Resort or Hotel - Pitstops for Kids

Key Lime Cove, Gurnee Illinois

September 21, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com.

Heading to Wisconsin, north of Chicago, and stopping to shop at Gurnee? Or perhaps spending some time at Six Flags? We’ve got the perfect place to stay: Key Lime Cove, in Gurnee, Illinois.

Key Lime Cove is a Key West-inspired waterpark and destination hotel. It includes a Key West-themed marketplace, restaurant, bar, and ice cream parlor, a huge arcade, a spa, and more. The interior is uniquely themed with Key West beach shops and kids’ activities.

The hotel rooms are spacious and well-equipped. We had a separate room for the bedroom and then another room (with southern-type sliding doors) to the family area. There was a microwave and fridge, a kitchen table, a couch and lounge chair, and a large flat screen tv. In the bedroom, there was an ipod dock that served as a charging station and speakers. There was also a Keurig coffeemaker and Paul Newman Organic Coffee pods.

There are plenty of kids activities, from a scavenger hunt in the marketplace to an entire kid activity area, with things to do, color, and play.

The waterpark is set at 82 degrees, so it is a perfect winter getaway. There are towels, many lifeguards, and a manned first-aid station that helps set the tone for safety. While the waterpark isn’t as large as, say, Great Wolf Lodge, it is plenty big enough. There is a hot tub, a lazy river and wave pool, a smaller kiddie area, and several slides. For more information, read a full review at Wandering Educators!

Distance from the interstate: Just off I-94.

Room rates and reservations: For reservations and current room rates, visit the website at www.KeyLimeCove.com or call 877-360-0403.

Directions: Key Lime Cove is located at 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Take the Grand Avenue exit (132) off I-94. The hotel is right next to Six Flags Great America, across from Gurnee Mills.

Exploring the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

September 9, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Directly along Oregon’s stretch of coastal Highway 101 lie the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: miles of sandy hills and valleys awaiting exploration! Never heard of it? I’m not surprised…many don’t realize these mammoth mountains of sand are so close at-hand for Northwest visitors!

The biggest of these dunes are about 10 miles south of Reedsport near the town of Lakeside in Eel Creek Campground. Off road vehicles are not allowed along this stretch of “seafront Sahara”. There are picnic tables and restrooms, and a $5 parking fee. It is only .05 mile walk (you cut through the campground) to the open dunes, which makes this a great pit stop for families traveling further as well as a destination. It’s possible to make a longer loop of it by following the trail from the campground to the beach and back (2.5 miles). We took snow sleds to try our hand at sand sledding, but they didn’t work as well as you might think! Instead, our kids had more fun just running up and down the dunes.

Families can also rent sand boards (like snowboards) nearby in the town of Florence. These rentals are about $20/day, and are a great activity for families with older kids who like skateboarding or snowboarding. They can be used wherever you like!

We opted for the day hike and hiked out to the ocean. Then we played at the beach for about an hour before walking back. Most of the hike we did barefoot, as the trail is sandy. The kids loved the wide expanse and played all kinds of games along the way; you could see them from miles away!

Another fun hike is Tahkenitch Creek, located north of Reedsport about nine miles. Due to the expanse of the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area, this area is still within its limits. It is well marked along Highway 101 and at one point, the trail crosses a creek that our kids ended up swimming in. The hike is two miles round trip to the ocean, but we got a bit lost on the trails and ended up hiking closer to three miles! The best part of this hike: finding dozens and dozens of sand dollars! (The weather can change quickly on the coast!)

Tip: About three miles east of Reedsport is Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area. It is right along the highway and well worth the stop in case there are elk. There is telescope viewer there to find out! We did not see any this time, but we have before. Families can picnic there, but there are no tables, just benches and large information panels. (No bathrooms!) Also nearby is the Umpqua Discovery Center, in Reedsport, which is a great way to acquaint yourself with the dune area.

Date last visited: November 2014

Distance from the interstate: All attractions located right along Highway 101.

