Looking for a last-minute Easter weekend hotel for your family? The following slideshow of Easter hotel packages from Arizona to Pennsylvania will get you started! Pack the Easter baskets!
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Sheraton Atlanta: where to stay in Atlanta with kids
February 21, 2013 By
The best feature of the Sheraton Atlanta is the pool. No. make that the hotel layout around the pool. Comprised of a huge glass-ceilinged atrium with plants and Southern style design, the pool area is located at the center of the Sheraton, right past the lobby on the second floor. A large free-form heated pool and hot tub are situated around a tasteful and almost beautiful indoor setting. The rooms surrounding it all feature miniature patios that open directly onto the pool area, and include small tables and chairs, enabling parents to sit right outside their rooms and share a bottle of wine, snacks, or read a book or paper while the kids swim.
Right next to the pool deck is the fitness center (also central from the pool side rooms), and overlooking the pool deck on the third floor are two restaurants: Fandangles is finer dining, and Collage is casual. The Fandangles patio seating overlooks the pool area. I love how easy it is for families to enjoy the pool and relax with poolside rooms! (Third floor pool view rooms include balconies overlooking the pool instead of patios.)
Besides the awesome pool and layout, there’s nothing very flashy about this Sheraton (which is a Starwood property…be sure to give the front desk your Starwood membership number if you have one). The hotel does not include a free breakfast, but Club Rooms do include a continental breakfast, and room rates are only slightly higher. Otherwise, The Deli is located in the restaurant area, and offers coffee, juices, donuts, pastries, and cereal and milk. Room service is also available.
The Sheraton is only approximately five blocks from Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center area, and only two blocks from the Peachtree Center shopping and MARTA station, as well as from Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta. There’s a concierge desk and bell services, and taxi cabs are easy to get our front. Note: if location directly adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park is important to you, you may want to look into Omni Atlanta.
Date last visited:
February 2013
Room amenities:
It’s definitely worth the slight upgrade for a pool-side room. Standard rooms are on the small side, but with the patio and pool, it will hardly matter. Bathrooms are also small, so prepare yourself for that. Rooms include WiFi you need to pay for, Starbucks coffee, comfortable beds, and robes. The one thing Sheraton Atlanta rooms really lack are mini fridges, but I’m told these will be added to all rooms later this year. This is good news, as the lack of fridges can be a deal breaker for me!
Room rates:
At the time of my visit, room rates started at $135 per night.
Directions:
The hotel is located on Courtland Street, right off I-75. From I-75 going south, follow into Downtown Atlanta. Take exit number 249A Courtland Street. You will merge onto Courtland Street going one way. The hotel will be on the left just after the third traffic, crossing Andrew Young International Boulevard. The hotel entrance will be the second driveway on the left.
Parking is only $22 per night for self-parking, and $29 per night for valet. Given the valet prices I saw across the city, this price felt very reasonable.
As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced a hosted stay at the Sheraton Atlanta, for the purpose of review. While the hospitality is appreciated, it does not come with expectation of a positive review.
Appalachian Trail eco-lodge: AMC’s Highland Center Lodge with kids
February 4, 2013 By
Ready to get your family into the great outdoors? The Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch, New Hampshire is the perfect place to start—this family-friendly eco-lodge is a big step up from camping, but a welcome step away from hotels packed with amenities that you’ll never use (think day spas and formal dinners). The Appalachian Mountain Club is known for its network of hike or ski-in huts, but these can be too rustic or inaccessible when you’re traveling with very young kids. The Highland Center Lodge is a great base camp for exploring all the hiking and skiing in the White Mountains, while enjoying the amenities that are so crucial to families: a hot shower, comfortable beds, and simple but delicious food served in a family-friendly style.
Situated on the Appalachian Trail, a primary goal of the AMC is to promote a love and understanding of the outdoors. At the Highland Center, they believe that getting kids outside and educating them about the environment is an important first step to raising a generation of conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. I couldn’t agree more. Crawford Notch was chosen as the site for the Highland Center because it’s at the gateway to the White Mountains and offers plenty of breathtaking scenery (it’s a leaf peepers’ paradise, I’m told!), but the terrain surrounding the lodge is mild enough that most hikes are easy or moderate, making it very accessible to young kids.
