A stay at Grand Hyatt Seattle with kids

January 11, 2013 By

On our last trip to Seattle, we stayed at both the Hyatt Olive 8 and the Grand Hyatt Seattle. How do they compare? You can read in our review of the Hyatt Olive 8 that the 8 is extremely eco-friendly, and its indoor pool and hot tub make it a hit with kids. While the Grand Hyatt does not have a pool, its location is (slightly) more central to Pike Place Market (only four blocks), and it’s even closer to downtown high-end shopping (especially fun to view during the festive holiday season). Families can easily make either Hyatt their Seattle base for vacation or city touring, and expect to be pampered in either.

Grand Hyatt Seattle

Amenities and Rooms:

For our family of five, we fit nicely in two adjoining rooms at the Hyatt. Families of four can easily fit in one. One of our two rooms was a corner suite, a nice addition with a sitting room area, but not necessary to our overall comfort. One of the best features of the room is the floor to ceiling windows: our view was a picture perfect vista of the Space Needle and skyline. The Grand Hyatt also features oversized bathtubs, which the Olive 8 does not…a welcome addition on rainy, dreary days. Each bathroom also includes a shower, and like all Hyatt’s, the Grand Hyatt Seattle is eco-conscious (though not to the extreme of the Olive 8): bath towels and sheets are changed only when needed.

Grand Hyatt Seattle

One caveat: each room has a coffee maker and coffee and tea service, but mini-fridges are filled with pay-per-item snacks and liquor. In fact, using them to store your own foods results in a $10 fee. If you have items to store, a separate mini fridge will be brought up to you, but this is still an inconvenience. On the plus side, the kids love Hyatt bathrobes, and those at the Grand Hyatt do not disappoint.

Fitness Center:

The Grand Hyatt Seattle’s fitness center was closed for renovation at the time of our visit, but on-site staff informed me they have a hot tub and sauna, but no indoor pool. If that’s a deal breaker for your kids, book Hyatt Olive 8 instead.

Grand Hyatt Seattle corner suite

Dining:

Within the same building as the Hyatt is a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (too spendy for my family), but also a sushi place, a Starbucks, and a marketplace with some convenience foods (such as juice, milk, and other necessities while traveling with young kids). We opted to go here (with the adjacent Starbucks) for breakfast.

Tip! Save up to 50% on Seattle’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Date last visited:

December 2012

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, rooms started at $181 for a standard double (though double beds are not guaranteed). We have heard, however, that upgrades are common.

Directions:

The Grand Hyatt is located at 721 Pine Street, Seattle. It’s easily accessed from either I-5 or I-90 (five minutes from either).

My family and I stayed at Grand Hyatt Seattle on a hosted stay, for the purpose of review.

Reno with kids: a stay at the Peppermill Hotel and Casino

December 10, 2012 By

We enjoy the high mountains and desert surrounding Reno, Nevada, but dislike casinos with their dark, smoky interiors and gaudy decor. It can be challenging to find truly family-friendly accommodations. The newly remodeled Reno Peppermill Hotel and Casino fits the needs of families while adding a degree of elegance and luxury I haven’t experienced elsewhere in Reno.

Peppermill Reno

Now a Preferred Hotel, the Peppermill has earned four-diamond qualification. The entire exterior of the hotel now carries an Italian villa motif, but their new Tuscany Tower fully immerses guests; once in this wing, the Italian theme is seamless. We loved that while in Tuscany Tower, which has it’s own check-in desk, we never encountered cigarette smoke or gambling. Connected to the rest of the hotel via escalator, the Tuscany Tower houses Biscotti’s restaurant, the Spa Toscana, the fitness center, a full bar, and easy access to the Lower and Upper pools. From our room, we could go swimming, eat meals, and work out without ever remembering we were in a casino.

If you do want to gamble or experience the restaurants and nightlife in the rest of the Peppermill, you’ll only a few steps away. There’s a large arcade located near the parking garage that our kids patronized, and half a dozen additional dining options in addition to a few shops and, of course, the casino floor.

Tuscany Tower rooms:

These new rooms are huge! We had a double-king suite with 550 square feet. We loved the fact that our bathroom was as big as some kitchens, with a jetted whirlpool tub and shower, separate toilet area, and vanity counter as well as sink (we could have used two sinks, however). The kids were especially giddy to see a flat-screen TV in the bathroom, too, though we never had need of it.