Overnight options: We stayed at Eel Creek Campground. Want to overnight in a yurt? Try Sunset Bay State Park (a family favorite) or William Tugman State Park. The latter is closest, but in summer, does get quite loud with motorized sports on the nearby lake.

Dining options: Nearby Reedsport offers the usual restaurant fare: we ate at a pizza place with a nice salad bar, and there is also a Safeway and McDonalds. In the small harbor town of Winchester, try the fish and chips place floating at the T dock. It’s delicious!

Rates and reservations: Start at the Eel Creek Campground site!

Directions: Eel Creek Campground (gateway to the dunes) is located at 72044 Highway 101 in
Lakeside OR, 10 miles south of Reedsport.

A stay at Central Oregon’s Pronghorn Club

August 24, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

An unique and beautifully luxurious oasis in the heart of Central Oregon’s high desert, Pronghorn Club offers families the comfort and convenience of vacation homes, the fun of a family resort, and the excitement of a full-scale outdoor adventure outfit.

The primary draw of the Pronghorn Club is its signature Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and (private) Tom Fazio course. Charlie (the Pit Stops’ dad and an avid–and pretty darn good–golfer, could only say ‘wow’ following his tour; both courses were that beautiful, and that challenging. The resort offers world-class instruction; the kids and I took part in their PGA TOUR Academy program, where we spent an hour with head instructor Mike Palen, learning the basics of swing and follow through. The program includes one-on-one time with the instructor, time to hit balls on the academy range, and high tech video analysis, allowing us to see our swing (and compare it to Tiger Woods’) Not bad for the kids’ first golf experience!

If you’re not a golfer (or only part of your party wants to hit the links), there’s plenty more to do. The resort’s Trailhead building houses Camp Pronghorn, a wing dedicated to kids with games, arts and crafts, ping-pong and foos-ball tables, and a full media center with all the video game consoles a kid or tween could ask for. (Open to all overnight guests.) Down the hall is the concierge desk for Pronghorn Adventures, where a concierge is ready to book family day trips with local second-party excursion partners. We spent one afternoon rafting the thrilling Big Eddy on the Deschutes River with Sun Country Tours before returning to the Trailhead to visit the resort’s outdoor pools: one a zero-depth entry with waterslide, one free-form, and two hot tubs (one for adults only). We loved that a huge basket of pool toys beckoned, and that we could order lunch or dinner from the Trailhead Grill (located beside Camp Pronghorn) and be served our meal poolside.

Tip: Camp Pronghorn is much more than an on-site play area: the staff runs a full-day kids’ program (9:30 am-4 pm) program five days per week, three of which feature off-site excursions. Depending on the day, kids will experience the Paulina Plunge bike tour, whitewater rafting, cave spelunking, zip-lining, fishing, and more; a huge value. During our visit, we departed Pronghorn with club leader Beau Kelly, a Central Oregon native, professional educator, and expert on local attractions. We experienced a private zip line followed by a picnic lunch and area cave tour; the kids had so much fun, they fell asleep on the car ride back (transportation and lunch is included).

On-site, bike rentals are available (and complementary for the first two hours) outside the Trailhead, and in the Clubhouse (directly across the way), families will find the spacious decks, a snack bar, a full-service spa, and the Casada Restaurant, which offers both cozy indoor dining and stunning sunset views on the deck.

The accommodations at Pronghorn are five star (be sure to click on the slideshow for more interior photos). The resort is comprised of ‘Resident Club’ condo-style homes, villas, and estates; overnight guests enjoy the former. Our Resident Club home was immaculately decorated in warm earth tones, boasted two fireplaces AND and outdoor fire pit, a full luxury kitchen, dining area with table for six, a comfortable living area (great room) with home theater system, three bedrooms, three bathrooms (including a master bath with jacuzzi tub), a single-car garage, extra parking, a back deck and balcony overlooking the golf course, an outdoor BBQ, and an office media space (with WiFi throughout the house). (And I’m sure I’m forgetting something!) A Pronghorn Resident Club condo would be the perfect place for a family gathering; I’m already envisioning returning for Christmas!

