hotel review - Pitstops for Kids

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.

End of summer getaway: Alhonna Resort on Lake of the Ozarks

August 24, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Tucked into the side of a shady peninsula in a quiet corner of the Lake of the Ozarks is a homey, friendly resort that combines comfort and convenience with a low-key, no-fuss atmosphere. Alhonna Resort is a great place to get away from the crowds while still being in easy reach of tourist attractions and golf. Read on for all you need to know before booking Alhonna Resort on Lake of the Ozarks:

Accommodations:

Alhonna offers a mixture of cabins, motel rooms, and condos, all non-smoking (smoking permitted on decks and porches), with one to four bedrooms. We were given a three-bedroom condo with a king, two fulls, and a twin bed, which offered our family of six ample room to spread out. It had simple but tasteful furnishings, with a spacious kitchen counter with four chairs, a microwave and dishwasher, and a separate dining area. The two full bathrooms were stocked with soap, but be sure to bring your own shampoo. We had a comfortable couch and as a bonus, a day bed that the kids adopted as their favorite spot.

Our condo had a porch that overlooked the lake, where we could sit at the picnic tables and watch speed boats go by. We also got better wifi reception outside, so when we needed to use the internet, the porch was our go-to place. (We found wifi and cell signal to be sketchy in many parts of the Lake area because of the geography.)

Accessibility & Amenities:

The Lake is inherently hilly, but some of the lower units at Alhonna are accessible by ramp. The property is compact, so you’re never far from where you want to go. Housekeeping staff does not come in daily; this is really a home away from home, so if you need replacement towels and linens, visit the housekeeping area, across the street from the office. Note: you need to bring your own beach towels for use at the pool or on the boats. Alhonna does provide coin-operated washers and dryers next door to the housekeeping unit.

On site you’ll find two fire pits (wood available for purchase at the office), a sandbox and small beach, a fishing dock, both indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and a small playground.

If you own a boat, you can bring it and dock it at the resort during your stay. If not, you can rent a variety of craft from the resort, from large-deck pontoons to fishing pontoons and bass boats, as well as ski boats, skis and tubes. They also offer a paddle boat, kayaks, and paddle board. It’s a point of pride with Alhonna’s owners that their boats are kept in tip-top condition. We made use of a beautiful pontoon for two hours’ cruising the lake and swimming in a small cove, then took out the paddleboat and a kayak in the quiet cove around the resort. Rentals start at 8 a.m. and all boats are due back in the dock by 6 p.m.

Dining:

Bobber’s Cafe and Lounge carries on the theme of comfort without fussiness. The atmosphere isn’t fancy but the food is fabulous. The sweet vanilla pancakes were out of this world, and the fried French toast made it onto someone’s plate every morning of our stay. You can get salads if you’re feeling healthy, or fried anything—pickles, green beans—if you feel like indulging. It’s a nicely rounded menu, with all the usual suspects and a few interesting gems like a tomato stuffed with chicken salad. You can dine inside or out on the veranda overlooking the pool and the lake. The lounge is adjacent to the cafe and has a billiards table and a couple of video games.

Rates & Details:

If you need more details, Alhonna has one of the best FAQ pages I’ve ever seen. Come during the week if you can, as weekends are always much busier at the Lake and crowds tend to be rowdier. Off-season rates start as low as $75; in-season rates range from $80-90 for the smallest units to $390 for the largest. One final point of interest: Alhonna resort will soon be featured in a new Netflix series called “Ozark,” with Jason Bateman.

Alhonna Resort is located at 677 Outer Drive, Lake Ozark, Missouri, just a few miles past the Lodge of the Four Seasons.

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Our family enjoyed Alhonna as guests of the resort, in exchange for an honest review.

Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha review: A family-friendly place to hang your hat

August 8, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Time to rack up those IHG points! If your family is enjoying the multitude of things to do in Omaha, consider hanging your hat at the Holiday Inn-Downtown Omaha. This hotel, a few blocks away from the concentration of downtown attractions, has just the right balance of quality and family-friendly touches to make it a home away from home.

Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha review:

This Holiday Inn has gone out of its way to make itself family-friendly. They offer free lodging to children 19 and under as long as they’re staying in their parents’ room. Up to four children age 12 and under can eat for free at the restaurant in the hotel restaurant, Burger Theory, which offers standard pub fair and a wide selection of beers.

Then, of course, there’s the pool area, featuring an indoor waterpark with a splash pad, buckets that dump over a play structure, and a 3-story water slide that goes outside the building and comes back in. This slide does not dump into a pool, but has a long flat area at the end for slowing, although you’ll stop moving just about as soon as you reach the flat. Be aware there is no lifeguard; however, there were quite a few people there when we visited, and safety wasn’t an issue. The area also offers a leisure pool ranging from 3-4 feet deep–most of it in the 3 to 3’ 6” range—with a whirlpool (3′ 6″ deep) and a hot tub. Every room gets five wrist bands per day for the pool area; extras cost $10 apiece.

Rooms & other amenities:

We were given a room with a king-sized bed, TV, and writing table, separated by a partial wall from a living/office area which included a second television and another desk. The room also had a microwave and refrigerator. The table lamps all included electric plugs, which is a nice feature for a family traveling with multiple electronic devices. The decor was streamlined and understated, and it was generally a restful room to return to after a long day. Our one issue was getting the room to a comfortable temperature, as we had the wall thermostat set at 80 and we were still cold at night.

The hotel also offers an open wireless network, a business center, a coffee shop in the lobby, and a fitness center. Parking is free in the lot behind the hotel—a nice perk for a downtown hotel–and a free shuttle leaves the premises every half hour during business hours. It runs to any location within a 3-mile radius, which includes a whole lot of attractions. It also goes to the airport 24/7.

Rates/location:

Room rates start as low as $127 in the off season. The Holiday Inn-Downtown Omaha is located at 1420 Cuming St., Omaha, Nebraska.

Our family was given a room for our stay at the Holiday Inn Downtown Omaha in exchange for an honest review.

Des Moines area hotel review: Hotel Pattee

June 24, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re looking for charm and character off the beaten path, while still staying close enough to access the fun of a metro area, try the historic Hotel Pattee, in Perry, Iowa. This lovely old building, which first opened in 1913, offers the serenity of a small town location close to nature while still being close to a metro area with lots of attractions.

Art sculptures at the roof top courtyard of Hotel Pattee, photo: Sheila Scarborough

Guests can access the Raccoon River Valley Nature Trail just by crossing the street. (You can rent bicycles next door.) Nearby, you’ll find places to kayak, canoe, and play golf. You can spend a relaxed day in Perry, soaking up the small-town flavor. Or you can make the easy drive (forty minutes of four-lane highway) into Des Moines to take advantage of museums, a living history farm, amusement parks, horse racing, and more.

Room amenities:

Each room in the Hotel Pattee, whether classic, premiere, or suite, is decorated to a theme. The hotel is filled with artwork. Our inner room faced brick walls and a roof, yet when my kids opened the wooden blinds the first morning, they discovered a quirky sculpture park housed in the enclosure. Even more delightful was the discovery of a platter full of chocolate chip cookies (really soft, chunky ones!) on the stairwell landing every evening.

Indian Room, photo credit: Hotel Pattee

Because it’s an older hotel with heavier construction, the rooms are more soundproof than most. We had ample room to walk around two queen beds, two chairs, an ottoman, and a cushy lounge. Even with a rollout cot in the room, we weren’t tight for space. We also had a large bathroom with a jetted tub, separate walk-in shower, and double sinks.

We did not have a refrigerator or microwave, nor is there a swimming pool. However, the hotel does provide free wifi, as well as a hot tub, both dry and steam saunas, and two lanes of bowling, all free to guests, as well as massage and spa options available for an extra fee.