Tuscany Tower king

Standard rooms have either one or two king beds (rooms with two beds cannot accommodate a roll-away, though there’s plenty of space). I loved that there was a table and chairs by the large window in addition to (instead of replacing) a full desk and chair. I was able to work while the kids ate breakfast in the room. The beds were heavenly to sleep on, and there’s extra linens stored in case they’re needed. We had a large TV in the main room, but no mini-fridge (just a mini-bar fridge). If you don’t want to pay a room charge for snacks, tell the kids to keep their hands off: all items in the mini-bar and on the tray on the counter contain motion-sensors and will charge you if an item is removed for 45 seconds.

Pools:

We loved the geo-thermally heated Peppermill pools! Located in the outside courtyard between the Tuscany Tower, the Spa Toscana, and the main wing, the Lower Pool is open year-round and features a main pool, waterfall pool (smaller pool with cascading water), and hot tub. All three pools are heated (and the hot tub is quite hot). During the summer months, the Upper Pool is also open, with an additional swimming pool and hot tubs. We especially loved all the cushy outdoor furniture: we could relax poolside even in winter while the kids swam.

Lower Pool at night

Spa Toscana:

A day pass to the Spa Toscana is well-worth the expense of $45, should you have at least a few hours to indulge. I love that hotel guests receive 50% off. Of course, a day pass comes included with a treatment, as well. (Send the kids to the arcade or swimming with the other parent!) Guests are shown to the luxurious changing rooms, which open onto hot and cold plunge pools, a cedar-planked sauna, an awesome steam room, and lounge area. Fruit juices, healthy mix and granola mixes, tea, coffee, and water are readily available. Day pass guests also have access to the co-ed indoor pool with hot and cold plunges and a relaxing enclave with reclining chairs, noise-reducing headphones, and iPods playing music. Room service can be ordered directly to the spa.

Peppermill spa

Dining:

Biscotti’s serves family-friendly fare that will still please parents, and has a nice variety of freshly made cocktails and beers. We opted for a family dinner at Oceano, arguably Reno’s finest seafood restaurant. Though the wait was long and dining here necessitated crossing the casino floor (have I mentioned we hate casinos?), Oceano was worth it. More expensive than Biscotti’s, value can still be found here: Oceano’s all-you-can-eat sushi was the freshest my husband had ever had, and costs only $24.99. Oceano serves every kind of fish you could want (I loved the blackened Mahi-Mahi), and also has steak and chicken. There’s no kid menu, but the staff is accommodating: they made Toby a grilled cheese and fry basket, and Calvin (age 11) was very happy with the fried shrimp. Tip: if not everyone at your table orders the all-you-can-eat sushi, the sushi eater may not have time to try as much as he or she would like before the others are served and finished. Order sushi right away!

Oceano in Peppermill hotel

We grabbed an easy breakfast of donuts at Cafe Espresso on the morning of our departure, and snacks and pastries can be found at any hour at several locations. Room service is also always available.

Nearby attractions for families:

While in Reno, head out of town and visit Virginia City (just 30 minutes from the Peppermill) to learn about early mining history in this boomtown. Also within easy driving distance is Lake Tahoe, with skiing in winter and swimming and water sports in summer. Hiking and mountain bike riding can be found near the base of Mt. Rose, just outside of Reno.

Tuscany Tower Peppermill

Date last visited:

November 2012

Room rates:

Room rates for our double-king suite in the Tuscany Tower can be as low as under $99. Even more affordable rooms can be had in the other wing of the Peppermill, but trust me: the ambiance and prime location of the tower is worth the expense.

Directions:

From Hwy 395 (which changes into 580), take the Moana Exit to South Virginia Street.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we reviewed the new Tuscany Tower as guests of the Peppermill. This generosity comes with no expectation of a positive review. Photo credit.

Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

October 17, 2012 By

From the outside, the Ramkota Hotel, a Best Western Plus property, looks like just about any other large-scale interstate-adjacent motor inn. Once inside, visitors immediately know there’s more to it: the Ramkota delivers big on the extras travelers with kids need, such as a full-scale restaurant (and bar, just saying) and large year-round indoor water park facility and seasonal outdoor pool.

ramkota hotel

Let’s get right to the good part: Ramkota’s water park sits in the center of the hotel’s ‘H’ shaped wings in a large indoor space that–amazingly–does not smell strongly or chlorine. You get a large free-form pool with a zero-depth entry, small water slide, and fun lilly-pad crossing, a hot tub, and a deeper pool with a water basketball hoop and much larger tube slide. Best of all, families can reserve a room (on either the first or second floor) that opens right out on the the water park. Parents can easily sit and watch older kids from near their doorway, and it’s a very short walk back to the room for families with younger children. The facility is not on a grand scale by any means, but is a huge jump up from your average indoor pool. If you’re planning to stop along I-90 in or near Sioux Falls with kids in any season, the Ramkota’s water features make it the obvious choice (and in the dead of winter, it’s especially a no-brainer).

Ramkota Hotel water park

Ramkota pool rooms

Note: There is no lifeguard on duty at the pool. Please be sure to supervise your children.

Other amenities: You can’t sleep in the pool, but Ramkota’s standard rooms are spacious, comfortable, and clean, which is all you need when road tripping with kids. Each guest room does feature a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave, making it easy to make and keep food fresh. Suites are available as well, with full kitchenettes in either one or two bedroom layouts. Extended stay rooms are also on-property.

The Ramkota has a business center and a very helpful front desk staff, as well as complimentary wifi so you can get some work done if needed (or set the kids up with Netflix on your computer while waiting to swim in the mornings). There’s also an adequate, yet small, exercise facility adjacent to the indoor water park. The Ramkota lacks a free breakfast, but does have a kid-friendly restaurant. (If you read Pit Stops for Kids’ hotel reviews regularly, you know that a road trip-friendly hotel without a free breakfast is often a deal-breaker for me, but in this case, the indoor water park trumps all.)

If you plan to stay a day or two in the area, there are several family-friendly attractions within minutes of the hotel, including a nice selection of free things to do in Sioux Falls. If you need to get back on the road, you’d better wait until at least check-out time to let your kids fully enjoy the pools!

Date last visited:

August 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Right off I-90.

Room rates:

Rates for a standard room at the time of my visit started at . This is a Best Western Plus, so consider becoming a member of Best Western Rewards, and also ask for AAA discounts. Roll-away beds are available (and the rooms are spacious enough that you won’t be tripping on it if you ask for one). The Ramkota also has a nice kids’ club to make return visits more fun.

Directions:

The Ramkota is located at 3200 West Maple Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Parking is free, and an airport shuttle service is available.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced the Ramkota on a hosted stay. While the Ramkota’s hospitality is appreciated, it came with no expectations of a positive review.

Where to stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites

August 9, 2012 By

Vancouver, BC may be one of the best cities to tour with kids. It’s full of outdoor experiences active kids crave–biking, beaches, parks and suspension bridges–while retaining the sophistication parents enjoy and seek to introduce to their children. And all within a stone’s throw of the action (but please don’t throw stones) is the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites Hotel.

view from Coast Plaza suite

Located in Vancouver’s vibrant West End neighborhood just three blocks from English Bay and beaches in one direction and five blocks from the entrance to Stanley Park in the other, the Coast Plaza is largely a suite hotel, which means that families will enjoy plenty of room and a full kitchen in affordable units. According to Vancouver bloggers I asked, the Coast Plaza’s perfect layout for families used to be something of a local secret. (The hotel was traditionally known as a business hotel.) I’d say the word is out, because we encountered many families enjoying the hotel during our July 2012 visit.

coast plaza

coast plaza

During our two night visit in a 1-bedroom suite, we used the kitchen to prepare all our breakfasts in-room, as well as pack our lunches for each day on-the-go, which means we saved a bundle on dining out. (We could have easily made dinner in our rooms as well; there’s a nice Safeway down the street and a beautiful produce market right on the block.) Garage parking is on-site, and includes unlimited in-and-out privileges. Because we were so close to the attractions we wanted to see, however, we kept the car parked most of our visit. The one exception: we took it out for a trip outside the city center to Capilano Bridge and Grouse Mountain.

coast plaza

The only metro Vancouver area the hotel is really too far from is Canada Place: we walked, but it took us the better part of an hour and was tough on little feet. If you decide to head that direction (and you should), ask the concierge (on-site) for the Coast Plaza shuttle schedule. This complimentary shuttle runs to Canada Place and elsewhere in the city several times a day, but we were told we needed to reserve a spot 24 hours ahead. If you don’t plan that far out, a taxi to Canada Place from the hotel is approximately $12 Canadian.

indoor pool coast plaza

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Just a few blocks from BC-99.