Date last visited: August 14-16, 2011

Distance from the interstate: 15 minutes from Hwy 97.

Room rates: Call the reservation desk at 866-372-1003 for room and vacation home information. Because Pronghorn is an unique member-driven vacation community, resort stays for overnight guests are completely customizable. Their front desk personnel are highly trained to meet the needs of your individual family. Be sure to ask about seasonal packages, such as stay-and-ski and stay-and-golf, both of which are good values.

Dining options: The resort offers two full casual-style restaurants ideal for families: the Trailhead Grill and Casada in the Clubhouse, where entries are between $10-25 ($7-10 on the kids’ menu). A fine dining restaurant, Chanterelle, is open on a limited basis. We enjoyed both the former, and also brought along groceries to make use of our gorgeous kitchen! Many dining options also exist in nearby Bend, Oregon (15 minutes).

Camp Pronghorn rates: Daily rates for Camp Pronghorn excursions (9:30 am to 4 pm, supervised and off-site) are $75 per child, per day.

Directions: Pronghorn Club is located at 65600 Pronghorn Drive. From Bend, OR, take Hwy 97 to Hwy 20. Take Hwy. 20 East (Greenwood Avenue) approx. 5 miles -Turn Left on Powell Butte Hwy. Continue past the Bend Airport on your right, then turn left on Pronghorn Club Drive.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were guests of the Pronghorn Club during our three-day visit, and were provided with accommodations, food and beverages, golf, and family excursions at no charge. While we appreciate their hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina

August 19, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

Date last visited: August 2011

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

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

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

Downtown on Dwellable

Disney done right: a stay at the Disneyland Hotel

August 11, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

Until last week, my family and I had never stayed on-site at the Disneyland Resort, despite numerous trips to the theme parks. After last week’s stay, I may never visit Disney any other way. Our night at the newly improved Disneyland Hotel granted both tangible and intangible perks I don’t think I could do without!

We arrived at the hotel in the morning before park opening, and the front desk Cast Members had us registered and back out the door in time for California Adventure’s ‘rope drop’. I loved that they were able to store our bags and issue us key cards with an assigned tower (of three: Adventure, Frontier, and Fantasy) so we could skip the registration line later and use the pools at our leisure. We were told we’d receive a text with our precise room number once it was available after 3 pm, and we hit the park!

The walk to California Adventure and Disneyland from the Disneyland Hotel is a short hike through Downtown Disney, but if you’re headed to the latter and already have park passes, the fastest and easiest way (unless you don’t want to break down a stroller) is through the Monorail station located right next to the nearby Rainforest Café, which will take you directly into Tomorrowland.

We stayed in the parks until 2 pm, when we opted to return to the hotel to make use of one of the best perks of staying on-site: an afternoon pool break. The kids loved the ‘D Ticket’ pool and ‘Monorail’ water slides (though they missed having a larger swim area…can’t wait for the construction to finally be complete!). By 4 pm, we were ready to change for dinner and a return to the parks, but hadn’t yet received our text. Upon further investigation, I realized our key card envelope included a phone number we could call to check on the status of our room; when I did so, I learned it was indeed ready! I don’t know what glitch prevented our text, but if you have the same problem, use the number to double-check!

Our room in the newly remodeled Frontier tower was surprisingly spacious, and I love that it accommodated our family of five: an extra day bed is built in for a child. The kids couldn’t get enough of the light-up, twinkling headboards, and I loved the view of the pool area with its retro Disneyland signage. We even got a glimpse of the Disneyland fireworks later that night!

Staying on-site at the Disneyland Resort truly does keep families immersed in the ‘magic’ of the theme parks, from the small touches in the rooms to the character sightings in the hotel (Toby ran right into Goofy in the lobby—literally!). Taking advantage of the close proximity to the parks and the extra magic hour opportunities shaves time off busy vacation schedules, and we were surprised to learn that from now until September 5th, guests at the Disneyland Hotel receive two extra FastPasses per guest per night! Our kids called these ‘magic’ FastPasses, as they’re good for any ride, at any time!

