Outdoor or Wilderness Resorts - Pitstops for Kids

Lakedale Resort: San Juan Islands glamping

July 11, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

After a stay in 2015, we listed Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes as our #1 kid-friendly resort pick on San Juan Island Washington. And guess what? In the years since, they’ve only improved their offerings. New this summer, Lakedale has become the premier location for San Juan Islands glamping, as well as continuing to offer a diverse list of additional accommodation options.

Located conveniently between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor (less than a ten-minute drive from both), Lakedale began humbly as a private campground and has been adding to its offerings ever since. Visitors can now choose between a lodge stay (16 years and up), a cabin stay, canvas tent cabins and cottages, tent camping spaces, a vintage Airstream, or, new this year, glamping yurts. Here’s what you need to know about all your options:

Glamping yurts:

The yurt village is located at the far end of the property, tucked away past an area called ‘the meadow’ by Fish Hook Lake. All seven 24 foot-diameter yurts feel secluded enough, and private. You get 450-square-feet of room, and inside and out, it’s all luxury.

The living room area includes a full sleeper sofa, rocking chair, dining table and chairs for four, and a flat-panel smart TV (just log in with your own Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon account). Adjacent you get a kitchenette, including a wet bar and mid-sized fridge. The bedroom area (all open concept) has a king-sized bed that’s extremely comfortable. And yes, you get a bathroom inside the yurt, with full plumbing. It’s roomy and equipped with everything you need, from towels to a hair dryer.

Each yurt has full electricity (though no air conditioning…don’t worry, you don’t need it) and a big deck with a hot tub (yes, truly!), two chairs, and an outdoor dining area with table and four chairs, plus a barbeque. All your linens, blankets and towels are at the ready, including hot tub/beach towels, and there’s a communal fire pit for the yurt village adjacent. The kitchen area is fully equipped with dishes, cups, a coffee service, and a microwave.

Additional lodging options:

Log cabins:

When our family came in 2015, we stayed in one of Lakedale’s two bedroom, two full bath cabins, with a sofa bed that sleeps six. If you need a full kitchen and lots of space, this is the place to be. Outdoors, you get your own fire ring, and there’s a communal hot tub for the cabins.

Canvas cottages:

Lakedale’s original glamping option is found in the canvas cottage village, located in the middle of the property. You get 350 square feet of space, with king-size pillow top beds with flannel duvet covers, your own bathroom complete with shower, daybed sleeper (extending to king-size) a chandelier (yep!), a table with four chairs and a fire ring. All cottages are lakefront, which might make them even more popular for families than the yurts.

Canvas tents:

Want a hybrid between tent camping and glamping? The smaller canvas cabins feature a queen-size bed with pillow-top bedding and flannel duvet, a table and four chairs, a cordless lantern, bath linens, as well as a full-size futon that sleeps two. You get turn-down service in both the cottages and the tents, during which Lakedale will deliver two fleece-covered hot water bottles to keep you warm. Note: there is no electricity or running water in the canvas tents, but the shower building is located right across the way.

With both the canvas cottages and tents, your nightly rate includes a complimentary breakfast in the Mess Hall Tent, located in the heart of the village. You’ll find a pancake machine, granola, oatmeal, yogurt hard-boiled eggs, cereal, fruit, danishes, and coffee, tea, and juices.

Note: the Airstream is bundled with the canvas village and enjoys the same continental breakfast offerings in the Mess Hall Tent.

Tent camping sites:

There are a wide variety of campsites, which all share a shower building and bathroom, with additional port-a-potties throughout the meandering campground. I love that each site is different, and many are tucked away (it is easy to find privacy, usually hard to come by at a large campground). The classic campsite accommodates one tent (four people) and one vehicle. Every campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. Family campsites are larger and can fit more than one tent and two vehicles. You can also upgrade to a lakeside campsite in either size, which I recommend. There are a few really large group sites and some hike-in/bike-in sites for ultimate quiet and privacy.

Tip: for an extra $45, Lakedale will set up a two-person tent, two cots, and two chairs for you before you arrive. It can be difficult to bring all your camping gear with you if you’re not driving over (walk-on ferry passenger), so this is a great option.

If you don’t want to be near a neighbor, I recommend a site in the 200-loop (there are not 200+ sites; they are simply numbered this way) on the outer edge of the ring. Site 110 and site 30 are also ideal.

Note: there are only five RV sites in Lakedale. There simply isn’t space, as their camping sites are all different shapes and sizes to fit the natural surroundings.

Lodge stay:

Lodge rooms are limited and for adults only (each sleep two). You get a full breakfast in the lodge included in your stay, and the back deck of the lodge is a very tranquil place. I recommend coming to Lakedale with kids, then returning in the off-season to enjoy the lodge as a grown-up getaway. The lodge and log cabins are open year-round at Lakedale, but camping and glamping is currently seasonal.

Lakedale Activities:

There is so much to do on-site! Bring bikes, as you’ll want them cruising around the resort (or borrow one of the bikes available on a first-come, first-served basis). The General Store is the central hub of activity, where watersport rentals are offered (water trikes, paddleboards, kayaks, etc) and fishing gear can be procured. You can also grab lunch here, plus ice cream, fire wood, and gourmet items for the grill, such as pre-made kabobs and burgers.

Swimming is popular at Lakedale, and there’s a nice beach area with shallow entry for young kids. Lawn games such as horseshoes, bocce ball and giant chess are plentiful. The activities tent always has activities for kids, such as boat races, birdhouse building, t-shirt tie-dying, and more. Some activities come with an added cost, but most are free. And of course, you’re close to all San Juan Island has to offer. Check out our suggested two-day itinerary, which could be stretched to 3-4 days while staying at Lakedale.

For pricing on lodging options at Lakedale, we suggest calling the friendly front desk of the lodge, as prices do vary by season and they can help you find just the right option for your family.

Disclosure: I experienced San Juan glamping at Lakedale as a guest of the resort, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

The Home Ranch review: Colorado dude ranch

July 2, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

If you book a stay at The Home Ranch, located just outside Steamboat Springs, Colorado, you’d better get used to hearing the word ‘yes’. As in, ‘Yes, we can accommodate that’, or, ‘Yes, we’ll make that happen’, or ‘Yes, you most certainly can’. And yes, this ‘can do’ attitude is a delight to hear during a dude ranch vacation.