On-site, complimentary bowling

Dining/Entertainment:

While you’re staying at the Hotel Pattee, take advantage of the live music in the lobby on Friday and Saturday nights. Grab a book and lounge in the charming Soumas courtyard, with its fabulous recycled-art gates. Be sure to enjoy Dave’s Milwaukee Diner, which provides great food and train-themed artwork. For breakfast, we recommend the Pain Perdu, a house specialty.

Also take time to visit the nearby Firehouse Ice Cream (which also serves burgers) and Firehouse Museum (free, though they accept donations). If you’re lucky, Brian, the owner, will give you a personal tour. And the hamburgers were out of this world.

Rates:

Rooms start at $114 a night, and packages are available.

Location:

The Hotel Pattee is in Perry, Iowa, at the corner of Willis Avenue and Iowa 144.

My family and I stayed at the Hotel Pattee as guests of the hotel, for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Whaleshead Beach Resort

May 3, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Summer isn’t the only time to visit the Oregon Coast. In fact, our favorite time of year for a coastal getaway is late fall, when the beaches are empty, the rental prices drop, and the weather remains near-perfect.

If you’re lucky enough to getaway this November to the Southern Oregon Coast, Pit Stops for Kids recommends Whaleshead Beach Resort, nestled along a hillside just outside of Brookings. A casual resort which embraces kids, Whaleshead is comprised of dozens of rental units dotting the coastline directly across Hwy 101 from the beach. You can rent them weekly or nightly, and no matter the size or needs of your group, there will be the perfect accommodations for you, from multi-bathroom, multi-bedroom cottages to cozy two-person cabins. We have found the reservation staff to be very helpful, especially when booking a single cabin for two families to share: we’ve needed everything from adjoining rooms to single stories to cribs, and it’s all been accommodated.

At Whaleshead, you have your pick between Ocean View and Creek View, and you really can’t go wrong with either. Ocean View affords the most breathtaking views of the, well, ocean, obviously, but if you’re bringing kids who will want to ride their bikes, opt for Creek View, as Ocean View cabins are situated on a steep slope. (Creek View cabins are also within walking distance of the beach trail, making it possible to skip driving back and forth for sand castle building and kite flying…beloved past-times on Oregon beaches). No matter what cabin you choose, you’ll have a full kitchen at your disposal, a living area, and in almost all cases, a TV with DVD player and hot tub (and sometimes game systems).

After enjoying your cabin and the resort, walk through the 700 foot tunnel from Whaleshead to the beach, or drive over. Not only is Whaleshead Beach beautiful, but it’s more protected than other nearby beaches, making it possible to set out a picnic or spread out a blanket in the cherished Oregon Coast sunshine.

Extra Tip: There’s also a camping area: if you’re traveling with an RV, their camping/hook-up sites are the nicest I’ve seen, with full built-in wooden decks and lush greenery.

Date Last Visited: September 2013

Distance from the Interstate: Directly off Hwy 101 (about 15 miles from the Oregon/California border).

Room Rates: At the time of our visit, cabins ranged from approximately $110 per night to $195 per night, depending on size and season. Beware of extra fees for additional people to your reservation. We found that base price was misleading on the website, since we were traveling with several kids, who cost extra in some cabins.

Dining Options: Whaleshead does have a restaurant on-site, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find your typical burgers and sandwiches here, as well as good seafood at dinner. Brookings offers more (just five miles south) in the way of fast food, seafood, and the like.

Directions: From Brookings, follow Hwy 101 to Whaleshead Road (on right). Full address: 19921 Whaleshead Rd, Brookings, OR.

Grown up getaway: Society Hotel Portland

February 5, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Love unique properties, boutique hotels, and repurposed buildings? Portland has the motherload. It seems that every time I turn around, a new boutique property has opened in my favorite Northwest city. The latest: The Society Hotel, which we checked out on a rainy January weekend.

No doubt about it, the Society Hotel is ideal for a grown up getaway, parent-child mini-vacation, or girls’ weekend: rooms are sized for two, not the whole crew. I visited with my teen son, for a weekend of soccer, college touring, and city fun. The property was recently repurposed from the historic building’s heyday as sailors’ quarters in the 1880s, and the renovation has been done beautifully, with dark paneled wood, period wall decor and flooring, and of course, the high ceilings and long windows of the era. Lodging options include a mixture of full and queen rooms, small suites, and bunkhouse beds.