Room and hotel amenities:

In-suite, families can expect to find full fridges, ovens, dishwashers, and all the dinnerware, cups, utensils, and cooking pots and pans you might need. The bathroom in our one-bedroom suite was spacious and included both a tub and shower, and the beds were deliciously soft. Even the pull-out couch was comfortable. There are TVs in both the living room area and bedroom, and a coffee maker for the morning (with coffee, creamer, and sugar provided).

The Coast Plaza offers free wifi (a huge plus) and a full fitness club. Kids will love the heated indoor pool and hot tub. A restaurant is located on-site (hotel guests receive a discount) and there’s a full room service menu. Upon check-in, guests receive a ‘cookies and milk card’ from room service, which they can redeem for complimentary chocolate chip cookies and milk for everyone in their party. Honestly, the hotel has all the amenities families could ask for.

Compared to other Vancouver hotels I’ve enjoyed, the Coast Plaza is older and showing its wear, but what it lacks in cosmetics, it more than makes up for in amenities and perks for families. If your plans include plenty of time in Stanley Park and English Bay, it’s the clear choice.

English Bay

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, rates started at a very affordable (for city rates!) $199 for a standard room, and approximately $299 for a one-bedroom suite. Rates vary by season and date.

Directions:

The Coast Plaza is located at 1763 Comox. From BC-99, take W. Georgia to Denman, then turn left onto Comox.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I enjoyed a stay at the Coast Plaza at no charge, for the purpose of review. While we appreciate the opportunity to experience what they offer, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

A stay at Omni San Francisco with kids

June 14, 2012 By

When we first stepped into the opulent lobby of the Omni San Francisco with our three excited kids, lots of luggage, and a cooler of snacks, I thought, ‘Uh oh.’ It was so beautiful, and so peaceful, and somehow smelled so good (citrus?) I couldn’t imagine this elegant San Francisco hotel could be a good fit for families. I was completely wrong. From the moment of check-in, my boys were greeted with smiles from everyone from the doorman to the valet, offered fresh fruit and herbal tea (the former was welcome after a day in the city, though the latter was a bust) and gifted Omni Kids lunch sack-style backpacks filled with goodies. No sooner had we arrived in our adjoining rooms, than a tray of freshly baked cookies and milk arrived.

Omni san francisco lobby

We found out both perks come as part of Omni’s Sensational Kids program, which is their way to welcome children to the hotel. The kids’ packs contained frisbees, hacky sacks, candy, and a map of the city with fun activities to complete, like crosswords, word searches, and puzzles. (They’d come in handy while waiting for food in restaurants, but I would have traded them in a second for a complimentary continental breakfast bar.) The rooms were spacious, and included all the nice touches you’d expect from a high-end hotel: high ceilings, window molding, nice views, and top-of-the-line fixtures. The oversized tubs were great for kids, and the coffee makers doubled nicely for us while making hot cocoa and instant oatmeal in the mornings.

omni san francisco

The service at Omni San Francisco is fantastic, and what it lacks in extra amenities like the free breakfast I mentioned or free parking (a rare find at urban hotels), it makes up for in convenience. Located on California Street just steps from the TransAmerica Building, the Omni is directly on the California Street Cable Car line and only two blocks from a BART station. It’s also only steps from MUNI bus lines. Every day, we stepped outside and were on our way via cable car or bus within minutes. Chinatown is a block away, and Nob Hill is in easy walking distance. The on-site concierge was always happy to give us (and our itinerary) full attention, guiding us with routes and recommendations.

sensational kids

Could you book a cheaper room elsewhere in San Francisco? Absolutely. We spent the evening before our Omni stay at Fisherman’s Wharf, where the room rates were less but we hauled our own luggage, fought with slow elevators, and got lost a lot. What you’re getting at Omni is luxury, location, and service…amenities that come at a higher price point. For a beautiful hotel experience in the heart of San Francisco, it can’t be beat. While we encountered mostly business travelers during our stay, it was clear at all times that children are welcome.

Deal! Save up to 49% on San Francisco’s Muni and Cable Car rides plus admission to the 4 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Minutes from Highway 101 (via the Golden Gate Bridge) or I-80.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates for standard and premiere rooms ranged from $300-339. Omni Kids Fantasy suites, which feature bunk beds, toys to use during the visit, and bean bag chairs (with a connecting room for parents) is additional, but a very nice set-up, and still less than the cost of two adjoining rooms.

