Boston with kids: a stay at Marriott’s Custom House

custom-houseMarriott’s Custom House is hands down the most unique Marriott Vacation Club property I’ve ever seen.
Originally built in 1847 as a–you guessed it–custom house for 1/5th of the world’s wealth brought in at the busy harbor, the hotel is one of the most impressive historical buildings in all of Boston, and yet its one-of-a-kind features are seamlessly integrated with Marriott Vacation Club’s commitment to family programs and amenities. My father, with whom we were fortunate enough to share this portion of our trip, put it this way: “You come to Boston for the history, and end up staying in it.”

I fear I cannot adequately describe our Eagle Suite rooms (located on the 21st floor) in order to do them justice. (Photos don’t do them justice, either.) Have I stayed in suites as luxurious? Yes. As luxuriously unique? No. Located near the top of the tower just under the clock face, the two suites on this floor conform perfectly to their surrounds and the integrity of the historic building. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out upon a birds-eye view of the Back Bay, harbor, and Beacon Hill, and the high ceilings and quaint nooks and crannies reminded us were not in the average hotel room (as if the view could make us forget!). The balconies of these suites sit under the shadow of massive stone eagle gargoles standing sentinel, and only four stories up, the four-sided clock face itself serves as a Boston landmark.

custom-house-view

The interior of all Custom House suites feature full kitchens, a separate bedroom, dining space, living space, a large bathroom, and full closets. Carpeted steps led between our rooms and around bends molding to the layout of the tower in which we were housed. Every detail was cared for, from the coffee for the full-sized coffee maker, to the full-sized toaster, to the four chairs surrounding a table actually large enough to sit and eat around. The single caveat: suites only sleep four (though roll-aways are available should your party need more sleeping space), so families of five or more will need two rooms.

custom-house-suite

One of the most unique features of this already unique property is the observation deck on the 26th floor. Available only to guests, this deck is the only outdoor observation area of the city, and offers stunning 360 degree views. It’s closed in inclement weather, but otherwise available at guests’ leisure. On the 2nd floor, museum artifacts from the Peabody Essex Museum in nearby Salem tell the story of the building’s history, and guests can explore the Counting Room where commerce once boomed (and armed guards once patrolled the balcony walks above to ensure fair trade). This room is now used for nightly entertainment and the morning breakfast buffet. The hotel also has a decent-sized fitness facility considering the space available (on the 25th floor) and families have access to the indoor swimming pool (and larger fitness center) across the street at the Custom House’s sister property, Marriott Long Wharf.

The Custom House concierge and activities director, Ellen Silverman, does a fabulous job ensuring there’s something for everyone, every day, in keeping with Vacation Club standards. In addition to the MAZE activity room for the younger set (open with parental supervision all day and located on the 20th floor), the Custom House offers a game room stocked with air hockey, pool, and video games (and complimentary washers and dryers!) right behind the clock face on the 24th floor, a private movie theater with frequent showings, a daily craft for all ages, and nightly entertainment that jives with the historical aspect of the hotel. During our visit, this entertainment took the form of an Irish folk singer one evening (we listened to him in the historic Counting Room) and a costumed historical narrator the next.

counting-room

And then there’s the Custom House’s incredible location. Just two short blocks from the State House (on the Freedom Trail route) in one direction, one block from Faneuil Square and Quincy Market in another, and half a block from the New England Aquarium in yet another, visitors can walk nearly anywhere. Great family dining is abundant in a 2-3 block radius. Oh, and if that’s not enough, a T stop is located just outside the door, which we used extensively.

If you’re coming to Boston to learn about the history of the city, and want somewhere luxurious but also convenient and comfortable for a family, The Custom House is where you want to be. I know I’ll be back.

Room rates: You don’t have to be a Marriott Vacation Club member to stay at The Custom House. (And you can use Marriott Reward Points, too!) Nightly rates vary by season and availability, but the weekend low rate the week we stayed was $339.

Directions: The Custom House is located at 3 McKinley Square. We walked the four short blocks from the Amtrak station during our trip, but driving it is easy, too. From 93 North, take Exit 23. Stay left after tunnel and follow signs to the aquarium. At first traffic light turn left following signs for aquarium. Take a right onto State Street. Hotel is 1st driveway on the left. Taxi fare from Logan International is approximately $30.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I stayed at The Custom House with a significantly discounted media rate. While appreciated, this rate in no way guaranteed a positive review.