While the Society is built around the bunkhouse/European hostel concept, it’s decided upscale. No scruffy backpackers here…during our stay, we saw primarily the urban hipster, Millennial crowd. Upon entering the lobby, we were immediately both wowed and put at ease: the vibe is trendy, but warm and cozy. In the heart of the lobby area is the Society Cafe, which serves incredible coffee and pastries in the morning and craft cocktails at night. Situated around the cafe counter are sofas, a fireplace, cozy tables and chairs. Certainly, you could order an herbal tea and just sit for an evening (which I did). Across from the check-in desk, a bulletin board awaits guests with ‘pinned’ activity suggestions from around the Portland area.

The hotel is now LEED certified, and has WiFi included, as well as a text-service that connects guests to the front desk day or night. The Society is located in the city’s historic Old Town/Chinatown district, which I love: during our stay, my son and I were in the heart of the city, steps away from Portland’s famous food truck pods, Voodoo Donut, and the Pearl District. Public transport is right around the corner. Normally, this type of city center location, combined with boutique ambiance in an historic building equals a high room rate, but this is the beauty of the Society: rates start at just $75 for rooms and $40 for bunks.

Room types:

The Society has three room types. By far the most unique is the bunkhouse, which offers hostel-style bunks with, again, an upscale flair. Each bunk has WiFi, a reading light, outlets and plugs, and a privacy curtain. The bunks reminded me of high-end overnight train compartments. Bunkhouse guests share bathroom facilities, a small kitchen, and laundry facilities, and have access to private lockers. Bunks are $40, and would make a fun option for a group.

The hotel also houses 26 private rooms on the upstairs levels, which have either a full or queen bed, wash station with sink and mirror, and plenty of storage in the form of pegs, hangers, and under-bed cubes. These rooms truly do have a European guesthouse feel. Bathrooms are shared on each hallway, and are very spacious and clean. Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel were provided, as well as towels and bathrobes. In the US, it is definitely a departure from the norm to feature shared bathroom facilities, but we found it to be no big deal. For $75/night in the heart of Portland, it’s a steal, really.

If you really want your own bathroom, opt for a suite. They’re still only around $110/night. These rooms are bigger than the standard rooms, but not by much; don’t expect square footage to rival your house, as can be the case with some hotel suites.

Amenities:

I’ve saved the best for last. My absolute favorite feature of the Society, even more so than the cozy lobby and cafe, is the rooftop deck. This 5th floor outdoor space is partially covered (for the rainy weekends like the one we ‘enjoyed’), and wrapped with beautiful wood benches, a Zen garden, and landscaping. You get 360 degree views of the city: I loved coming up here with my coffee in the morning, then again to see the city skyline at night, with a glass of wine. The Society has thoughtfully put out a little locker of cozy blankets to use while enjoying the space.

There is no dedicated parking at the Society, which I fretted about before arrival. I hate worrying about my car, and I hate paying dearly for city parking. The front desk staff gave me the inside scoop on where to find street parking, and we found we easily parked within a quarter block of the hotel during our entire stay. Nights were complete free, and during the day, we were gone in the car most of the time. In total, I may have spent $5 on parking over three days. That sure beats the heck out of $30-40 nightly parking fees at surrounding hotels.

In a nutshell, if you want a unique, historic place to stay in the heart of Portland without the city prices, and are willing to adjust your expectations a bit when it comes to lodging, the Society is for you. I encourage you to give it a try! I know we’ll be back!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we stayed at the Society on a media rate, for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Puerto Rico: An exotic vacation, without the exotic hassles

January 20, 2016 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following post is written by guest reviewer Sue Rodman of Field Trips with Sue.

In many ways, a Puerto Rico vacation is the ideal family friendly destination. While it’s undoubtedly in paradise, it’s not hard to get to Puerto Rico from the east coast of the US. In short, Puerto Rico is a family-friendly exotic destination made easy.