Included amenities:

Kids are automatically welcomed into the Omni Sensational Kids program (with packs and cookies). Concierge service is also included in the room rate, and some room packages include valet parking. (Otherwise, valet parking is over $40 a night, and does include in and out privledges.) Self-parking at an adjacent garage is an option, but will still cost upwards of $35 a night. The Omni San Francisco does not have a pool, but room service is available, and high speed internet access is free for guests in the Select Guest Loyalty Program (free to join). Otherwise, wifi is $9.99 a night.

Dining:

Room service is offered day and night, and there is a restaurant on-site, though it seems a bit too spendy (and grown-up) for our family’s purposes. Within steps of the front doors, however, many options await. We ate in Chinatown one evening, and along Calfornia Street the next.

Directions:

Omni San Francisco is located at 500 California Street, at Calfornia and Montgomery.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Omni as guests of Omni Resorts, for the purpose of review. While their hospitality was appreciated, it came with no expectation of a positive review.

A stay at the Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

June 11, 2012 By

Families have hundreds of lodging options while visiting San Francisco with kids, but if they want to be in the heart of the Pier 39 action, the location of the Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf can’t be beat. Literally steps from the wharf, the Radisson is the only bay hotel with this prime location, with a back entrance opening on the Embarcadero. The surrounding area is busy and crowded and noisy at night (think San Francisco’s Times Square), but with so many attractions and dining options close at hand, the trade off may be worth it. From our adjoining rooms on the fourth floor, we didn’t hear much street noise.

renovated room, Radisson fisherman's wharf

The Radisson is an older hotel showing its wear, but they’re currently in the middle of a large-scale renovation. When we visited in May 2012, the guest rooms and lobby had been redone, with plans to improve upon the outdoor areas next. The standard rooms are not large (pretty standard for city hotels), but the new decor is very nice (especially the large wall murals of the Golden Gate). The bathrooms sport tubs as well as showers, a nice perk, and it was great to have a mini-fridge and closet space. Note: The Radisson beds have Sleep Number mattresses, worth mentioning as people tend to love them or hate them (for what it’s worth, we hate them).

Perhaps the nicest amenity of the Radisson is their outdoor pool and courtyard. Situated between the ‘U’ shape of the main building, the large ground floor courtyard features an outdoor fire pit, plenty of comfortable seating, and a nicely sized heated pool. Next to the pool is a small but adequate fitness room. Self parking is available (for a nightly fee of $37…pretty standard for the city) and wifi is complimentary in all guest rooms.

pier 39

We didn’t mind the fact that the outside of the Radisson was still in need of its scheduled facelift. The location more than made up for this. Our only complaint was the difficult-to-navigate layout of the hotel. The parking garage is at the back of the hotel, and uses its own set of elevators, easily confused with the main bank of elevators that lead to the lobby. If you’re coming from your car, the walk through the hallways can be long, and there are so many entrances to the courtyard area (street access, lobby access, and parking garage access) that visitors can get turned around. We could see the pool and courtyard from our room window, so we allowed our 10 and 12-year-olds to go down solo. They took the wrong elevator and got lost for some time, so please accompany tweens (we should have anyway) and note that street access to the courtyard does exist…kids could easily end up there. We’d advise using only the lobby elevators when accessing the pool area.

Plenty of dining exists in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, including fast food and a Johnny Rockets directly connected to the courtyard. One door down is a nice IHOP. A few pizza places deliver to the rooms as well.

Date last visited:

May 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Just a few miles away from either I-80 the or Highway 101.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, room rates were listed at just over $300 for a standard double bed room. What you’re paying for is the location, and if you plan to spend significant time exploring the Wharf, Embarcadero, and Ghiradelli area, it’s worth it for the prime spot.

Included amenities:

As mentioned above, wifi is complimentary. Parking is an extra fee, but some rooms do come with breakfast vouchers (for the adjacent IHOP) included.

Deal! Save up to 49% on San Francisco’s Muni and Cable Car rides plus admission to the 4 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!

Directions:

The Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf is located at 250 Beach Street, San Francisco. From I-80 or Highway 101, take the Embarcadero to the wharf.