Need to be back in time for nap? No problem. Many hikes around the lodge are short enough to be done in a morning or afternoon. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a little adventure, there are plenty of more challenging hikes at your doorstep. There are also many activities organized for kids and adults at the Highland Center. We enjoyed a cross country ski tour at nearby Bretton Woods, a tutorial on snow shelter building (a favorite of our 4 year old!), and a guided tour on a relatively easy hike to nearby Gibbs Falls. Without a doubt, no one is bored at the Highland Center!
The Highland Center caters primarily to young families and empty nesters looking for moderate hikes, friendly service, and a casual atmosphere. No need to dress for dinner—just ditch your boots and come as you are! The rooms are set up for families too—there are a few configurations to choose from, but most include a double bed and some bunk beds for the kids. Downstairs you’ll find a game room for kids and the L.L. Bean room, which offers free gear for guests. For me, this was one of the most thoughtful aspects of the lodge, and is a testament to the mission statement of the AMC. At the Highland Center, there’s no need to break the bank buying outdoor gear that your family will only use once: clothes, outerwear, boots, packs, sleeping bags, snowshoes and more are all available free of charge for guests to check out during their stay. You know the saying: in New Hampshire there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!
The Highland Center Lodge is a vacation your family can feel good about. By visiting the Highland Center, you’re not only giving your family a great vacation and an opportunity to learn more about the outdoors. You’re also supporting an organization that promotes conservation, education, and fosters a love of the outdoors in young people all over the northeast.
Date last visited:
January 11, 2013
Distance from the interstate:
The Highland Center Lodge is about 20 miles off I-93 at exit 35 between Lincoln and Franconia, NH.
Seasonal information and lodge availability:
The Highland Center is open year round, and offers something for every season. There is hiking, swimming, and kayaking during the summer; leaf peeping in the fall; snowshoeing and skiing (cross country and downhill at nearby Bretton Woods) in the winter; and, umm…probably a lot of mud in the spring.
Room rates:
Prices start at $82/night, per adult and go up to about $142/night, per adult, depending on whether or not you’re an AMC member, and the setup of your room (private vs. shared bath, for example). However, breakfast and dinner are included in all rates. Also, the Highland Center offers discount tickets for cross country and downhill skiing at Bretton Woods. These can be included in a package with accommodations.
Dining:
Breakfast and dinner are included with all lodging, and lunch is offered on site for a modest price. Vegetarian and kids’ options are available. The food is hearty, simple, and delicious—just what you’ll want after a day on the trails.
Directions:
Directions and driving times from nearby cities are listed on the website, and are also available on YahooMaps and GoogleMaps.
As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced the Highland Center Lodge as guests of the AMC, for the purpose of review. As always, this offer came with no expectation of a positive review.
Big White Ski Resort: family-friendly skiing in Kelowna BC
January 21, 2013 By
It speaks to Big White Ski Resort‘s dedication to families that there’s too many family-friendly activities, events, and programs to include in just one post. Over the next week, we’ll be featuring our favorites, in addition to this overview of the mountain and its lodging, dining, and family fun.
First, an overview from the Pit Stops for Kids video channel:
Skiing at Big White:
I asked around before arriving at Big White, and learned that this resort is known for three things: family-focused fun, lightweight, ‘champagne’ powder, and fog. (More on that last one in a bit.) From the moment we checked in at Central Reservations, it was evident the ‘family-focused’ part was no joke: we were given a full page of daily activities for kids, most of them complimentary. Throughout our stay, we experienced Big White’s bi-weekly ‘Carnival Night’ with bouncy houses, slides, carnival games and free cotton candy; hot chocolate by a bonfire; Family Apres Ski at the Moose Lounge; and a holiday parade the kids could participate in. Had we stayed longer, Nate, age 13, could have participated in Teen Wii Night, and Toby, age 8, and Calvin, age 11, could have attended a Kids’ Centre climbing wall event.