The sun drenched white sand beaches of the Caribbean have always been a huge draw for families wishing to get away to an exotic location. At the El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, you get the alluring vibe of the Caribbean, without having to secure a passport, exchange money or purchase an international phone plan. Since Puerto Rico is a part of the United States, it’s easy to travel between the territory and mainland, and many airports have direct flights to San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico.

The El Conquistador Resort & Las Casitas Village offers a shuttle service from Luis Munoz Marin International airport in San Juan. It’s about a 30 – 45 minute ride to the family friendly resort, which is located at the eastern tip of the island on a 300-foot bluff.

El Conquistador Resort vs. Las Casitas Village

The El Conquistador & Las Casitas Village is a 500-acre, Waldorf Astoria AAA Four Diamond resort. The El Conquistador has individual guest rooms and suites, while Las Casitas Village offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom villas. The villas are individually owned, but can be rented through the Hilton website. Guests at Las Casitas Village enjoy all the amenities of the neighboring hotel. On our trip we stayed in the guest rooms overlooking the marina, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. On a clear day, I could see all the way to St. Thomas!

Free Things to Do at El Conquistador Resort

When I think of a Waldorf Astoria hotel, I think luxury, and expensive. The El Conquistador is definitely luxury, and you can certainly spend a good bit of money if you want, but there are also lots of activities included in your stay that could amuse your family for a day or more. My favorite free activities are ScoutAbout and Palomino Island. ScoutAbout is a scavenger hunt around the property. Find the items and collect colored bands. It’s a wonderful way the see all of the resort, and although the program is made for the kids, there are lots of adults that do it too.

Palomino Island is reason alone to stay at the El Conquistador. The free ferry from the resort to the island is a soothing ten-minute boat trip that offers stellar views of the resort. The first thing I noticed when we got off the boat at the island was the butterflies. At first I thought they were birds there were so many.

Once on the island, splash in the water, hike to the top of the mountain for a bird’s eye view, or commune with the iguanas and butterflies. You’ll even find a few ScoutAbout bands here, as well as a host of fee-based water sports like jet skis, horseback riding and even mini golf, because what beach doesn’t have mini-golf. They do have snorkeling at Palomino Island, but I’d recommend taking a boat from the marina. I went snorkeling from the island and saw some fish, but mostly grass. I met a woman at dinner that went off the boat in deeper water and saw ‘all the fish in Finding Nemo.’

Where to Eat at the El Conquistador Resort

The El Conquistador has 23 restaurants, bars and lounges on site. There is everything from Chops steakhouse to Starbucks Coffee, as well as local restaurants like Las Brisas and the Stingray Café. When I saw Chops and Starbucks I was a little disappointed that we wouldn’t get to sample regional food, which is so much a part of travel, but was excited to see that many of the restaurants offer at least a nod to traditional Puerto Rican food. We sampled Piragua, which is a Puerto Rican snow cone, Mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with seasoned plantains, and sipped Acai, a super food similar to a smoothie. It was topped with granola and quite delicious.

Don’t Miss Activities at the El Conquistador Resort

Anyone with kids will want to spend at least one day at the 2.4 acre Coqui Water Park within the resort. The park has a lazy river, infinity pool, zero entry area with a slide for little ones, and of course bigger slides, including the El Gigante Dormindo (The Sleeping Giant) with a 40-foot drop that reminds me of a similar slide at Typhoon Lagoon at Disney World. I opted not to try that slide because I don’t like going airborne several stories above the pool. I would much rather leave the kids with dad and slip away for a spa treatment at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. The hot tub and soothing steam room are a little more my speed.

One of the most unique activities at El Conquistador is Foot Golf. My husband is a golfer, but I’m not. However, I can appreciate the beauty of the Arthur Hills golf course at El Conquistador and would love an opportunity walk the course and see the views. In Foot Golf, you use a soccer ball and your feet to drive and sink a putt. It’s a great way to get kids and non-golfers to experience the course.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Sue was hosted by El Conquistador Resort, as a guest on behalf of Pit Stops for Kids. All opinion is her own.