We discovered this rhetoric early on during our early summer visit, when I hoped to spend a little extra time with my assigned horse for the week in the fenced riding arena before hitting the many bridle trails. Immediately, despite (or perhaps because of) a daily schedule that runs like a well-oiled machine, head wrangler Michael Moon made sure it happened. I had two excellent sessions in the arena, with wranglers Davy and Bree. I heard ‘yes’ again and again throughout our stay: yes to the family hoping to hop on mountain bikes at the last minute, yes to dietary needs that ranged from pescatarian to vegan, yes to a run for blueberries at breakfast, yes to fly fishing at a specific location.

We’ve now sampled four North American dude ranches, all of which serve up all-inclusive vacations located amid stunning natural beauty with plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation. All require Western riding boots and cater to families seeking week-long stays. After that, they differ considerably, which is why it’s important to know how to pick the right dude ranch for your family. Or you can cheat, and book The Home Ranch without risk of disappointment: for almost all families, this Colorado dude ranch will tick all the boxes.

What makes The Home Ranch perfect? Three factors: the variety of included outdoor activities offered in addition to the riding program, the level of service and culinary standards (The Home Ranch holds membership in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel association), and the friendliness and flexibility of the staff, from the dining team to the barn director.

Lodging options at The Home Ranch:

Founded in 1978 by the Stranahan family, The Home Ranch sits on 4,000 acres along the Elk River, in the shadow of the Zirkel Wilderness and the Sawtooth Mountains. The cozily sprawling main lodge houses six guest rooms, several of which have lofts to accommodate kids in a suite-style layout, plus communal ‘living room’ space with a river rock fireplace and tucked away sunroom, a dining room and no-host bar, and front and back decks with lots of lounging options. Out front sits the children’s recreation building, outdoor pool and hot tub, and within easy walking distance amid the aspen trees, eight cabins accommodate from four to eight guests each.

Each of the cabins and the guest rooms in the lodge include in-room WiFi, a small fridge stocked with some sparkling water and snacks, pantry snacks such as granola bars and homemade cookies, and a Keurig coffee maker (in the lodge, we just stepped downstairs in our provided robes to use the Keurig at the wet bar adjacent to the living room). The Home Ranch does not use keys, but you can lock yourself into your room with a deadbolt, and a safe is available in each room and cabin. You also get a hair dryer and makeup mirror, humidifier, and the aforementioned bathrobes. Cabins have fireplaces or wood-burning stoves. We were very comfortable in our lodge room…the only thing I missed was a patio or balcony, so I could enjoy a beverage in the morning or evening while looking out over the beautiful Alpine valley views.

A typical day at The Home Ranch looks a little like this:

Breakfast is served in the lodge dining room from 7:30 am until 9 am, with continental offerings and coffee and tea set out earlier. At breakfast, which is made to order (just about anything you could ask for), with two featured specials per day, head wrangler Michael makes the rounds, taking ‘orders’ for the day’s activities. Morning rides depart from the barn around 9:30 and 10 am, and in addition to kids’ rides led by specialized children’s counselors and adult rides split into ability groups, families can ask for individual family rides as well.

Lunch is served on the front deck, and always included sandwich makings, a variety of salads and veggies, two soup options, and something on the grill every day. Around 2 pm, an afternoon ride is offered for all groups, or families can opt for pool time. During both the morning and afternoon rides, staff members from the hiking and fishing huts offer fly fishing clinics and trips, guided hikes, guided mountain biking on state-of-the-art suspension mountain bikes, and nature walks. Most days, we opted for a morning ride followed by an afternoon playing in the mountains in another capacity.

After the afternoon rides and activities, kids are kept busy with the children’s counselors while parents freshen up or enjoy a dip in the pool, and children’s dinner is served on the deck around 6:30 pm, with adult dinner in the dining room around 7 pm. The kids continue to be looked after until 9 pm.

While this is the general schedule, every day holds a different surprise, such as a brunch ride one day (riding horses to an 11 am brunch), an ‘all day ride’ offered several times during the week (a few hours in the saddle followed by lunch at a remote location and a few hours back), and evening activities that include wine pairing dinners, cookouts, and barn dances.

Highlight: kids are supervised with their own programming with their own dedicated counselors during the morning ride, after lunch, during the afternoon ride/activity time, between activities and dinner, during dinner, and after dinner. That’s a lot of supervision! Of course, you can always take your kids out of the children’s program for any family time. However, kids are not allowed at grown-up dinner.

Dining at The Home Ranch:

When you drive up to the ranch on arrival, the first thing you notice might not be the barn and horses. It might be a greenhouse and gardens. That’s because The Home Ranch hires a horticulture team headed by Home Ranch team member Allison to provide some of the food for the ranch kitchen; in fact, I was told 80% of their salad greens and veggies are homegrown…not an easy feat at elevation in Colorado. Chickens and livestock are also raised on-site for local, sustainable meat and eggs. There are even beehives.

Executive chef Jonathon Gillespie is highly creative (we affectionately called him the mad scientist chef) and our meals were extremely fresh, inventive and delightful every night. All meals utilize the fresh food available, with a whole food-bent. All diets can be accommodated. You will never go hungry; Pastry Chef Douglas Short’s pastries and freshly baked breads were my personal downfall.

The honor bar in the lodge is fully stocked with a good variety of wines, local beers, liquors, and all the mixers you might need. Just go in and help yourself, writing down any selections on the provided tickets organized by cabin or room name. Not realizing The Home Ranch would have such a fully stocked bar, we brought a fair amount of our own booze, and if we had had a balcony in our lodge room, we might have made our own drinks to enjoy there (guest-brought alcohol is permitted, but only in rooms and cabins). However, we quickly realized we didn’t need to. Wine, cocktails and beer can be ordered at dinner as well. Each dinner menu offered two featured wine suggestions, but everything in the bar is available during meals as well.

Included activities at The Home Ranch:

In addition to the elevated cuisine and service, the amount of included activities at The Home Ranch is what sets it apart for me from the others we visited. We tried out just about everything, and the only things we encountered with an extra charge included alcohol (both from the bar and at dinner), items bought in the gift shop, and on-site massages. Of course, you can add more to this list if you ask the ranch to arrange off-site activities, such as clay pigeon shooting, river rafting, hot air balloon rides, or gravity-based (lift-served) mountain biking at Steamboat. However, all on-site activities were included.