The Four Seasons Vancouver: kid-friendly luxury

Last week, had I been asked to describe the Four Seasons family of resorts, I would have used phrases such as ‘exceptional reputation’, ‘luxury accommodations’, or ‘famed attention to detail’. After spending three blissful days at the Four Seasons Vancouver, I can add: ‘family-friendliness’.

four-seasons-vancouver

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The same qualities that make the Four Seasons Vancouver an outstanding resort for adult travelers are what make it great for kids: the staff knows how to go the extra mile, and then does it…your entire stay. Kids are catered to with their own room service menu, child-sized robes, and kid-friendly (and wallet-friendly) food in the Four Seasons Vancouver’s YEW Restaurant and Bar (they eat breakfast for free, for starters). I love that children are served healthy (and appealing) appetizers immediately upon sitting down to eat, along with a small toy or goodie with high entertainment value like Wikki Stix. In fact, Kids in the Kitchen cooking classes are offered for children as well, during which your aspiring chefs can experience a real working kitchen under the supervision of Four Seasons pastry chefs.

four-seasons-kids

My room during my Four Seasons stay was perfectly configured for family travel: the suite featured both a bedroom and living area/bedroom with pull-out couch (separated by glass French doors) and two full bathrooms. (The bathrooms are small, but both feature tubs in addition to showers.) Two LCD TVs, two full closets, and two sets of chairs and corner tables made spreading out easy.

The indoor/outdoor pool and fitness center were only an elevator ride away (it was fun to view the outdoor 4th floor deck and garden space from our 26th floor window), and for those early morning swims the kids just have to take? Parents can sit poolside with a complimentary paper, coffee, and fruit.

four-seasons-suite

Does this level of customer service and amenity come with a price? Sure. But what family travelers receive in return far outweighs the room rate: the chance to relax with their kids, and the opportunity to unwind after a busy (and let’s face it…sometimes stressful) travel day with little ones. The boost such amenities offer parents, especially while touring a busy city like Vancouver, can be the difference between a tiring, hurried vacation and a truly enjoyable one.

four-seasons-YEW-kids

Date last visited: June 10, 2011

Room Rates: Check the Four Season Vancouver reservation page for up-to-date room rate information.

Reservations: Book online, or call (604) 689-9333.

Restaurants and food services: The YEW Restaurant and Bar is decidedly upscale, but a great option for families in the morning hours. What’s even better for families is the Four Season’s full in-room dining menu, complete with children’s menus for every meal.

Directions: The Four Seasons Vancouver is located at 791 W. Georgia Street in the heart of the City Centre. Note: The main entrance of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is located on Howe Street, which is a one-way street. Guests using an electronic navigation system to locate the Hotel should input “650 Howe Street” to arrive at the Hotel’s front entrance.

If arriving from the airport, simply take the Canada Line (rapid transit system) directly to the hotel. The Canada Line departs from the Link Building, which is located between the domestic and international terminals.

As I disclose whenever applicable, the Four Seasons Vancouver hosted my stay in full in a deluxe executive suite. While I appreciate their hospitality, it came with no expectations of a positive review.

Courtyard by Marriott Portland/Beaverton

Courtyard by Marriott Beaverton

8500 S W Nimbus Drive
Beaverton, Oregon

The Courtyard by Marriott in Beaverton makes for a nice, centralized home base while exploring the Portland area. While we’d normally stay downtown and take advantage of the MAX system, if you plan to visit the suburbs as well as the city center, Beaverton is a good option.

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We had a mixed bag of service at this location. Prior to arrival, I was given incorrect information about the type of room we had reserved (I was told a roll-away bed could fit, when in fact it couldn’t). Had I been given the correct information, I would have known to bring extra bedding for one child, or upgraded to a larger room (none were available at check-in). Note: Unless you upgrade to a large suite, families of five cannot be  accommodated.

The rooms are on the small side, but clean, and we liked that one of the beds converted into a couch for extra floor space during the day. The indoor pool/hot tub area was large and a great place to spend the morning hours as we waited for the Portland fog to clear. There’s also a nice exercise facility and free wifi both in-room and in their large business center off the lobby.

Date Last Visited: August 2010

Distance from the Interstate: 15 minutes from I-5.