As I disclose whenver applicable, we stayed at the Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf at a media rate, for the purpose of review. While we appreciate Radisson’s hospitality, this rate came at no expectation of a positive review.

The Acqua Hotel: kid-friendly boutique hotel in California’s Bay Area

May 24, 2012 By

I’m pleased to announce I’ve found a new (to me) hotel brand favorite for traveling families: Broughton Hospitality’s boutique hotel collection, with properties across the west. On our recent California road trip with kids, we had the pleasure of spending a night outside San Francisco at Mill Valley’s Acqua Hotel, which served our family’s needs perfectly.

acqua hotel

What made the Acqua, and the other Broughton hotels we’ve experienced, so well suited? These boutique hotels fall right in-between the price point of a economic motel and a high-end luxury hotel, while including a host of hotel amenities families need. The Acqua, perfect for bay area travel, is priced only marginally higher than a standard motel, and yet offers large rooms, plenty of outdoor space to play, adjacent biking and walking paths, an ideal location to Sausalito and Muir Woods National Monument, a full breakfast, free parking, and wifi. The value for amenities cannot be beat.

We checked into the Acqua Hotel just in time for their complimentary wine and cheese reception hour (from 5 pm to 6 pm), which we enjoyed in the sunshine on the expanse of lawn overlooking the bay. The kids played touch football on the grass while we sipped a nice pinot noir, and we all snacked on grapes, cheese, and crackers…perfect to fend of hunger pre-dinner. We were minutes away from Mill Valley, where we ate a fun dinner at Joe’s Taco Lounge (recommended by the hotel staff), and once we returned to our room, we had enough space to stretch out for a family movie night. Our corner room (a junior suite) boasted a nice view with patio (though sizes vary), and slept five very comfortably, and the style was chic, fresh, and modern. The bathroom was very large with a huge tub and shower, and the hotel’s unique, airy layout makes you feel like you’re always outside.

acqua hotel

The following morning, we ate our fill at the far-above-average complimentary hotel breakfast buffet, laid out in the Acqua’s second floor breakfast room with outdoor patio overlooking the back bay. “Finally, a hotel breakfast buffet with enough seating,” my husband noted, and he was right: there was more than enough room…no jockeying for a table in the morning rush. The buffet featured highly decent coffee and tea options, fresh sliced fruit, gourmet danishes (nothing out of the package here), cereals and oatmeal, and your standard breads and bagels (topped with artisan jams and jellies). We were very impressed (and trust me, we’ve seen our share of free hotel buffets).

For what you get, I can’t stress the Acqua’s value for families enough: it’s perfect for exploring the Bay Area, and close enough to the city (five miles or so from the Golden Gate Bridge) to make for a good home base for city excursions (though note: you’ll pay for tolls and parking in the city). The hotel does boast free bike borrowing (for use on the nearby bike paths), but at the time of our visit, they only had two adult-sized bikes. My single recommendation for the Acqua is to offer child-sized bikes as well, so a family could enjoy this amenity.

acqua hotel

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 101 (though we couldn’t hear street noise at night).

Room rates:

Our junior suite was listed at $169.00 a night, and deluxe king and double rooms are generally under $150 a night. Check with Acqua’s reservation system for exact rates, of course.

Included amenities:

In-room wifi, parking, breakfast, wine reception, all-day coffee and tea service, plenty of outdoor space for kids.

Directions:

The Acqua is located at 555 Redwood Highway. From the San Francisco Airport, take Hwy. 101 North/I-380 West ramp en route for I-280 North toward San Francisco. Continue on I-280 North, and stay to the left as it turns into 19th Ave. Exit. Follow 19th Ave. all the way to and over the Golden Gate Bridge (approximately 7 miles), then continue on the 101 North. Take the Seminary Dr. exit, and turn right at the first light at the bottom of the exit, which is Seminary Drive/ Redwood Highway.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Acqua as guests of Broughton Hospitality. While we appreciate this opportunity to review the property for our readers, all opinions are our own, and I was under no obligation to write in a particular view point.
—

Fun family hostels for an international stay

November 21, 2011 By

Wake up in a Turkish cave, a rainforest treehouse, or aboard a 747 airplane that never flies when you check into one of these unusual hotels the adventurous folks at Hostelbookers recommend for families. Besides being easy on the purse strings, these off-beat kid-friendly hotels add a playful, relaxing atmosphere to your vacation that you won’t find at pretentious resorts!