Horse program:

The horse program at The Home Ranch offers the best first-day orientation we’ve encountered so far at a dude ranch. The wranglers take the time to explain not just what to do on the horses, but why, and extensive (but not too lengthy) instruction is given in the arena before riders hit the trails. Each guest who wants to ride horseback is paired with a horse of their own for the week, which is very nice for consistency. Wranglers divide up rides into small groups based on ability levels and desires (grouping all riders who want to trot and lope together, for instance, and all riders who want to only walk together). Every wrangler we rode with was excellent, and I never rode the same trail twice. The topography varies between high mountain meadows, woods, and ridges, with plenty of interesting moments as horses picked their way carefully down steep grades or loped along fence lines (as desired by the group of riders).

I never grew tired of riding. As noted above, all-day rides are offered several times during the week, as well as a ‘Ride Fish Ride’ offering, which combines the two sports. One day during the week, wranglers invite guests to help them bring in the cattle from a distant pasture, and the week often culminates in a ‘rodeo’ of horse and cattle games in the arena.

Hiking, biking, and fishing:

Next to the recreation building in front of the lodge sits the hiking hut and the fishing hut. Visit either (or just talk to Michael at meals) to arrange hiking, mountain biking, or fishing. Daily organized hikes were led during our visit by guide Gage, whose repertoire of hikes include trails on the North Fork, Hinman Lake and Overlook, Home Mountain, Burr Ridge, Hahn’s Peak, Three Island, and Zirkel Circle. He can also bring in additional guides for specific routes or needs. Gage also led the mountain biking, which included single track and dirt road biking on The Home Ranch’s off-site (but close by) property, called Murphy-Larson. He also leads additional rides into the national forest land adjacent the ranch, when permitted.

The Home Ranch is an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge, which means that when you visit the fishing hut, the friendly fishing guide staff can outfit you with Orvis gear and offers a fly fishing clinic on the lawn and in the stocked pond on ranch property. We caught two fish in the pond, then one member of our group fished the Elk for two afternoons, catching multiple trout (catch and release). Three miles of the Elk flows right through the property.

Don’t overlook the hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities at the ranch. While horseback riding is often the main draw, some guests spend their entire time fishing or hiking, and we can see why!

Check week-long rates for The Home Ranch here. During the early season and late season, sometimes four-night stays can be accommodated if needed, but we recommend the full week-long program. You won’t want to go home earlier!

Disclosure: We checked out The Home Ranch at the invitation of the ranch, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain my own.

Hiking to AMC huts: how to plan your Appalachian Mountain Club adventure

May 2, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

After our East Coast Pit Stops for Kids family tried out Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)’s Highland Center Lodge during a winter break, they knew they had to come back for a summer stay, hiking to AMC huts! What are AMC huts? They’re a network of hike-in lodges operated by Appalachian Mountain Club. Hikers can depart for huts from trailheads, or from the Highland Center Lodge. We sent our nine-year-old, Tobias, along for the ride, and they spent three days in the White Mountains of New Hampshire experiencing what AMC has to offer with three generations: grandparents, parents, and kids ages 4-9.

Highland Center Lodge in summer:

While the Highland Center offers winter outdoor activities in the snowy months, it has even more activity in summer. Upon arrival, all the kids gravitated toward their large outdoor play structure, with bridges, ropes, and other challenges. Day hikes from Highland Center are manageable for young kids, and daily nature hikes are offered at 9 am and 1 pm. Our crew really enjoyed these 1.5 hour hikes with guides, learning fun facts about flora and fauna along the way. Tip: kids can participate in the Junior Naturalist program while at the Highland Center and in the huts. Like the Junior Ranger program, the naturalist program involves filling out a workbook and participating in free activities.

Meals: Meals at the lodge are communal, cafeteria-style affairs. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay. Meals aren’t particularly kid-friendly, but note this unadvertised fact: parents can ask for a PB&J sandwich at any time.

Lodging: Families reserve bunk rooms at the Highland Center. Our group had a six-person bunk room with three bunk beds. They had linens, pads, towels and pillows. There were plugs/lighting, and lots of hooks to put stuff on. Bunk rooms share a bathroom with showers with shampoo and soap dispensers. Some bunk rooms do have their own bathrooms. The lodging was very comfortable, and as a bonus, included free wifi.

AMC huts:

Part of the appeal of staying at the Highland Center is the chance to venture further…to an AMC hut. AMC runs a whole network of these huts (and when we say ‘hut’, don’t think small: some sleep as many as 60 or more!). Some can be accessed via trail directly from the Highland Center, and others require a short shuttle ride to the trailhead. Our take: the huts are what make the AMC experience in the White Mountains truly special. While our group had the youngest children we encountered, they were easily up for the challenge: don’t be afraid to try!

Which hut is right for you? The right hut (or huts) to visit will depend on how many miles you want to hike, and what you want to do when you get there. Our group decided to hike to the Mizpah Spring hut, because the trail could be accessed from the lodge, and was a distance we knew would be manageable. (Huts are approximately 1.5-6 miles from trailheads.) While our crew liked the hut, we’ll try Zealand Falls or Lonesome Lake next time, as these destinations may have more for the kids to do once we get there. At Mizpah Spring, fewer outdoor ‘entertainment’ options existed (such as swimming).

The heart of the hut experience lies within the staff. The Mizpah Spring hut ‘Croo’, as they’re called, were fantastic. This enthusiastic bunch of young people clean and cook, play with kids, and generally add to the lively, fun atmosphere of the hut vibe. Apart from a few families, most of the hut guests were young adults hiking in small groups, and the atmosphere was low-key, friendly, and very outdoor oriented. Tales were told in the evening of best hikes, great views, and exciting adventure. Tip: if you have a kid working on a Junior Naturalist workbook, have him or her finish it at a hut. The Mizpah Spring Croo did a whole ceremony for our kids, including a silly skit and a ‘swearing in’. They loved it!

Meals: Like at the lodge, meals are communal, but in our opinion, food is even better! The Croo is focused on eco-friendly dining; there are no paper products and all trash is carried out.

Lodging: Each hut is different, but at Mizpah (with 60 occupancy) there are eight rooms with triple bunk beds. Expect to share rooms with others! Our group shared a room with three strangers (who were probably sorry to see a bunch of kids, though they behaved well!). There are pads, blankets and pillows, but no electricity in the rooms. Expect compost toilets, and sinks with running cold water in the hall.