Because Big White is a completely ski-in, ski-out resort (yes, you can ski or walk everywhere), it’s very relaxing to get from Point A to Point B, and because the vibe here is very laid back, you’ll see kids sledding and adults snowshoeing or cross-country skiing throughout the village along the streets and pathways. We immediately embraced this attitude, leaving the car parked and hopping on the gondola from our mid-mountain condo to head to the lower Happy Valley adventure center and walking just a few steps to the Village center.
Thanks to Big White’s high elevation location in the Monashee mountains near Kelowna BC, the resort enjoys a steady amount of snowfall (they don’t make their own snow…they don’t need to). The tree skiing is consistently great, and the snow is dry and light, making it easy for even young kids to slide through the powder. Our boys loved the large amount of glade skiing, and I loved that I didn’t need to go all the way up the peak to find challenging terrain.
Big White’s reputation for fog is accurate as well, but you know what? It was no big deal. The dense fog can be disorienting, but local skiers know just what to do: head to the gladed sections of the lower mountain (such as Black Forest), and save the peaks for another day. We found the fog to often burn off, but if it doesn’t, just think of it as an excuse to tackle some of Big White’s other outdoor activities. While out in the fog, take a photo next to Big White’s famed ‘snow ghosts’.
Big White Ski and Board School:
Big White’s reputation as a family destination is well-deserved, and naturally, this extends to its Ski and Board School. Unlike some ski resorts, Big White’s ski school is not just day care (though they have that, too). As an expert skier, I was pleased to see the skill levels of each ski school class clearly marked on the Big White website, complete with YouTube videos of necessary skills so you can accurately place your kids in the right classes. Once on site, I was also happy to see the sheer number of ski school instructors; extras are always in reserve should they be needed on any given morning.
We dropped off Calvin and Toby at ski school for two half-days, and on Day 1, I braced myself for the usual chaos of ski school registration during peak season. It didn’t come. Though the Kids’ Centre (located directly across from the Village Centre Mall in the main village) was bustling, it ran like a well-oiled machine, thanks to efficient, friendly staff. Kids can be dropped off as early as 8:30 am for a 9:30 lesson, but they’re hardly suffering while they wait: the ‘no adults allowed’ Kids’ Centre houses lego tables, indoor slides and play spaces (yes, you can play in your ski boots), and tables for arts and crafts.
Security is well-run as well: kids are given scannable bar codes for their helmets and parents are issued identical codes they must present at pick-up. During lessons, kids wear GPS trackers, the data from which is later emailed to parents, so they can see where their child skied or boarded on the hill. I was impressed that at each pick up, my kids’ instructors sought me out to explain to me in detail how my kids were progressing. Toby’s instructor, a young man named Jordan, was especially detailed and friendly. I’ll admit: my kids don’t always want to have lessons when they could be free skiing, but both were happy to go back to the Kids’ Centre on Day 2.
Outdoor Adventure:
Big White is home to North America’s only ice climbing tower, an experience so unique, it deserves its own post. Also located nearby: Big White’s Mega Coaster snow tubing park, the highest elevation ice skating rink in Canada (on which kids can also play hockey, complete with referees), dog sledding (more on that as well), miles of nordic trails, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling.
Family Activities:
Kids can return to the Kids’ Centre almost every evening for scheduled, supervised activities, many of which are complimentary. Activities include wall climbs, snow tubing, and game nights, including dinner. Family activities abound as well: we checked out apres ski fare snacks and mocktails at the Moose Lounge after a full ski day, and took part in holiday events such as Big White’s annual Christmas Eve parade. Be sure to check for daily events offered (schedules can be found at the information center at the Village Centre Mall)…the list rivals that of a cruise ship!