Note: Though it lights up invitingly, the Monorail slides close earlier than the rest of the pool complex (at dusk, for safety reasons); let your kids know!

Date last visited: August 3, 2011

Room rates: Rates are more affordable than you might think! Check the reservations page for current prices; on the night we stayed (in peak season), it was under $200.

Dining options: The hotel houses several restaurants, including the Goofy’s Kitchen character meal (which we enjoyed), Tangaroa Terrace, Steakhouse 55, and the very fun Tiki Room-themed Trader Sam’s, located poolside and offering drinks and appetizers. Spend some time inside soaking up the ambiance and observing what happens when guests order certain drinks! (Children welcome.)

Directions: The Disneyland Hotel is located at 1150 Magic Way. From I-5, exit Disneyland Drive and follow signage to Downtown Disney.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at the Disneyland Hotel free of charge as part of a two-day Disney bloggers event. Though we’re grateful for Disney’s hospitality, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

August 10, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The following pit stop is submitted by reader Erica Smith.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is located along the shores of Lake Michigan and is easily accessed from I-94. With 15 miles of beach, outdoor activities, and park programs, there’s plenty for families to do. Stop for a few hours en route on I-94, or make it an overnight!

Things to do: Hike the sand dune of Mt. Baldy, then reward yourself with a swim at the bottom of the trail, or spend the day at either Central Beach or Kemil Beach in Michigan City. For more area hikes, stop by the Indiana Dunes visitor’s center (directions below). Don’t forget to enroll kids to become Junior Rangers!

Date last visited: Summer 2011

Distance from the interstate: Several minutes from I-94.

Hours of operation: Most locations are open sunrise to sunset.

Admission cost: $6.00 per car, per day. Camping fees are $15.00 per night.

Dining options: There’s great picnicking at Lake View, located at the NW corner of Lake Front Drive and Broadway Street in Beverly Shores. Restaurant dining is available in all towns, as are convenience stores and grocery stores.

Overnight options: Dunewood Campground offers 75 sites (both tent and hook-up).

Directions: Families can access the national lakeshore via I-94, the Indiana Toll Road, I-80/90, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Highway 12, and various state roads. Check the official page for full driving directions. The visitor’s center is a good place to start: it’s located on Highway 49 between highways U.S. 20 and Interstate 94.

Summer in the Sierras: guide to rustic lodges

July 26, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

The term ‘mountain lodge’ can mean many things to traveling families. It can conjure up images ranging from five-star luxury to bare bones accommodation, swimming pools and children’s programs to communal meals and do-it-yourself maid service. We love it all, but when we truly want to escape civilization and immerse ourselves in nature, we book a week at one of the following family-owned and operated lodges in Plumas and Sierra counties, California.

With dozens of ice-blue mountain lakes, hundreds of miles of hiking trails (including the famous Pacific Crest Trail), and stunning scenery, this region of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California is rich with summer lodges. Amenities vary, but as a rule, you can expect to get a little dirty and have a lot of fun. All the lodges listed below provide comfortable cabins, lake or creekside access, showers and bathrooms, and electricity. Some serve meals, but to my knowledge (and trust me, I’ve tried), none offer reliable wi-fi. Instead, you’ll find crisp mountain air (at 6000 feet!), miles of wilderness in all directions, and every opportunity for family together-ness. And of course, all of them come Pit Stops for Kids approved–we’ve spent time at each and every one of them!