Keep in mind: the AMC hut experience differs from a traditional backpacking or camping experience, in that you will be with other people much of the time. The shared experience is part of the fun, but come prepared: you’ll be sharing the space with many others.

How to book: Book (early!) through the AMC website. We recommend calling ahead of time to ask questions about routes and sleeping arrangements. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

How to get there: The Highland Center Lodge is about 20 miles off I-93 at exit 35 between Lincoln and Franconia, NH.

What you’ll need:

Backpacks (day packs will work) with clothing
Sleeping bag or sleep sack
Sturdy hiking boots
Toiletries and insect repellent
sun hats and beanies for chilly mornings

What we wished we’d known beforehand:

The trail to the Mizpah Spring hut is steep! Our four-year-old was basically bouldering the whole time!
Bring a trash bag
Bring snacks and water bottles

Nearby attractions:

While in the area, stop by any of the following in the White Mountains!

Diana’s Bath: very fun swimming holes and waterfalls for kids!
Franconia Notch: Flume Gorge and Echo Lake await!
Pinkham Notch: try the Mt. Washington Railway!
North Conway: the Cranmore Adventure and Ariel Park is perfect for older kids!

Oregon Cowboy vacation: Wilson Ranches Retreat

April 27, 2018 By Sharlene Earnshaw

Guest post by travel writer Sarah McCully-Posner.

Wilson Ranches Retreat is a really special place. It is an authentic, family owned, working ranch just outside of the small town of Fossil in Eastern Oregon. The ranch lies within the beautiful Butte Creek Canyon and on your drive in you not only see the cattle grazing lazily in the fields, but song birds flying above, and quail scurrying across the road.

We signed in at the registration desk and made our way to our lovely room.

Tip: if you don’t have a reservation when you arrive, pick an available room in the book and make yourself comfortable. Weekends get very busy, so reservations are recommended.

The Wilson Family takes “Pioneer Hosipitality” very seriously; your kids will be hugged and they love to tell funny stories that bring about big belly laughs. The family has an incredible sense of humor that we all enjoyed. They are available to the guests at all times and do their very best to help in every way possible.

Guest rooms:

Rooms are tidy and sweet and each offers a little something different than all of the rest. Each room had lovely, soft robes for guests to use and extra blankets for chillier nights. Rooms on the main and second levels have air conditioning for warm summer nights. Some rooms have TVs, but the main TV and VCR are in the living room and there is a large library of videos for people of all ages. Board games can be found in the day light basement for more entertainment and there is a lawn where we enjoyed throwing the Frisbee and football. There are 3 bathrooms in the house which are shared by everyone. BBQs, microwave, guest fridge, coffee makers and tea pot are always available.

Dining:

Breakfast in the morning is served at 8:00am. You will wake up to the sweet smell of fresh coffee and bacon being fried up. Nancy and Phil cook for all of the guests and everyone sits down family style to share the meal and lots of stories. Prepare to laugh! Farm fresh eggs, bacon, oatmeal, peaches, biscuits, gravy, juice and all of the toppings make for full, happy bellies which will sustain you throughout your ride and much of your day.

Activities:

Wilson Ranches Retreat offers horseback riding for adults and kids age four and older, which we were quick to take advantage of as we have a little city slicker with a big cowboy heart. We did an hour and a half ride, but ride times can vary. Just talk to your wonderful hosts and they will help you organize everything. The horses are calm and gentle and I had no worries about my six-year-old riding on his own. The horses are matched up to you based on your size and experience. If you do not have boots or hats, they have them for you to borrow for your ride. Rides for younger kids are scenic, although you might get a chance to ride among some of the cows. Families with older kids can enjoy cattle drives, checking fence lines or for strays, and taking part in pasture moves. Riders in groups of 1-3 are $45/hour each, riders in groups of 4 or more are $40/hour each.

There are so many other things to do off the ranch as well. You can dig for fossils of ancient flora on the hill behind the high school. Cost is $5/person, or $15/family of four. They have tools there for you to use and as you can dig as long as you like. This is like searching for treasure, but you always come away with something amazing! We also had a look at the Painted Hills National Monument. The hour drive each way is worth it for an incredible sight everyone should see. The intense colors and textures had our heads spinning. There is also rafting, fishing, hiking, biking, museums, fairs, rodeos, and more. Wilson Ranches Retreat is a great home base for all of it.

Rates:

This B&B house is not your standard B&B. We have never really considered staying in one as a family since most are usually set up for couples. Wilsons Ranches Retreat has six rooms that can accommodate anywhere from 1-6 people. Room prices start at $105/night for the cozy Wrangler Room (sleeps 1-2 people) and go up to $185/night for the massive Homestead Room (sleeps 1-6 people). The prices are based on a double occupancy and include breakfast. Each additional person (including kids) is $10 which includes their breakfast.

Directions:

The ranch is accessible from both I-84 and Highway 97, making the drive from Bend or Portland very easy! For full directions to Fossil, start here!

Sarah and her family stayed at Wilson Ranches Retreat as guests of the B&B, for the purpose of review. We thank them for trekking to Eastern Oregon to explore (and hope to do the same soon)!

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe review with kids

February 12, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Incline Village, on Lake Tahoe’s north shore, offers plenty of condo and vacation home rentals but only one truly premiere destination resort. The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe has everything you’re looking for in a luxury property, and unless ski-in, ski-out lodging is a must for your family, the location cannot be beaten.

You’re within a five-minute drive to Diamond Peak ski resort, and within 15-30 minutes of half a dozen additional North Tahoe resorts. The Hyatt is situated right on the shore of the lake (a road does divide the property, but there’s an accessible path) and the views are truly spectacular.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe review:

I have high standards when it comes to luxury Hyatt properties. We’ve had some wonderful experiences with Hyatt. The Regency level hotels can sometimes be hit and miss, but this one’s a hit. While the tower-focused architecture is not quite to my taste (I prefer mountain resorts to blend into their surroundings a bit more), the interior makes up for this with lots of stonework, oversized fireplaces and sunken seating areas. All the amenities you want are here (more on that in a moment), but outshining them all is the Hyatt team. For me, good service is key, and from the minute we pulled up at the valet, through the entire check-in process (which includes a champagne or sparkling cider toast), everyone was welcoming and helpful.

You have the option to self-park for free or valet park, and either way, the porters will help you with your bags and you can store your skis or snowboards right there at the valet stand.