Dining:
The beauty of true ski-in, ski-out lodging is that families can make their own meals in their condos. On the nights you choose to eat out, this also means fewer crowds (both at lunch and dinner). We grocery shopped en route to Big White at Kelowna, but also ate a few choice meals out. Our favorite dining locations:
1. The Bullwheel: This restaurant on the upper side of the village is a nice spot to duck into for a mid ski-day meal or dinner. The food is very fresh and often locally sourced, paired with Okanagan wines in the evening. We recommend the huge gourmet burgers and kids’ make-your-own pizza.
2. Beano’s: This breakfast and coffee spot is located right in the cozy Village Centre Mall, making it a convenient and yummy breakfast counter before dropping the kids off at lessons or picking up your tickets. We loved the breakfast sandwiches and the kids devoured their big cinnamon rolls.
3. Kettle Valley Steakhouse: This restaurant is casual while still delivering on excellent cuisine. If you’re in Big White during the holiday season, order Christmas dinner from Kettle Valley and have it delivered right to your condo. We experienced this firsthand, and had a delicious (and large portioned!) dinner of turkey, vegetables, stuffing, rolls, salad, cheesecake, and more.
4. Happy Valley Cafeteria: This cafeteria is just like that in most day lodges, with two differences: lower prices and better food. We loved their noodle bowls, and we were able to get healthy burgers for the kids (they liked the tuna burger, for instance). Don’t worry: there’s also fries, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and the like.
Lodging:
There is no ‘bad’ location at Big White, but if you want to be close to the village and right off an easy (green) run, our lodging at The Eagles Resort is perfect. Our three-bedroom, two-bath plus loft condo included a full kitchen, spacious living room with fireplace, huge boot/coat room, and fun three-bed loft for the kids. We had more room than we knew what to do with, plus ski lockers a few floors below us. We could step into our skis and right out onto the run, or walk just a few yards through a snowy tunnel to the village. After skiing, we relaxed in the large indoor/outdoor hot tub, and the kids made use of the communal game room.
The Eagles reminded us of the ski lodging of our youth: low on frills such as granite countertops and exposed wood beams, high on practical touches like glove-warming racks and a full ski tuning station in the ski storage locker. Each condo comes with a heated, indoor parking space (extra cars can park in the outside lot) and housekeeping refreshes towels and takes out garbage three days weekly. The Eagles was exactly what we needed to stay comfortably and conveniently at Big White.
As I disclose whenever applicable, Big White Ski Resort hosted us during our stay. Though appreciated, this generosity did not come with expectation of a positive review.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler: an ultimate ski vacation destination
January 18, 2013 By
Some hotel stays are simply pit stops, and some are once-in-a-lifetime fairy tale destinations. Count the Fairmont Chateau Whistler as the latter. Is the indulgence of a Fairmont hotel stay worth the expense? Yes. So if you can possibly swing it, start saving up!
We arrived for our Fairmont stay on a snowy December evening. Under the twinkling holiday lights of the bell services station, we ditched our car full of luggage and ski gear and practically glided through the check-in process. Upstairs in our adjoining deluxe rooms, we took in the view of a wintery Whistler, the base of Blackcomb slopes directly below, and slowly got used to the idea that this was going to be a stress-free ski vacation with kids.
Our skis were finding their own vacation home in the Fairmont Chateau ski valet, where they were available to us for check-out every ski day. Because I wasn’t sure how the ski valet process worked, I took a trip down to this lower level section of the hotel to ask whether our family should arrive for our skis while in ski boots or snow boots, where we should change into ski coats, and the like. “Ma’am,” the ski valet told me, “at the Fairmont, we’ll do anything you want.” Questions answered.
Here’s a video sampling of what makes Fairmont Whistler so great:
Hotel amenities:
During our stay, we spent every day enjoying the ski-in, ski-out access to Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and our evenings either in the indoor-outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, in the cozy Mallard Lounge, on the impromptu sledding slopes behind the hotel, or all three. We loved that the hotel’s fitness center rents out complimentary sleds to guests, allowing kids to make their own fun on the pillowy snow all around the resort, and I loved the stations of infused water available outside the hot tubs and sauna.
