We partnered with Staybridge Suites on the post below. While sponsored, all opinions are our own. Seattle, Washington is a well-known vacation destination for families, and for good reason! But venture just a bit further north and parents will find a wonderful outdoor playground in Mukilteo, north of the city near Everett, Washington and Whidbey Island. This past June, we were able to … [Read more...]
Downtown Spokane and Hotel RL Spokane at the Park
July 24, 2015 By
After moving to Oregon from Spokane, Washington over 10 years ago, we try to get back to the Inland Empire every few years. This year, we spent two different weekends in Spokane, both of which at the Hotel RL Spokane at the Park, with lots of time to explore downtown with our (now) teen kids. What's so special about downtown Spokane? Spokane is one of those lucky cities that … [Read more...]
Where to stay on San Juan Island with kids
July 20, 2015 By
If you read our post last week, you're all set with your San Juan Island with kids itinerary! Now, where to stay on San Juan Island with kids: while it's true that the San Juan Islands are known as a destination for B&Bs, other options do exist. Read on for our top lodging experiences on San Juan Island, with a wide range of options for your family. Lakedale Resort: Kid-heaven … [Read more...]
Branson Missouri vacation plan: what to see and do with kids
July 13, 2015 By
Branson, Missouri is a tough town to categorize. With its kitchy attractions and extravagant shows, it looks like it should be a gambling town. It isn’t. With its hundreds of shops, restaurants, and hotels, it doesn’t seem to be an outdoor destination. And yet it is. Somehow, Branson is both Midwestern and Southern, city and county, fishing epicenter and nature preserve. I don’t know how it … [Read more...]
Branson Landing review: a stay at Hilton Promenade
June 22, 2015 By
Branson, Missouri is the 25th most visited family destination in the US. With wholesome shows rivaling Broadway quality, the natural attraction of the Ozarks, and lots of dining and shopping, we think it gets this top 25 distinction from it's ability to offer something to almost everyone, and its drivable location in the lower midwest. If you're planning a trip to Branson, you … [Read more...]
Portland with Kids: Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
June 17, 2015 By
If you're headed to Portland with kids, location is key: you want to be near the Willamette River and within easy walking distance of downtown and the MAX. The Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel puts families in the heart of the city, affords kids fun views of the goings-on along the river, and provides parents with a few perks of their own. RiverPlace is a Kimpton hotel, with Kimpton amenities. If … [Read more...]
Springfield Missouri lodging picks: Ramada Plaza Hotel and Hotel Vandivort
May 13, 2015 By
This post is truly a tale of two hotels. Families finding themselves in Springfield, Missouri can choose from a fairly standard array of motels and hotels, or they can pick between two unique choices: the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center for family-friendliness or the new Hotel Vandivort for boutique downtown chic. If I could, I'd squish together the best amenities and features at … [Read more...]
Hotel Vintage Portland: Portland hotel review
April 10, 2015 By
I first visited Hotel Vintage Portland a few years ago, when it was known as the Hotel Vintage Plaza. If it was cool then, which it was, it’s even cooler now. This Kimpton hotel has undergone a major redesign, completely remodeling its common spaces and rooms. On our visit to conduct a Portland hotel review a few days after the relaunch, the Vintage Portland was pleasantly busy on a … [Read more...]
The Riverhouse, Bend: a moderate hotel option
March 23, 2015 By
Bend Oregon is a four-season destination ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. We love to visit in winter to ski Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo, snowshoe, and cross-country ski, and in summer to hike, mountain bike, and river raft on the Deschutes. Usually, a trip to Bend necessitates a 2-3 night stay, for which we recommend one of its top-tier resorts such as Sunriver, Black Butte Ranch, or Brasada Ranch. … [Read more...]
Family-friendly Vegas hotel: Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau
March 13, 2015 By
Is Las Vegas a family-friendly destination? While I believe there are better vacation choices for families, there are plenty of reasons families find themselves here, from conventions to shows to sport tournaments. And when you do go, you'll need a family-friendly Vegas hotel. We just returned from Marriott Vacation Club Grand Chateau, and let me tell you: we'll never stay anywhere else in … [Read more...]