Room Rates: Rates range from $89 to $135, with many online and seasonal deals. Be sure to check what’s available!

Dining Options: The hotel offers a buffet breakfast in their on-site cafe, which regularly charges $10 per person, but is included at no extra cost for most room rates. This is not advertised, however, so be sure to ask at check-in whether your room qualifies. If so, it’s a great deal, with a very good variety of hot and cold breakfast items. If not, I’d walk across the street to the collection of fast food restaurants (including a good bagel place and a Starbucks) instead of paying $10 a person.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pdxcy-courtyard-portland-beaverton/

Directions: From I-5, take the 217 Beaverton/Tigard Hwy. At Exit 4, take ramp and follow signs for SR-210/Scholls Fy. Road. From Scholls Fy, turn left onto SW Hall. Turn left onto Nimbus.

A Pit Stop a Day (Day 23): Embassy Suites Sacramento

View of Tower Bridge outside our Embassy Suites room.

We spent our last night on the road at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade (100 Capitol Mall, Sacramento CA).

Embassy Suites is a favorite hotel chain of mine due to their high quality amenities, top-notch service, and the extras they provide, such as made-to-order complementary breakfasts and manager’s reception’ hours with snacks and cool drinks on-hand in the late afternoon. The Riverfront Promenade did not disappoint.

Located ideally next to historic Old Town and bordering the lovely river walk along the Sacramento River, we had impressive views from our room of the Tower Bridge and Old Town. Our suite was convenient with two full rooms (one with a comfortable pull-out bed/couch, desk, and TV unit, one with a king-sized bed and TV unit) and one spacious bathroom (with tub).

The Embassy Suites had a nice indoor pool and hot tub which we were all too glad to use after a hot summer day exploring Old Town. Other amenities include an exercise room, valet parking ($25 a day), and a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and microwave in-room. There’s also a Guest Activities desk on-site to help you with any vacation plans.

Embassy Suites indoor pool.

In addition to the complementary breakfast, there are two restaurants on-site (with many more in walking distance). The Tower Bridge Bistro offers fine dining in their dining room or via room service, and the MarketPlace Cafe offers quicker service with sandwiches, burgers, etc.

Note: The Embassy Suites Sacramento does not allow for (or have) roll-away beds, so if you’re a family of five like us, plan accordingly. We made one child a bed on the floor utilizing the unused couch cushions, and it worked fine!

Date last visited: July 15, 2010.

Distance off the interstate: Right off I-5.

Room Rates: Best rate started at $229 at time of publishing. All rooms are suites, with two rooms and full bathroom. Railroad Museum packages are available.

Directions: From I-5, take the J St exit toward Downtown, then turn right at 3rd St. Take the 1st right onto Capitol Mall, then make a U-turn into property.

As I mention during any review opportunity, the Embassy Suites Sacramento hosted our stay at no cost. While we greatly appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no guarantee of a positive review.

I want to thank everyone who followed along with our 22 Day Road Trip! We had a wonderful time, and I sincerely hope that our reviews will be of assistance as you, my readers, plan your next adventures!
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A Pit Stop a Day (Day 2): Hyatt Place Portland OR

 

9750 NE Cascades
Portland, OR

Our first overnight of our road trip was spent at Hyatt Place in the Portland Airport Cascade Station area.

What a great hotel for families (especially families of 5)! The Hyatt Place is definitely geared with convenience in mind, from the spacious lobby with ‘guest kitchen’ (where you have access to space to heat your own foods or buy freshly-made items) to the 24-hour indoor pool to the great floor plans of the rooms. Our family-style suite had two double beds in one area and a large couch that pulled out into an extra double bed on the other side of the room divider (not a full wall). Unlike most standard hotel rooms, it easily accommodated our family of five. Add a large bathroom with separate vanity area and a kitchenette-area with fridge, microwave, coffee-maker, and counter space, and we had it made.

Bedroom area

Sitting area/pull-out bed section

More than enough room for a family of five!

Hyatt is also currently in the midst of their Big Welcome Back promotion (there’s still time to take of advantage of this!*), one reason why the chain is precisely the type of hotel Pit Stops for Kids likes to champion. They cater to traveling families in every way, from their sincere efforts to win your return business to their great floor plans and convenient-for-families suites.

Date last visited: June 2010.

Distance off the interstate: About 15 minutes from I-5 (5 minutes from I-84 to I-205).

