald McDonald House is family-friendly with playrooms and communal spaces. Some hotels and furnished apartments charge extra for additional guests.
If staying 30+ days, ask your property about the Texas hotel tax exemption. It saves approximately 15% in Dallas — hundreds of dollars on an extended stay.
Ask your social worker about financial assistance. Children's Health has programs to help with lodging, transportation, and meal costs. Many families don't know these resources exist until they ask.
More Dallas medical lodging guides
Frequently asked questions about family housing near Children's Dallas
Is there free lodging for families of pediatric patients at Children's Medical Center Dallas?
Yes. Ronald McDonald House Dallas offers 77 bedrooms and 6 transplant apartments for families of children receiving treatment at Children's. The suggested donation is $10-25/night, but no family is ever turned away for inability to pay. Hope Lodge Dallas has 50 free rooms for adult cancer patients — parents of pediatric cancer patients may qualify. Both programs require referrals. Apply as early as possible, as waitlists are common.
How do I apply for Ronald McDonald House Dallas?
You need a hospital referral from a physician, nurse, or social worker at Children's Medical Center. The hospital team contacts Ronald McDonald House directly on your behalf. You cannot self-refer. Call Ronald McDonald House Dallas at (214) 631-7354 with questions, but the referral must come from the hospital. Apply as soon as you know your child's treatment schedule — rooms fill quickly, especially transplant apartments.
How long do families typically stay near Children's Medical Center Dallas?
It depends on your child's treatment. Surgical patients may need lodging for 1-4 weeks during recovery and follow-up. Pediatric oncology families often stay weeks to months during chemotherapy cycles. Transplant families should plan for 2-6 months or longer — the wait for a donor organ is unpredictable, and post-transplant monitoring requires frequent visits. Ronald McDonald House allows stays aligned with your child's treatment timeline.
Is there special lodging for families of transplant patients at Children's Dallas?
Yes. Ronald McDonald House Dallas has 6 dedicated transplant apartments specifically for families of children undergoing organ transplant at Children's. These apartments provide more space and privacy for the extended stays transplant families require. A hospital referral is required, and transplant families receive priority for these units. Contact your child's transplant coordinator to initiate the referral.
Can families save on hotel taxes during a long stay near Children's Dallas?
Yes. Texas law exempts stays of 30 or more consecutive days at the same property from state and local hotel occupancy taxes — approximately 15% in Dallas. On a $100/night hotel room over 30 days, that saves about $450. The exemption applies to hotels, extended-stay properties, and furnished apartments. Ask the front desk for the long-term stay exemption form at check-in.
Reviewed by RelocateMeTX Editorial Team
Content verified March 2026. Relocation information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, legal, or medical advice.