There are multiple dining options in the resort, including their signature Lone Eagle Grille, located on the lakeshore. Come early and watch the sunset outdoors…not to be missed! The more casual Sierra Cafe serves food all day, and Cutthroat’s Saloon is a good apres-ski bet if you want a mixologist to help you smooth out the edges of your ski day or lake day. Room service is available: the menu is on the TV screen and is fairly limited but convenient.

Since the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe is on the Nevada side of the north shore, there’s also a small casino, which is easy to avoid entirely if you’re like me and would rather pretend it didn’t exist. Tahoe Provisions sells some gourmet grocery items and is a decent place to pick up a sandwich or coffee, but you can also stop by a grocery store before arrival if you think you’ll need substantial provisions.

This Hyatt Regency has a Regency Club for guests on the 11th and 12th floor, and we highly recommend upgrading to this level if you plan to eat most meals in the resort. The club is open pretty much all day (with just a few short breaks) and has a nice spread for breakfast, snacks throughout the day, appetizers starting at 5 pm (which for my family, can totally be a full dinner) and desserts after 8 pm. There’s an honor bar and complimentary drinks all day, including wine and beer. This is a great value if you use it enough.

Resort amenities include a large heated outdoor pool that’s open year-round, several hot tubs, a fitness center and the Stillwater Spa. My only wish that went unmet: I didn’t find any saunas in the pool area, which would have been a plus. I didn’t get the chance to check out the spa on this visit, and there may well be saunas there. There’s also a small arcade/game room near the fitness center that my son spent about 45 minutes enjoying. He gave it a B+.

We spent a lot of our time at the pool area, because we visited during beautiful winter weather, but we could have also spent more time by the lake shore near the grille. There are fire pits by the pool where kids can roast marshmallows at night as well.

We checked out a king bed suite on the 12th floor, which had a great configuration: the bedroom area was divided from the living space area by a bookcase only, not a wall, giving the room a larger, more open feel. The couch opened up to a double bed so we could easily fit four. The bathroom was spacious with double showerheads (but no bath) and a vanity area separate from the toilet area. My only complaint about our room: the windows were small, which was a shame because the views of the lake were great. Instead of spending much time in the room, we explored the rest of the property.

I would be remiss not to point out some of the truly thoughtful touches we discovered around the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. These were small things that ended up making a big difference, like a water station right by the hot tubs to help us stay hydrated, and the motion-sensor floor-level night lights that made it easy for me to make coffee in the morning without waking up the family. We appreciated the addition of an empty fridge (as opposed to a stocked one) so we could store leftovers, and the room had ample outlets in all the right places.

If you’re visiting in winter and want to ski, a free shuttle runs on the half hour back and forth to Diamond Peak. We used this service and found it very convenient.

Have you stayed at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe? What did you think?

Disclosure: our stay was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All opinion remains our own.

Fall getaways: a stay at Central Oregon’s House on Metolius

September 6, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Autumn is a great time of year to get away with your family for a quiet outdoor weekend. Central Oregon’s House on Metolius is located a few miles from Sisters, Oregon along the banks of the Metolius River. While only 45 minutes outside of Bend, you feel completely away from it all once you’ve navigated the series of small highways and forest service roads leading to the House on Metolius property and Metolius River fly fishing. Families can choose to stay in the main lodge or, as we suggest, in one of the cabins nestled nearby. Either way, you’re only steps from the river and over 200 acres of pristine wilderness.

Cabins:

We stayed in the Gorge Cabin located above the Metolius River at the Gorge. (Guess that’s where it got its name!) The cabin has two bedrooms (one with a king bed, one with two doubles) and a living room with a pull-out sofa sleeper. Families can cook at home, utilizing the dining room and full kitchen. The Gorge Cabin has one bathroom (with shower and tub), and a full-sized fireplace which we took advantage of greatly. The large back deck overlooks the river and woods, and the front opens out onto a sloping lawn with additional cabins adjacent.

The other four cabins range in size and layout. Parking is nearby, and carts are available for moving luggage (and provided firewood). Our cabin had everything we needed stocked for preparing food (all dishes, silverware, and pots and pans). Coffee and tea is available in the main lodge on most mornings at 8 am for lodge guests. All cabins are a little different, so you’ll want to consult House on Metolius staff before deciding which one works best for you.

Take a tour of the property with us:

With school-aged kids, we felt comfortable allowing the boys to run down the lawn to the latched gate that led to the river and meadows beyond, but if we had smaller kids, we’d probably restrict them to the large lawn when not accompanied by an adult (parents of toddlers will appreciate the gate). Two bridges span the river for easy access, and crossing the closest one take you to the steps to the main lodge, where a comfy sitting room invites (and hot chocolate and coffee await).

Fishing and hiking:

We loved that we could fish right on the House of Metolious property, allowing for the kids to get up before breakfast and fish until they got too hungry, or fish after dinner until dusk. This stretch of the Metolious River is fly fishing only, however, so be sure to have the proper equipment. We rented our gear and bought our fishing license at the Camp Sherman store (which also has limited groceries and a very nice wine selection) only a few miles from the property. If fly fishing is new to you, consider hiring a guide, such as John Judy Fly Fishing. If you want to bait fish instead, you can do so seven miles up-river past the Lower Bridge. We did this in addition to fly fishing, and had a great time.

A nice hike from House on Metolius to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery is 2.7 miles downstream; kids will love feeding the fish here (bring quarters for the machines). We spent about a half hour here before heading on. Also nearby is the around-the-lake hike at Suttle Lake, and hikers can summit Black Butte from the trailhead a few miles back on Highway 20. In summer, river rafting, kayaking, and golf are also within a short driving distance, and in winter, snowshoeing or downhill skiing at Hoodoo Ski Resort are nearby.

Date last visited: October 2012

Distance from the interstate: 5 minutes from Highway 20, or 45 minutes from Highway 97 (Bend).

Rates and amenities: At the time of our visit, lodge rooms listed at $149 and cabins ranged from $249 for a two-person cabin to over $400. The Gorge Cabin which fit our family of five listed for $299. Rates include a continental breakfast for lodge guests. Wifi is available in the cabins and lodge, though cell service is spotty. I happily turned off my phone (land lines are in the cabins).

Dining: Dinner is available most nights for an additional charge in the House on Metolius dining room, and nearby Sisters offers fun family dining. We recommend the Sisters Movie House, which shows movies in a barn and delivers burgers, wraps, and sandwiches to your seat!