Cheap Airline Tickets – Buy Cheap Airline Tickets and Get Great Travel Deals on All Air lines

Kadir’s Tree House, Olympos, Turkey: Tarzan would feel right at home in the jungle-style accommodations at Kadir’s Tree House where your family is invited to “go native.” For the ultimate back to nature experience, claim your territory at their campsite and enjoy the rugged life while having access to a real-life pizza hut, hot showers and bathrooms. Get a taste of life in the canopy snuggled in a tree house hut perched among the branches with cozy bunks and hammocks. If you prefer more civilized comforts, opt for the air conditioned bungalows with private bathrooms and mosquito-proof windows.

Designed like a tribal village around a central courtyard, the friendly staff welcomes guests to join in fun activities like the daily volleyball game or take the half hour walk to the coast and spend the day at the beach. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the delicious meals included in the price served buffet-style three times a day. Dance the night away at their swinging lounge with two bars or swap stories around the firepit.

Aydinli Cave Hotel, Göreme, Turkey: Treat your family to the Flintstone experience at the Aydinli Cave Hotel carved into the hills surrounding a pre-historic looking Turkish city. This family-run hotel doesn’t have Stone Age facilities though–all six rooms have free Wi-Fi and family suites include stone fireplaces and jacuzzis. The Turkish-style bathrooms with hamam basins and walk-in showers make getting clean as much fun as getting dirty!

Enjoy complimentary breakfast in the on-site restaurant and savor your Turkish coffee on the rooftop terrace overlooking the honey-colored walls of the city below. Your helpful hosts can arrange a rental car or guided tour exploring such wonders as the Fairy Chimney Rock Formations in the Göreme National Park.

Jumbo Stay, Stockholm, Sweden: For what may be the best night’s sleep your family ever has on an airplane, check into the Jumbo Stay, a cleverly converted–and permanently grounded–747 jumbo jet. The kids will love exploring this massive plane that’s as much fun as a ride–but seat belts aren’t required!

Live it up in the cockpit suite with a private bathroom or opt for the more budget-conscious dorm-style rooms with single or double beds complete with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs that even display the airline schedules. The eight compact bathrooms are wheelchair accessible and include efficient showers. Downstairs in the Jumbo Lounge you can enjoy airline-style drinks, snacks and a hot breakfast.

When you’re planning your next family vacation, consider these unusual hotels where the accommodations make your trip twice as much fun while costing even less than boring hotels!

Written for Pit Stops for Kids by HostelBookers, a leading authority on family-friendly hostels.

San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina

August 19, 2011 By

The Marriott Marquis and Marina is located in the heart of San Diego, California’s Gaslamp Quarter, situated directly on the bay. It does not include beach access, but the water is in easy reach via the harbor, where kids can watch the boats and parents will appreciate the family-friendly dining.

Marriott_Marquis_San_Diego

A major convention hotel, families can count on plenty of business and conference traffic during their stay, but the hotel is large enough that it won’t matter. My stay was during the 3,000+ person BlogHer conference (for which I was an attendee), and the public spaces didn’t even feel crowded. Located within the hotel is a Starbucks, a large gift and necessity shop, a UPS store, pool and lobby bars, and full room service. The outdoor pool is large and kid-friendly, and opens out onto the marina. Within walking distance are Gaslamp District eateries and shopping, and within minutes by car is SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park.

parrots_marriott_marquis

Rooms are fairly spacious, but be aware that standard room beds are on the narrow side! If you’re sharing them with kids, you may prefer to order a roll-away bed. Wireless internet is free in all public areas, but guests are charged $12 a day for in-room wireless. As is standard in most downtown city hotels, parking is $26 a day for guests with cars, and unfortunately, in San Diego, you’ll probably need one.

Date last visited: August 2011

Distance from the interstate: Five minutes off I-5.

Room rates: Standard rates are between $215-240 per night.

Directions: The Marriott Marquis is located at 333 West Harbor. From I-5, take the Front Street exit straight to the hotel entrance.

Downtown on Dwellable

New York City with kids: a stay at Affinia 50

July 4, 2011 By

We chose to stay at Manhattan’s Affinia 50 for our kids’ introduction to New York City, and within moments of checking in, I knew we’d made the right decision. It was instantly made clear to me that Affinia 50 does things differently than standard big city hotel chains: they’re small enough to be personal, but large enough to provide the amenities families need.

