4 Show-Stopping Hotels That Master the Art of Being Kid-Friendly
Nearly 9 in 10 parents are likely to travel with their children in the next 12 months, according to the Family Travel Association. It’s hardly surprising, then, that many properties are expanding their on-site offerings to include additional activities, facilities and room features specifically for children. Take inspiration from McConnell Marketing’s list of the top hotels catered to kids and start booking more families.
Brookstreet Hotel (Ottawa, Ontario)
Perfect for families that love the outdoors, the Brookstreet Hotel has made itself a great choice to stay at, regardless of the season. Every winter, this Ottawa property offers an ice-skating rink with lights for daytime or nighttime skating. During the warmer, summer months, kids can swim in the seasonal outdoor pool, make music in an instrument-filled jazz garden, play putt-putt on the mini-golf course or borrow bikes (which are free to use for two hours) to explore the surrounding area. Additional facilities, such as a game room and an indoor wading pool, are also available. You may not be able to add a pool or an ice-rink to your hotel but making the most out of your space by creating pathways and investing in ramps are easier ways to add more outdoor amenities to your hotel to keep the little ones busy!
The Plaza New York (New York City, New York)
Since opening in 1907, New York City’s stunning Plaza New York has welcomed everyone from world leaders to celebrities, but its iconic Eloise Suite makes it a prime destination for fans of the classic “Eloise” books. With designer Betsey Johnson’s vision, the Eloise Suite features pink accents throughout, as well as books and dolls. Outside the suite, children can tour The Plaza’s Eloise Shop to buy keepsake Eloise items. Or, kids can visit the hotel’s Palm Court, which hosts an Eloise-themed afternoon tea service with treats like cake pops, cotton candy and cupcakes. Obviously not every property can be as lucky as the Plaza when it comes to connecting to childhood icons, but creating a themed room or space specifically catered to little ones (e.g., dinosaurs, animals, magic) can make kids feel more comfortable and ensure they have positive memories of their stay.
The Milestone Hotel & Residences (London, United Kingdom)
Perfect for younger children specifically, The Milestone Hotel & Residences boasts all kinds of family-based room amenities, including baby monitors and kid-sized bathrobes and slippers. Additionally, every child receives a teddy bear, a book and a chocolate mouse during their stay. Families can also arrange a picnic lunch in nearby Kensington Gardens or enjoy afternoon tea in Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Conservatory, or the Park Lounge. All three venues offer standard afternoon tea service, as well as a Little Prince & Princess Tea experience that includes kid-friendly finger foods and hot chocolate. Starting small by including items such as wall outlet covers, an extra pacifier or even an extra bottle when families book can help earn your hotel a child-friendly reputation.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (Marana, Arizona)
Nestled within the Tortolita Mountains in the town of Marana, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain features spacious rooms and suites that are ideal for families. Plus, guests with kids can opt for the In-Room Tent Experience. The $99 fee covers a personal tent, a book about the surrounding desert and a keepsake stuffed animal. At The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, children can participate in three-hour-long Dove Mountain Ritz Kids Ranger programs, which feature activities aimed at teaching young kids about the desert and the plants and animals that thrive in the heat. Try to create a fun activity, within your budget, while also incorporating an educational factor. When children are truly engaged in an activity, they not only have fun, but they learn better at the same time.
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