Directions: Don’t bother bringing your GPS…it won’t help you find House on Metolius! Instead, follow the directions emailed to you after confirming your reservation. From Highway 20, you follow the road to Camp Sherman, then turn off on several forest service roads ending in a black gate requiring a key code (provided to overnight guests only). If you don’t follow their directions exactly, you may end up at the wrong black gate (yes, there are several of them!) and on the wrong side of the property. The good news: once you’ve arrived, you’re isolated from the ‘real world’ and ready to have a fabulous time away.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we experienced House on Metolius as guests of the resort. This generosity came with no expectations of a positive review.

A Southern California Ojai retreat: a stay at The Blue Iguana Inn

September 1, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

When you arrive at Ojai, California’s Blue Iguana Inn, the first thing you’ll feel is peace. If you have kids in tow, it will be because of the lush gardens, tucked-away lawns, outdoor pool, and spacious lodging options. If you’re vacationing kid-free, it will still be because of all those things, plus the hush of quiet and ample space for meditation, reflection, or simply a nap or two. Either way, The blue Iguana’s sense of timeless beauty cast by the surrounding mountains and exquisite landscaping and architecture will cause you to turn to the person next to you and say, ‘This is special.’

Located near the Sespe Wilderness Area 90 minutes from Los Angeles, The Blue Iguana and Ojai feel a million miles from the bustle of Southern California. The property is perfectly suited for slow days and languid evenings: everywhere you turn between inn rooms and bungalows, you’re met with winding paths, stone fountains, outdoor patios, and plenty of benches, tables, and lawn-side lounge chairs. During my stay, we made use of our full kitchen for perfect meals outdoors under the light of a tea candle on the outdoor table, and soaked in the hot tub and pool under a sky of stars. During the day, we explored Ojai’s many shopping and outdoor recreation options.

The Blue Iguana features inn rooms, suites, and bungalows (with up to two bedrooms) as well as a large Hacienda House which could house an extended family of up to seven (and enjoys its own large patio and lawn). If you’re visiting without kids or with teens, the Emerald Iguana Inn offers even more luxurious lodging for guests 14 and older.

Date last visited:

September 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Off Highway 33 (from Highway 101).

Lodging prices and amenities:

Lodging prices ranged from $129 for an inn room to $229 for a two-bedroom bungalow at the time of our visit. Our bungalow included a bedroom with king bed, living room area with double-bed futon, full kitchen, one bathroom, and an outdoor patio in front and back. Inn rooms can include patios or balconies. All ro

Dining:

The Blue Iguana offers a full-scale continental breakfast every morning with cereals, baked goods, healthy nut breads, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, juice and coffee. It’s more than enough to satisfy families and adults. Bungalows have full kitchens and dining space, and Ojai is only minutes away with many dining options.

Directions:

From Los Angeles, take I-405 to Highway 101 and then Highway 33. Travel 10 miles and pass the Hwy. 150 turn-off to Santa Barbara. At that signal, go straight. The Blue Iguana is located half a mile past on the right side just before the corner of Hwy. 33 and Loma Dr.

Montana dude ranch vacation: Flathead Lake Lodge

August 23, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

On my very first morning of a week-long dude ranch stay at Flathead Lake Lodge in western Montana, I sat down to breakfast in the historic lodge dining room and couldn’t find a spoon. I looked about, but the wait staff was busy, so I turned to a fellow guest…a veteran of many summers at the dude ranch. “Oh, just start checking the drawers,” she said, pointing to a cabinet. “I think they’re in the second from the left.”

I felt odd, digging through a restaurant’s silverware, but before I’d reached the second drawer, I had more help. “Spoon? Oh yeah, right here,” a man said, directing me to the correct drawer. When looked up to thank him, I realized the owner of the lodge himself, Doug Averill, had come to my rescue. “We’re really causal here,” he assured me, waving away my sheepish apology for helping myself. “Whatever you need, just feel free.”

I quickly learned that this sense of ownership and familiarity is typical at Flathead Lake Lodge. Take the mid-week morning, for instance, that I rounded the corner from the main lodge toward the outdoor volleyball court to see my eighteen-year-old giving a new eight-year-old buddy a piggy back ride toward the barn…a little boy we’d never met before that week. Or the time my 12-year-old informed me he couldn’t tell me where he was headed, because he and a gaggle of other middle schoolers had found themselves a ‘secret’ hideout never before discovered. Or the time the owners took their staff out on Flathead Lake one evening for an appreciation party, leaving with a cheery, “Try not to burn the place down!” in farewell.

Guests at the ranch would never mistake this casual approach to hospitality for neglect, however. The ranch staff, from wranglers to housekeeping to water sports instructors, were attentive, friendly, and enthusiastic, without exception. The difference was, we were treated like family rather than like visitors. And at a ranch like Flathead Lake Lodge that caters to providing a full but relaxed family vacation, this treatment made all the difference.

We’ve now stayed a week at three different dude ranches, and have learned extensively about many more. They each offer their own take on the dude ranch experience, but I have taken to calling Flathead Lake Lodge a ‘dude ranch plus’. More than any other ranch we’ve reviewed, it embodies a full mountain vacation experience. Horseback riding and ranch life is a big part of it, but by no means defines it. Flathead Lake Lodge is just as much an ‘all inclusive lakeside resort’ as it is a dude ranch.

What to expect from a Montana dude ranch vacation at Flathead Lake Lodge:

Flathead Lake Lodge sits on 2500 acres of lakefront and forest on Flathead Lake, Montana. It’s just a short walk from the quaint town of Bigfork, and about 45 minutes from both the airport in Kalispell and the entrance to Glacier National Park. On the property, guests enjoy private shoreline of the lake, with a small but well-stocked marina that includes three small sailboats, two larger sloops, several cruiser boats, motorboats, a ski boat, and a collection of paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. Also on the lake front are docks to fish from and swim from, a swimming pool, and plenty of lounging space on rolling lawn.

Just up from the lake sits the historic main lodge, which dates from 1945. This houses the communal dining room with its massive stone fireplace, the kitchen, bar, and the lodge office. The main lodge is a central hub at the ranch, where guests and staff alike relax, eat, and mingle.

Tucked around the lodge is a smattering of small cabins, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, which house guests, as well as the South Lodge, which offers lodge rooms for guests who don’t require an entire cabin. Our family of five stayed in the South Lodge in two adjacent rooms, one of which included an upper loft. All lodge rooms have their own bathrooms. The sand volleyball court sits between the South Lodge and the main lodge, and a path up the hill away from the lake leads to the gift shop and laundry facilities, tennis courts, and barn.