Puerto Rico hotel review: Condado Plaza Hilton

January 15, 2016 By Sharlene Earnshaw

The following post is written by guest reviewer Sue Rodman of Field Trips with Sue.

The sound of crashing waves lulls you to sleep at night, and eases you into the morning. The view is like a cruise ship, nothing but water and white caps as far as the horizon. Welcome to the Condado Plaza Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the only hotel to overlook both the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil Condado Lagoon.

Puerto Rico Hotel Review: The Condado Plaza Hilton

The Condado Plaza has two towers with 571 guest rooms. The hotel was built in 1963, and the interior was recently renovated. The sleek mid-century design by Leo Daly, made me think it was the type of place you’d find Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin back in the day. Indeed many of the A-list crowd in Puerto Rico visit the hotel’s signature restaurant Pikayo, an award winning eatery by top Puerto Rican Chef Wilo Benet.

Our group stayed in the tower overlooking the ocean. Another tower has family friendly suites and overlooks the Condado Lagoon. Parents have room options, which include a door that will separate them from the kids, always a nice feature when little ones go to bed before the adults. Balconies on this side of the hotel offer skyline views of San Juan, which is beautiful in the evenings.

Exploring San Juan

The Condado Plaza Hilton is located about 15 minutes from Luis Munoz Marin International airport, and a few miles from Old San Juan, a must stop on your trip to Puerto Rico. Old San Juan reminds me of an ocean side New Orleans with colorful buildings, iron balconies and cobblestone streets. The National Park Service maintains two forts in Old San Juan, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and Castillo de San Cristóbal. My family loves visiting old forts and getting the Junior Ranger books. The weathered stone structures with the crystal blue green ocean in the background are also beautiful picture spots.

Activities at the Condado Plaza Hilton

After a day exploring Old San Juan, the Condado Plaza 24-hour pool area is the perfect place to relax. The lush green grass of the lawn, with blue lounge chairs is perfect for resting in the ocean breezes. The main pool complex has a salt-water pool, as well as a larger pool with swim up bar and water slide and baby pool for the kids. Off the pool area is a beach with swimming protected from the larger ocean by a series of rocks. We went snorkeling off the beach. The hotel provided all the equipment, as well as an armband booklet of the types of fish we might see. Our trip was in December, when water is perfect for surfing, but it was a bit rough for snorkeling. Instead, take out a kayak or stand up paddleboard from the water sports desk located by the Condado Lagoon. Our group went kayaking and came upon three manatees that played with us as we paddled toward the other side where music festival was setting up.

ScoutAbout at the Condado

One of my favorite activities at the Condado was the ScoutAbout scavenger hunt. Kids pick up a map at the front desk and search the grounds for kiosks where they find information about the hotel or area and collect a colored armband. Collect all the bands and hand them in to the front desk for a special one with the hotel’s name. Although this is supposed to be a kid’s activity, it’s fun for teens and adults too because you learn about the area. I discovered the story behind the dog like rock out in front of the beach. It is said to be from a dog that waited faithfully so long for it’s owner that it became petrified in the spot.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Sue visited Condado Plaza Hilton as a guest of the resort, on behalf of Pit Stops for Kids. All opinions remain her own.

Where to stay in Breckenridge: Mountain Thunder Lodge review

October 28, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

When we’re on a ski vacation, or visiting a ski resort in summer to hike and mountain bike, we often opt to stay right inside the ski village…the hustle and bustle can be exciting and fun. But by far, the best perk of village lodging is the easy access to the slopes. Breckenridge is a very unique ski resort, in that its lifts and peaks stretch almost across the length of town. What this means to visiting families: ski-in, ski-out options can be had outside of the ski area village.

Mountain Thunder Lodge is an official Breck resort located a bit away from the ski resort village, but still within skiing and walking distance of the gondola. The upside: families are in a quieter, more homey setting, with room to spread out while still skiing in and out. The downside: riding the access gondola can mean spending quite a bit of time traversing Breckenridge Resort once on the mountain, depending on where you want to ski or ride on an given day.