Affinia-50-hotel

First off, they deliver on space, a precious commodity in midtown Manhattan. Just as importantly, they know how to use it: their second floor communal Club Room serves as an extended living room for families, not a stuffy lobby. They’re able to provide personalized touches like custom-ordered pillows, walking tours and rubber duckies, and they let families know they’re wanted and welcome with special efforts like movie nights and wine receptions (at the same time!). In fact, from the time we arrived at the doorstep of the Affinia 50 (somewhat bedraggled from a day of cross-continental travel) to the time we departed for Boston, we considered it our oasis in a city that sometimes embraced us, and sometimes kicked our behinds.

Affinia-50-hotel

During our stay, we got to know names and faces at Affinia 50, from the friendly doorman who always offered us a ‘Cheers!’ (and put up with greetings from Toby’s souvenir plush dog every time we went in or out) to the front desk staff to the concierge. We’d had the opportunity to customize our reservation before we arrived, with options to choose selections from their pillow menu, various experience kits (completely complimentary), and concierge services. I’d asked for a Swedish Memory Foam pillow (simply because I love them), and a ‘Walking Tour Kit’, which was waiting for us in our room. Included was an iPod Nano pre-loaded with walking tours and a pedometer (for use during our stay), which the kids loved using to record their daily mileage through New York.

But what truly makes the Affinia is their Club Room. Located on the second floor, this space is part den, part home entertainment center, part office, and part breakfast nook, and served as our go-to location for recharging our batteries in the late afternoons, as well as our morning escape for complimentary coffee, newspapers, and wifi.

Affinia-50-view

Comprised of three rooms of sofas, arm chairs, fireplaces, and flat screens, there’s enough space that business men and women can be working in some sections (the wifi is free here, though not in the suites or rooms) and kids can be watching a movie or playing games in another. On Sundays, Affinia hosts a movie night with popcorn for the kids coupled with a complementary wine reception for the adults, and on week nights, various themed nights for the kids are on offer (on the day we left, it was to be a Nintendo Sports game night).

Before arriving at the Affinia 50, I was a little worried about the midtown location. Would we be close enough to the park? To the theater district? What about the neighborhood? Would there be kid-friendly restaurants nearby? I shouldn’t have worried. I loved that Affinia 50 is within easy walking distance of Rockefeller Center (straight up 50th) and Times Square (15 minutes). A grocery store is only three blocks away (useful for stocking your full-sized refrigerator), and the Lexington/53rd Street subway station easily gets you uptown or downtown (don’t ask me about crosstown…I never did master that).

Affinia-50-hotel

We stayed in one of Affinia 50’s a one bedroom deluxe suites, which are amazing for families: first off, they’re huge by Manhattan standards (heck, their standard rooms are huge by Manhattan standards). Booking a suite gets you a full kitchen, living room space (with pull-out double bed), large separate bedroom (ours had two queens), and a decent-sized bathroom. Oh, and a balcony with a fabulous view! They brought us a rollaway too, and we comfortably slept six. The decor was what I’d call comfortably chic, and the bathroom was clearly recently updated. The kitchen was functional and very convenient but not newly appointed (I have a feeling these things are being done in stages) and the balcony was large and a welcome respite in the evenings.

A buffet breakfast is served in the Club Room every morning ($16.95 for adults, $6.95 for kids). We tried it on our last morning and all gave it two thumbs up, but otherwise took advantage of our full kitchen to make breakfast in the room.

Affinia 50 does house a far more extensive exercise room than I expected. Normally, this is just the type of amenity I look for and take advantage of, but this trip, I never used it once…with so much walking in NYC, I didn’t need it…or so I told myself!) There’s no restaurant on-site, but room service is available through Mint, located across the street.

Date last visited: June 2011

Room rates: Ranging from approximately $250-under $400 per night.

Website: Affinia 50

Directions: Affinia 50 is located at 155 E. 50th. Extensive driving directions can be found online, but if you’re without a car and arriving from either airport, I suggest a taxi. Note: I was told by the transit authority that standard fare from either airport to midtown Manhattan would cost $45. Our drive from LaGuardia to Affinia 50 cost me under $30.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I received a substantial media rate for my deluxe suite at Affinia 50. While the hotel’s generosity is appreciated, this rate came with no expectation of a positive review.