We never made it to the full service spa, but still felt completely relaxed with poolside drink service, lobby fireplace lounging, and free wifi for President’s Club members (free to join).
Room amenities:
Our deluxe rooms featured both tubs and showers in the spacious bathrooms, a small balcony the kids loved stepping out onto to give us they day’s ‘weather report’, and Keurig coffee makers and tea hot water makers. We appreciated the in-room mini-fridges, which made making quick meals and breakfast easy (there’s also a full room service menu).
Dining:
Dining at the Fairmont is not exactly budget-friendly, but is definitely kid-friendly. We loved spending time in the Mallard Lounge, which is open to kids until 8 pm and provides fireside couches and nightly live entertainment. The cocktails are legendary, and appetizers will feed a whole family. Every Friday until the peak season, select drinks are $5, and appetizers are free. Dinners can be had at the Wildflower Restaurant or adjacent steak house, but for more economical family options, take the free Fairmont shuttle to the Whistler Village, or attached Portobello’s offers deli-fare and some market items.
Room rates:
I won’t lie: a stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler isn’t economical, no matter how you spin it. That said, the value of your nightly room rate extends far beyond where you lay your head. You will enjoy stellar service, complete piece of mind, and very little ski-vacation stress. Our kids even noticed it! Room rates for rooms like the ones we reviewed start at $375 in winter (non-holiday) and room categories go up from there.
Directions:
The Fairmont is located in the heart of the Upper Village, Whistler. From Vancouver, take BC99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) 1.5 hours to Whistler.
As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced the Fairmont Chateau Whistler as guests of the resort. While we appreciated this opportunity to share tips and advice with other traveling families, it not come with the expectation of a positive review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A stay at Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa
December 24, 2012 By
The best Disney theming never seeks to replace what you know and love. It simply taps into it to touch you on an emotional or visceral level. Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian does this for me. A lover of wilderness lodges (the real ones), I know what they should look like, feel like, and smell like. While the Grand Californian is clearly the romanticized version, its magnificent six-story lobby (called the Great Hall) and wide, thick-beamed corridors succeed in making me nostalgic for those places I’ve experienced in my past while making me ridiculously happy to be where I am at the same time.
What makes the Grand Californian so great as a Disney resort pick for families (and specifically, worth its hefty nightly rate)? Whether you, too, have a connection to historic national park lodges or just want a great home base for your family Disney trip, the Grand Californian will deliver on convenience, location, and perks.
Amenities:
Everything you need in a theme park resort is on-hand at this hotel. The Grand Californian offers two restaurants, including signature dining at Napa Rose, which I highly recommend, and character dining at the Storyteller’s Cafe. There’s also a poolside snack venue, and the cozy Hearthstone Lounge. In-room dining is available, as is a convenient express menu for breakfasts.
If you’d like to have an adult evening out or a spa treatment at Mandara Spa, Pinocchio’s Workshop is open from 5 pm to 12 am daily, and costs $13/hour per child. Alternatively, free staff-organized poolside activities are ongoing on the Children’s Pool deck. Speaking of pools, the Grand Californian has three of them: the Redwood Pool, Children’s Pool, and Mariposa Pool, as well as two hot tubs and a decent-sized slide. The pool deck area is spacious and shaded, and includes a vast army of well-padded lounge chairs perfect for an afternoon park break.
In addition to the perk of Magic Mornings for all Disneyland Resort guests, guests staying at Grand Californian can take advantage of the opportunity to grab World of Color FASTPASSes prior to all other park guests. (Available at the Grand Gate between Napa Rose and Mandara Spa prior to regular park hours.)
Location:
All the above amenities are nice, and yes, you will crane your neck to look up into the Grand Hall’s impressive architecture more than once, but the #1 reason I’d recommend a Grand Californian stay is its ideal location. I can’t emphasize enough how convenient it is to be literally steps from the action in California Adventure: a short path and tunnel, and you’re there. No busses to hassle, no monorail to wait for, no dragging kids with tired feet. I love the Disneyland Hotel as well, but can’t tell you how tired we got of the walk between the theme parks through Downtown Disney. Guests at the Grand Californian could go from riding California Screamin’ to jumping in the Grand Californian pool for a much-needed afternoon cool-off swim in under 10 minutes.