If the main lodge is the central hub for meals, the barn is the central hub for horseback activities and the central play area for children. How so? Above the working space of the barn (where horses are saddled, etc) the upper level houses ping pong tables, a pool table, and other games. Kids tend to gather here before or after their rides. Below the game area, a well-stocked and staffed arts and crafts room occupies a large space. Behind the barn is a large horseback riding arena, with pastures on other sides.

Guests arrive and depart on Sundays. Upon arrival, we were shown to our rooms and given the chance to get settled, then were able to attend an orientation at the barn, which introduced us to the wrangler staff and horse program. I liked that there’s a chance for guests to get up on a horse Sunday evening; this is perfect for people who are less familiar with horses and want to get their feet wet in the controlled space of the arena under the watchful eye of a wrangler.

It’s not necessary to sign up for horseback rides, as they’re offered daily with no reservations required, but on Monday morning, guests have the opportunity to sign up for additional activities that do require advanced notice. These activities include the ones offered by outside outfitters or operators, such as guided fishing trips, mountain laser tag (more on that later), whitewater rafting, clay pigeon shooting, massages, and yoga. These activities come with an extra charge. Monday morning is also the time and place to sign up for horseback riding lessons in the arena, guided hikes, and guided or non-guided mountain biking, which are offered by lodge staff (of these, some hikes and mountain biking do come with an extra cost).

Here’s what’s always included in your stay, and do not require a Monday reservation:

horseback riding
water sports including waterskiing and wake boarding
canoe, kayak, and paddle board use
sailing (sailing on the large sloops requires a day-of sign up)
horseback lessons (you can sign up for these on Monday but also make reservations later)
hiking or mountain biking on your own (with your own bikes)
long rides (that include lunch or breakfast)
all meals, including the ‘riding’ meals to a steak fry dinner and to breakfast
tennis
volleyball
kids activities, including campout, fire truck riding, and kids’ rodeo

Meals are served in the main lodge, and include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast cereals and pastries are available from about 7 am on, with either a hot buffet or plated breakfast (depending on the day) served at 8:30 am. Lunch is buffet style, served at 12:30 pm. Dinner is served buffet style for kids at 6 pm and as a plated meal for adults at 6:30 pm (one choice of entree, with specialty options such as vegetarian or gluten free meals offered with advanced notice). Kids can absolutely eat with the adults; the 6 pm buffet simply gives you the option in case you have kids who would rather eat and run. My teens ate the adult meal with us every evening, while my 12-year-old opted for the kid fare so he could go play with friends.

On the schedule, there are also kids’ meal times for breakfast and lunch listed (30 minutes before adult dining), but we found these times to be more of a suggestion: the food is the same, but the lodge staff simply puts it out half an hour earlier for kids should they want it. Adults can certainly jump in line with the kids. As noted above, everything is causal at Flathead Lake Lodge.

We found the food served at Flathead to be well above average for a dude ranch. Dinners were exceptional, with entrees such as salmon, beef tenderloin, and chicken with risotto on the menu. Lunch buffet was so good, we often over-ate…I tried very hard to utilize only the well-stocked salad bar at lunch, but often found myself tempted to sample far more. The buffet items included a pasta bar, Mexican and Chinese food days, and seafood. Breakfast included fresh fruit and berries, plenty of cereal and granola choices, and hot dishes that usually included breakfast meats, eggs, hash browns or potatoes, or pancakes. Between meals, snacks are always on offer on a counter in the lodge, and water, lemonade, and tea are always available, as well as coffee.

Kids’ activities such as lawn games are usually scheduled for the 6:30 hour so adults can know they’re busy doing something with staff while they eat dinner, but everything is optional, and there’s no formal childcare or kids’ club (you’re responsible for your kids). Before dinner, there’s always a happy hour in the bar from 5:30-6:30 pm. The way the bar operates is unique: while some bottles of wine and beer are available for purchase, guests are encouraged to bring their own liquor, beer, and wine to the lodge, label it with their last name, and store it in the bar. During happy hour, the bar is staffed and the bartender will mix drinks and pour wine, with appetizers served. This is a great time to chat with fellow guests about the day. At any other time, guests can treat the bar as their own, stepping behind the counter to access their own alcoholic beverages.

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WilloughVale Inn and Cottages, Vermont

August 18, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Few places are as beautiful and family-friendly as Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Think brisk fall days, clear lakes, and great hiking. If you’re looking for a great place to stay while visiting, I highly recommend the WilloughVale Inn and Cottages at Lake Willoughby. Lake Willoughby is cool, clear, and beautifully situated between two steep mountains, making it an idea spot to swim and play in summer and hike and boat in autumn, all while enjoying the view. The WilloughVale Inn sits right on the shore, and even has a lakeside playground with a play structure, a shed full of lawn toys, and a water trampoline moored about 30 feet off the shore. There are also canoes, kayaks, and a paddleboat available to guests of the inn free of charge.

We stayed in one of the lakeview cottages, and enjoyed a full kitchen, living room (with a fireplace!), two bedrooms (one with a Jacuzzi tub!) and a beautiful porch with stunning lake views. The cabin made it easy to serve the kids an early breakfast, accommodate naptimes, and put the kids to bed early without hiding out in a hotel hallway waiting for them to fall asleep! Dinner at the inn was a breeze too: Gil’s Bar and Grill has a nice selection for adults and kids, and even serves a popular local delicacy: Ben and Jerry’s!

What to do at Lake Willoughby:

The lake will keep you busy, especially if you have water babies in your group, but just in case you encounter a rainy day, there are plenty of day trips in the Willoughby area. The WillougVale Inn has a list of activities including the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, VT and (in season) the Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, VT. We lucked out during our visit and caught the Sunday afternoon show at Bread and Puppets, a local theater company specializing in…you guessed it…puppets! The Bread and Puppets campus has a puppet museum and produces shows during the summer (check the website for times and dates). Bread and Puppets is a unique experience, and I’ll only recommend it if no one in your group finds giant papier mache puppets, um…creepy.

For a tamer option, the Cabot factory is about 30 minutes away in Cabot, VT and the Ben and Jerry’s factory is always a hit (about an hour away in Waterville, VT).