In summer and fall, the location of Mountain Thunder Lodge is an even better deal: families are in ride-in, ride-out distance of mountain biking trails and the recreational bike path. In fact, two green (beginning) and at least one blue (intermediate) bike and hike trails are located directly behind Mountain Thunder. In all seasons, guests are in easy walking distance to Main Street.

Mountain Thunder Lodge consists of studio and one-bedroom to three-bedroom condos and 1-3 bedroom townhomes. All come with full kitchens. I checked out a one-bedroom condo, which had garage and elevator access and a spacious balcony. The living room area included a pull-out bed, and flowed into the kitchen area. I stayed in Building 5, which was close to the walking trail to Main Street and directly adjacent to the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. Building 5 and 1 have small exercise rooms and each condo has a ski locker, located off the first floor lobby. Laundry facilities are located in each building, and are free of charge. Townhomes have their own laundry in-house.

We loved having access to year round swimming, and it was easy to get to town via the pedestrian tunnel (families just walk across the gondola parking lot after the tunnel, following signage to Main Street). Bike storage is available in each garage during summer months.

Mountain Thunder does not have its own dining on-site, but I never missed this; we were close to Main Street for our dining needs, and had a full kitchen as well. In our condo, maid service was limited, but we found we did not need service every day. Daily service can be arranged.

Room rates:

One-bedroom condos like described above average just over $200 per night. Rates go up in peak season. A two-bedroom condo is only slightly more cost at around $250 per night.

Directions:

Mountain Thunder Lodge is located at 50 Mountain Thunder Drive, just off Park Street and Ski Hill Drive. It’s a five minute walk from Main Street, and on the free shuttle route.

As we disclose whenever applicable, this stay was made possible by Breckenridge tourism, for the purpose of review.

Top hotel chains for family travelers

August 26, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

We get asked for hotel recommendations all the time. And we have plenty to give: after all, we spend over 100 nights per year in hotel rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and condos. While specific hotel picks in family travel destinations are important, it can be equally useful to know which are the top hotel chains for family travelers…no matter where you’re going.

We have our favorites, which we’ve broken down into a variety of family travel categories, with the overall winners below:

Best boutique/lifestyle hotel chain:

We love frequenting boutique hotels with kids, especially during city travel when location and character are most important to us. The best boutique and lifestyle hotels offer something beyond the cookie cutter amenities of more mainstream chains, with X-factors like rooftop decks, s’mores on the courtyard, wine hours, and funky furniture. They can turn a standard stay into a memorable one! The only downside: sometimes, boutique hotels will lack amenities such as free parking or complimentary breakfast, so budget accordingly.

Winner: Kimpton hotels

Kimpton wins at making families feel welcome with special touches in many of their city hotels such as goldfish ‘pets’ and hot cocoa bars for the kids. Our favorite Kimpton stay included a family game night hour and resident dog in the lobby. Read a review of a favorite Kimpton property.

Runner up: Lark hotels

Many boutique hotels are located in urban areas and–let’s face it–cater mostly to business and adult travelers. Lark is different in that their properties tend to be situated in popular vacation destinations, such as Nantucket or Newport.

Best ‘bang for your buck’ hotel chain:

Let us elaborate: when we say ‘bang for your buck’, we’re talking about value, not cheap prices. Our picks in this category include hotel chains that focus on giving the most for the price, including extras that will save families money as they vacation.

Winner: Grand Hyatt (club level)

For years, I assumed that upgrading to club level at a Grand Hyatt hotel would be a frivolous expense. Not necessarily. Upgrading is typically only $75 more per night, and gives families access to a club level lounge serving food and drinks all day long. With some planning, families of 4-5 people can save far more than the price of the upgrade by eating in the lounge most meals. Plus, it’s far more convenient and comfortable than finding dining options out every day during a city trip. Read a review of a Grand Hyatt club level stay.