Room Rates: At the time of this visit, $125 for a standard room.

Food Services: The Hyatt offers a great complimentary breakfast (right next to the pool by the lobby). There are plenty of dining options nearby as well.

Website: Hyatt Place Portland Airport

Directions: From I-5 (north), take exit 300 to merge onto I-84 E/US-30 E toward Portland Airport/The Dalles. Take exit 8 to merge onto I-205 N toward Seattle/Portland Airport. Take exit 24A for Airport Way W toward Portland Airport, then merge onto NE Airport Way. Take the Frontage Rd exit, then keep right at the fork to continue toward NE Lombard St and merge onto NE Lombard St. Continue onto NE Mt Hood Ave, then turn left at NE Cascades Pkwy.

As I disclose whenever compensated while reviewing a location, my family did enjoy a heavily discounted media rate while staying at Hyatt Place. This compensation came with no expectations or agreements for a positive review.

Up next: we drive from Portland to Spokane, WA where we review the Mobius Kids Museum!
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Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa

3800 South Virginia Street
Reno, NV

On our long drive from Southern Oregon to Death Valley National Park, my family and I had the pleasure of  pit stopping’ for one night at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa in Reno, NV. We’ve made it a point to stay in Reno in the past, praising Reno’s all-season outdoor recreation opportunities and increasingly evident family atmosphere, but this time, the city also fell conveniently halfway through our road trip to southern California.

Atlantis hotel Reno:

(As I disclose with all compensated reviews, I received the two tower rooms we stayed in and a meal at the Manhattan Deli at no cost. This compensation came with no expectations of a favorable review.)

We arrived at the Atlantis in the late afternoon, and were more than happy to hand our car over to the valet parking attendant (valet parking is complimentary for Atlantis guests). The front desk staff were friendly and efficient, and we were quickly directed to our 20th floor adjoining tower rooms. The downside for us was the necessity of walking across the casino floor to reach the elevators (why is smoking still legal indoors?) but the upside was the elevator itself. A glass design situated on the outside of the building, it was tons of fun for the kids (and I might as well admit it, me too) to shoot up over the downtown Reno with snow-covered Mt. Rose in the distance.

Soon the kids were expending some much needed energy in our rooms, which started out looking like this:

Luxury tower room at the Atlantis Resort

And ended up looking like this:

Sword fight! That’s what these decorative pillows are for, right?

And then we hit the swimming pool.

Or should I say pools? We were especially excited to stay at the Atlantis because of its indoor/outdoor pool deck, and we weren’t disappointed. The main, indoor pool is located in a sunny, spacious atrium right off of their day spa. The d’cor is fun with a rock fade and waterfall. The second pool (open seasonally) and large hot tub (open year round) are located on the outside deck (actually the 3rd floor rooftop). It was quite satisfying to risk the breezy March air to reach the steaming hot tub and back into the warm atrium again and again.

Calvin hits the water in the indoor Atrium Pool.

My kids are so strange…Toby poses under the waterfall facade.

Unfortunately for me, another family in the pool area made my kids aware of the Atlantis’ Fun Center (arcade), so after swimming, we just had to go check it out. I’ll be the first to say I’m not a huge fan of these types of centers filled with video games, flashing lights, cheap prizes, carnival-type mechanical claws hovering over overpriced plush toys, and the like. (I didn’t even enjoy myself in The Great Wolf Lodge’s upscale version!) But as far as arcades go, Atlantis’ was pretty top-notch. One cavet (which might be viewed as a positive by some) was their fun card’ system. Instead of quarters or tokens, guests must buy cards loaded with pre-paid amounts. Kids then swipe the card at each game (which are all clearly marked by price) and the amount is deducted from the card. It’s easy to add money to cards, and at the end of play, whatever tickets a child wants to redeem are recorded onto the same card. The attendant only needs to swipe it again to know how much credit he or she has in the redemption center’ filled with the foresaid cheap prizes. It’s easy to see why Atlantis adapted this system: it’s efficient, it’s easy for kids and parents to keep track of, and it’s certainly easy to spend money in the arcade. Since we were simply sampling what was on offer, we bought just one card for $15, and let the kids share.

Nate and Calvin try out the arcade’s roller coaster simulator.