Date last visited:

7/15/2012¬–7/17/2012

Distance from the interstate:

About 20 miles off I-91 at exit 23 in Lyndon, VT.

When to visit:

Summer and fall are the peak seasons at Lake Willoughby, but the WilloughVale is open during the winter, and I’m willing to bet it’s a beautiful place to spend a few snowy nights as well!

Lodging rates:

Summer prices are from $99/night in the main inn; up to $319/night in the lakefront cottages.

Food services:

Gil’s Bar and Grill at the WilloughVale is open Tuesday–Sunday during the summer (Wednesday–Sunday during the shoulder season, and weekends only after October 15th) and offers casual food such as burgers and ribs, as well as a kids’ menu. There is also a tasty roadside stand (think frosty-freeze) about 2 miles north on route 5A. (This roadside stand even serves poutine, for those of you who have spent time in northern New England/Cananda and aren’t worried about your cholesterol!)

Directions:

Directions and driving times to WilloughVale Inn from nearby cities are listed on the website.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted at WilloughVale for the purpose of review. While we appreciated the chance to experience Lake Willoughby, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Where to stay in Peru: Casa Andina hotel review

September 28, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

In a country like Peru, it can feel daunting to know which hotels to book for a family vacation. Undoubtedly, you want a place to stay that’s clean, safe, reliable, and friendly. Being close to attractions is nice, too. During my stay in Peru with Vantage Adventures, we stayed in Casa Andina hotels at every stop, and by the end of our trip, seeing each Casa Andina was a welcome sight.

This Peruvian hotel brand is nothing like the cookie-cutter hotel chains you may be picturing. Each property is unique to the region or city in which it’s located, and all have their own flavor. The only thing I found the same at each Casa Andina was the exceptional service and the clean, modern hotel rooms.

There are two types of Casa Andina: ‘Classic’ and ‘Private Collection’. The Classic Casa Andina hotels cost approximately $130 per night, and feature basic but comfortable lobbies, a basic but good included breakfast, and WiFi in your room for about 35 soles a night ($7). You’d think that because Classic hotels are lower in cost, they’d be located outside of desired areas, but in Cusco and Machu Picchu, I found Classics to be right in the heart of things, in ideal locations.

Private Collection Casa Andina hotels feature everything that the Classics do, but with upgrades to the rooms, to the service (though I must say I had great service at every Casa Andina) and to the grounds. You get a bigger, more impressive breakfast buffet included, and most Private Collection hotels also have an on-site restaurant for additional meals. Room rates are around $400 per night.

I stayed in four Casa Andina hotels in Peru: two Classic and two Private Collection. Here are my thoughts:

Casa Andina Cusco Cathedral:

This Casa Andina Classic is located adjacent to Plaza de Armes in Cusco. The location truly could not be better. From my room on the second level, I could look out over the street and see the dome of the cathedral. I had a very spacious room, though it was a corner room, with two big windows, a bathroom with a shower, and a flatscreen TV (and the aforementioned WiFi). Other travelers told me the rooms not facing the street were smaller, but quieter.

Downstairs, the lobby was small but pretty, with a doorman and coca tea on a refreshment stand at all times. The breakfast buffet was simple (think eggs, yogurt, juice, bread, toast, jam, and coffee), and there was no coffee service in the room. Personally, I loved this hotel, and would absolutely stay there again, mostly due to it’s perfect location.

Casa Andina Private Collection Cusco:

The Casa Andina Cusco is also located in Cusco (obviously), and is a Private Collection option in the historic center. It’s location is arguably just as good as the Classic hotel’s location. What makes this hotel unique is its historical significance. Originally a colonial mansion from the Spanish rule era, the hotel is a delightful maze of adobe-walled rooms with thick tile floor, interior courtyards with fountains and gardens open to the sky, and an elegant restaurant with original Renaissance era paintings. All this is in the heart of bustling Cusco, but is remarkably quiet.

Because the hotel is historic, rooms are smaller than most for the Private Collection, and some have only interior courtyard windows (instead of windows to the outside). However, I found the privilege of sleeping in a mansion to be a fair tradeoff. Instead of a large lobby, the Cusco has a warm, welcoming reception room with fireplace, as well as one of the city’s best bars. Its largest courtyard features tables and chairs around a pretty fountain. Adjacent, the hotel restaurant serves a breakfast buffet with made-to-order omelettes (ask your waiter) and both hot and cold choices that are authentically Peruvian (as well as some staples like cereal, fruit, and bread).

The staff was welcoming and warm from the general manager to the cleaning staff, and I felt safe and cared for completely.

Casa Andina Machu Picchu:

This Classic Casa Andina is located right down the stairs from the train station in Aquas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). On one side of this five story hotel is the Urubamba River, and on the other, the Inca Rail tracks. Despite this somewhat lively location, it was not loud, surprisingly. The lobby was basic (like other Classics) but warm and welcoming, and I enjoyed all the amenities I’d found in the other Classic I visited. My room was large, with a shower and bath and a flatscreen TV, and I had a great view of the river.

The breakfast buffet was similar to the other Classic, and located in a dining area at the basement level. From this Casa Andina, I was able to easily walk everywhere in the town, and could be at the bus stop for Machu Picchu in under two minutes.

Casa Andina Sacred Valley:

Probably the most visually appealing of all the Casa Andina hotels I visited, the Sacred Valley Private Collection location was a welcome sight after a long drive from Cusco. Located in Ollyanta within a ten minute drive to the Inca Train station, Casa Andina Sacred Valley is a beautiful resort nestled on a big property of lawns, gardens, and even a children’s playground. Truly an oasis in the valley, this property is the one you want to return to after a day of sight-seeing in and around the busy but sometimes overwhelming towns of the valley.

My room was spacious, with a flatscreen and wide window to the stunning natural scenery of the mountains and the gardens of the hotel. The Casa Andina Sacred Valley is made up of several buildings housing the rooms, so the walk outdoors to the lobby/reception area and the dining room and breakfast area is a welcome chance to take a peek at what the day has in store. Everything is secure, quiet, and peaceful. There’s a spa on premises, as well as inviting hammocks on the lawn.

No matter which Casa Andina you choose, I feel confident you can count on consistent service and standards. Read more about planning a family trip to Peru! Learn more about booking your own trip.

Where to stay in Peru: reviews of Casa Andina hotels

As I disclose when applicable, I was hosted by Casa Andina for the purpose of review. All opinion remains my own.