Runner up: Embassy Suites (Hilton)

Embassy Suites could have also won in our ‘all suites’ category, but we’re placing it here because most properties in this brand offer value on multiple fronts. Not only do families get the space to spread out in suites, but the free breakfasts are the highest quality in the business. Some properties also offer complimentary cocktail hours. Review of our favorite Embassy Suites.

Best luxury hotel chain:

Ready to splurge? Many deserving hotel brands vied for our top spots in this category, and quite frankly, we have our favorites across many brands at specific locations. But this post isn’t about specifics…it’s about winners across the board. Who we picked:

Winner: Ritz Carlton

Time and again, Ritz Carlton delivers on prime location, beauty, service, and amenities. Will a Ritz stay set you back? Absolutely. Expect to pay extra for freebies at budget resorts, such as parking, breakfast, and WiFi. But also expect to be wowed with things like butler services, turn-down, and amazing ambiance. Read about our favorite Ritz Carlton stay.

Runner up: Fairmont

I’ve always loved Fairmont hotels due to their physical beauty, inside and out. At many a Fairmont, families will feel like they’re staying in a castle or mansion. Details abound, such as infused water in the lobby, cookies at bedtime, and planning programming just for kids. Read about our most magical Fairmont stay.

Best budget hotel chain:

When we say ‘budget’, we don’t mean cheapest. ‘Cheapest’ is a very simple thing to find–a quick scroll through Expedia will find your winner. ‘Budget’ to us means cheapest with amenities we need. What amenities are these? How about free parking, free WiFi, and free breakfast. What might but might not be included: customer service worth mentioning, location, pools, or rooms beyond the uninspired standard.

Winner: Holiday Inn Express (IHG)

It’s nothing flashy, but consistently, we’ve had good stays at Holiday Inn Express hotels. When you just need a place to lay your heads, and want competent service, clean rooms, and a free breakfast that doesn’t suck (or only sucks a little), this is your pick.

Runner up: Best Western Plus

For us, Best Western Plus would have made the top spot, but many properties have room rates a bit too steep for us to consider ‘budget’. However, like Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Plus properties can be counted on to be quality stays, and often have extra amenities like nice pools or on-site dining.

Best suites-only hotel chain:

Yes, you can find a suite in any price range, but for families, finding a economic hotel that still provides ample space is like hitting the jackpot.

Winner: Marriott Vacation Club

We’ve yet to meet a MVC property we don’t like. Like Grand Hyatt or Embassy Suites, this chain is all about value over budget price. Families get condo-like suite living with full kitchens (a big savings when vacationing and eating out), plus tons of family-friendly programming options in vacation destinations. MVC properties shine on the amenities front too: they have some of the best pools, beaches, and playgrounds we’ve seen, and most include free parking. Read about just one of our top Marriott Vacation Club stays.

Runner up: Holiday Inn Club Vacations

Always in a vacation destination that appeals to families, Holiday Inn Club Vacation properties are similar to MVC, with a (usually) lower price tag. While they don’t have quite the polish of the latter chain, they do offer up value for families in condo-style vacation villas, amenities like nice pools and dining options, and sometimes, shuttles to popular sights.

Best moderate luxury:

What sort of category is this? The one for those of us who enjoy luxury, but can’t always swing a Ritz stay. If that’s you, read on.

Winner: Preferred hotels

Definitely check the PreferredFamily.com website before looking for a Preferred hotel in your vacation destination, because most of these hotels have independent names. However, across the brand, they shine as moderate luxury options that include family amenities that may be missing from top luxury brands, such as child proofing in rooms, family-friendly dining, and toddler pools. Read some of our tips on the PreferredFamily blog list.

Runner up: Omni hotels

Often located in cities popular for family travel, Omni hotels give parents luxury while offering kids fun amenities, like backpacks and kid packets upon check-in. You’ll still pay for extras like parking and breakfast at most Omni hotels, but their prime locations and spacious rooms may make up for this. Read a review of our favorite Omni.

Tip: learn how to use IHG points toward your next hotel stay, no matter the category.

What is your favorite hotel brand for family travel?