Gold Lake Lodge: Despite its name, this lodge doesn’t actually sit lakeside. Instead, guests walk a short trail to the shore of Gold Lake, which is just fine in our book, as Gold Lake is the largest of the area lakes, and therefore the most crowded in summer. (As it’s also the only lake in the area allowing motorized boats, this is the place to be if you’re towing your own craft.) The lodge itself is tucked in a forest adjacent to the lake, and features a two large free-standing buildings surrounded by small, individual cabins. The two buildings house the lodge recreational room (complete with board games, ping-pong, and a fireplace) and dining room. One of the only area lodges to include breakfast and dinner in their cabin rates, we recommend Gold Lake Lodge if prepared meals are a must. Cabins are comfortable but small. Expect heat, but no air conditioning (rarely needed) and bathrooms in most cabins. Our family’s only complaint: the central areas between cabins at Gold Lake Lodge can become dusty late in summer, causing more dirty laundry than strictly necessary! Rates: Cabins start at $235 for double occupancy (and includes breakfast, dinner, and lunch on the trail).

Packer Lake Lodge: Located directly lakeside at one of the area’s most stunning lakes, Packer Lake Lodge offers great swimming (with a floating swim platform) and rowboat and canoe rentals. We love that Packer Lake is small enough for kids to paddle around unaided (with life jackets, of course) and that the small size keeps day trippers to a minimum. The Packer Lake Lodge Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers kid-friendly fare as well as steaks, burgers, and the like. Rates: cabins with kitchen and bathroom start at $175 a night or $1100 a week. Rates do not include meals.

Elwell Lakes Lodge: Elwell Lakes Lodge is unique in that it’s not situated near any particular lake, but rather all of them, as the lodge is directly connected to the Lakes Basin Recreational Area’s network of hiking trails. We love that visitors can hit the trail right from their front door and be at any of half a dozen mountain lakes within minutes (or a few miles). Young kids can hike to the closer lakes, while older kids and teens will want to try to conquer the whole ‘loop’, stopping to jump into icy waters every mile or so. Elwell offers a large main recreational room and comfortable upper lobby with an old-fashioned wooden wrap-around deck with fabulous views. Take a book and an snack up there, find a rocking chair, and you’ll never want to come down! Cabins vary from very rustic tent cabins (with communal bathroom) to three-room cabins with multiple beds and in-suite bathrooms. The only caveat: meals are not served. At the time of our last visit, the lodge did organize a guest-wide potluck meal that was a lot of fun, and all cabins have kitchenettes and BBQs. Rates: Cabin rates start at $118 (or $750 per week).

Gray Eagle Lodge: This lodge is closest in proximity to the town of Graeagle, and is also, in our opinion, the best-appointed. Visitors will find a full-service restaurant, beautiful lodge buildings, and a scattering of cabins creekside. Like Elwell Lakes Lodge, trails can be found right on-site, and during July and August, kids will love Gray Eagle Lodge’s swimming hole and waterfall. Cabins range in size and pricing, but you can be sure there’s something for every sized family. Rates: Cabin rates start at $280 a night.

Sardine Lake Resort: Sardine Lake Resort is located in what I believe to be the most beautiful spot in the Sierra Nevada. (And yes, I know that’s saying a lot.) Situated right on the shores of Upper Sardine Lake, this resort only offers nine cabins, a plus for guests (if you can get a reservation). You can also rent rowboats by the day or half-day (the fishing is supposed to be the best in the area) and young families will want to walk the quarter mile to Sand Pond, where the water is shallow and warm with a nice sandy bottom and plenty of picnic areas. The views here are fantastic, as is the food (served daily at the Sardine Lake Lodge Dining Room). Even if you don’t stay here, I recommend stopping in for an evening meal to take in the view. Rates vary. Contact the resort directly at (530) 862-1196.

No matter where you choose to stay, I guarantee you’ll spend your days exploring some of the most beautiful mountains you’ll ever see, and your nights together as a family, playing cards and board games by the fire, reading, or just catching up on your rest! Most lodges book by the week (Gold Lake Lodge is an exception), and most fill up fast: plan ahead and book early!

New York City with kids: a stay at Affinia 50

July 4, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date last visited: June 2011

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

Website: Affinia 50

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

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

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

June 28, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Four Seasons Vancouver: kid-friendly luxury

June 15, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

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

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

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

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

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

Date last visited: June 10, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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