After a busy hour in the arcade, we walked downstairs to the casino level to try Atlantis’ Manhattan Deli, one of the resort’s moderately priced restaurants (for a four star experience, try their Napa Bistro¦I had a very good pomegranate martini there later in the evening). As the name would suggest, the Manhattan Deli was themed after the famed New York delis, and was very good. Our server was quite busy when we arrived, but we were quickly served small plates of pickled vegetables which Calvin especially loved. The menu consisted of sandwiches, burgers, soups, and salads, and all our portions were very large (too large, in fact!). The kids ordered hot dogs, which got good reviews (minus Toby; the dogs were more like sausages, and it just wasn’t what he expected). I ordered the Greek salad, which was wonderful.

(In addition to the pools, the Atlantis also offers a fitness center for their guests, which I did not have a chance to try out. We also did not try their casino floor, so cannot comment on the gambling aspect of the resort.)

Find more Activities For kids around Lake Tahoe on Trekaroo!

Date last visited: March 2010

Distance off the interstate: Just a few blocks off I-395.

Room Prices: At the time of this review, hotel rooms at the Atlantis range from $60-$80 per night.

Website: www.AtlantisCasino.com

Directions: From I-395, continue through Reno to the S. Virgina Exit. Turn right at the light (onto S. Virginia). Continue two blocks to the Atlantis.
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John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort

1100 Nugget Avenue
Sparks, NV

As I disclose whenever compensated while reviewing a location, my family did enjoy a complementary stay at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. We did, however, pay full price for all food and extras. This compensation came with no expectations or agreements for a positive review.

John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort

John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort

Due to its night life and casino industry, it’s easy to overlook Reno, Nevada as a family destination. However, the city and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer in all seasons (Mt. Rose, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Lake Tahoe are all short drives away), and as my family and I recently experienced for ourselves, there are kid-friendly hotel options (besides well-known Circus Circus). John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort is a clearly defined part of the Reno skyline with its two 29-story towers (and 1,600 rooms), located just three miles from downtown.

We arrived at 2pm. Half an hour later, we were checked in (exceptional front desk service), parked, and checking out the view from our 25th floor tower room.

Toby looks out over downtown Reno and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range

Toby looks out over downtown Reno and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range

Standard queen bed tower room at the Nugget Resort

Standard queen bed tower room

But we didn’t linger, because what the kids were really itching to get to was the Atrium Pool. Located on the second floor, this year-round, indoor pool is aptly named; its spacious solarium setting allows for light, views, and a feel of the outdoors while swimming in a covered, heated space. With an Olympic-sized main pool and connected ‘soaking pools’ (or massaging pools, as my four-year-old called them), there was plenty of room to let loose some pent up energy stored from our long drive. An oversized adult-only hot tub is located at the far end of the pool deck, poolside food service is available, and a pool attendant is always on duty (although life guards are not). A full-service salon and health club are located adjacent to the pool (although I didn’t have time to check either out, unfortunately).

Nugget's Atrium Pool

Nugget’s Atrium Pool

Pool scene mid-day

Pool scene mid-day

After dinner, we tried out the Skywalk Arcade. At the time of this posting, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, the Nugget will double your school-aged kids’ token purchase. (You’re asked to show school ID; since our kids’ elementary school doesn’t have IDs, they took us at our word, which was nice.) $20 total got each of our three kids (and my husband) $10’s worth of tokens. We were there over an hour, and everyone came away with typical arcade prizes after cashing in their prize tickets…rubber snakes, bouncy balls, parachute men, and the like.

Toby challenges his great-grandmother in the Nugget arcade

Toby challenges his great-grandmother in the Nugget arcade

We asked for a roll-away bed for our preschooler, and it was brought to our room immediately. The beds were comfy, and best of all, the swimming wore the kids out: they were all asleep within minutes of bedtime.

Date last visited: November 25, 2009

Distance off the interstate: one minute

Room Rates: Approximately $50-$70 plus tax and resort fee for a standard room with two beds at the time of this review.

Food Services: Eight within the hotel, including a buffet (closed the night of our stay), Starbucks, steakhouse, and a family café (adequate food with prices in the mid-range of $7-10 a plate, but slow service on the night we dined there).

Website: http://www.janugget.com/

Directions: From I-80, take Exit 17 for Rock Blvd/Nugget Ave. Go 0.1 mile then keep right at the fork, following signs for Nuggget Ave/Victorian Square. Merge onto Nugget Ave.