You’d have to have a pretty perfect room to see all of World of Color from the Grand Californian, but I was able to see most of the water and colored lights and hear all of the music from my 5th floor pool view room. It made for nice ambiance while I wrote this review. Just down the hallway from my room, the Fifth Floor Parkview Terrace is an ideal location for taking a load off, seeing just a bit more of the World of Color than I could from my room’s balcony, and getting away from crowds.
Immersion:
As with all Disney does, total emersion, in this case into the world of wilderness lodges, is promised. The rooms feature warm wood tones, ‘lantern’ style lamps, mission style dressers, and muted colors. Huge stone fireplaces reside inside and out and rocking chairs dot the many decks and garden outdoor spaces.
The rooms themselves are spacious, feature tubs as well as showers, mini-fridges, and quite large tables/desks with two chairs. As with most Disney properties, lots of storage space is available, and the housekeeping staff was prompt and attentive every day.
Date last visited:
June 13, 2012
Room rates:
Disney resort rack rates vary greatly between seasons, room type, and more. Families can keep track of it all online. Check room categories and rates here. Keep in mind: you do need separate park tickets to gain entry; even from the Grand Californian private entrance.
Dining:
See above. The only thing the Grand Californian does not have that I wish it did: a quick service breakfast option. Room service is available, but expensive.
Directions:
The hotel is located at 1600 S. Disneyland Drive in Anaheim, CA. Follow signage from I-5.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Skiing Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho with kids
November 7, 2012 By
While we lived in Spokane, WA, we spent a good deal of time at neighboring Lake Pend Oreille at Sandpoint, Idaho, and in the winter skiing Schweitzer Mountain. Schweitzer is located above the lake deep in the snowy peaks, and feels like it, too! Families will want to be ready for any weather this far north, but will be rewarded with prime skiing and snowboarding as well.
Where to stay:
While skiing at Schweitzer, families have the option of staying near the lake, or in the Schweitzer Village. While lakeside is beautiful, the drive up the mountain road every day gets tiresome. I recommend staying slope side in the White Pine Lodge, Schweitzer Mountain’s newest condo accommodations. Families have quick ski-in, ski-out access, and can easily return to their condo for downtime. Best of all, with the Schweitzer Difference Package, families get free breakfast! Nearby home rentals are also available, but not as plentiful: Schweitzer is located on a mountainside…not a lot of land is available. This makes for a cozy resort feel.
On the mountain:
Schweitzer lift tickets are still refreshingly affordable at under $70 for adults (less for multi-day) and kids still ski free under age 6. As always, buying your tickets online for multiple days will give you the best deal. Their Ski-3 package gives you three totally transferrable adult tickets for $162, a good choice if you plan to have one adult stay back with small kids each ski day.
Schweitzer Mountain’s terrain is varied, and for the adventure seekers, there is Cat skiing. Night skiing is available (a great option for tweens and teens) and an entire Nordic bowl offers cross-country skiing. The Schweitzer Ski and Ride Center takes kids as young as four months for their day care program, and offers lessons up to age 12 in their ski and ride school. Adult lessons are also available (and good for teens).
Where to eat:
We love eating in-house in our ski condo or rental, but everyone needs to eat out, too! The Schweitzer Village has all types of family dining. We recommend the Chimney Rock Grill for salads, steaks, and seafood, and Powder Hound Pizza for casual dining with kids. Stock up on groceries before heading up the mountain in Sandpoint. Village campfires can be found most nights: stock up on the makings for s’mores!
Date last visited: January 2010
Distance from the interstate: 45 minutes from I-90
Nearest town: Sandpoint, Idaho
Directions: Schweitzer is located 1.5 hours from Spokane or 45 minutes from Coeur d’Alene. Take Highway 95 from I-90.
Photo credit: yenny.
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.
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).
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.
