How Much More Fun Could a Kid Have?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

13 Mar 2009 09:55 PM

It used to be that massive pools and room-service ice cream sundaes were all it took to appease children during hotel stays. These days select resorts around the country are going all out to attract young visitors in hopes that their parents will make the adventure a family tradition.

It's truly amazing what some properties are doing to insure kids experience a trip of a lifetime. For example, children are a top priority at the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Not only are kids given the opportunity to take a cooking class with the hotel's executive chef, pint-sized guests also help prepare an entire meal for their families and are presented with specially designed plates adorned with their name. In addition, bedtime comes with decorated cookies, delivered to each child's room with a glass of milk. The price for the two-night package, which includes the class and accommodations for two adults and one child, starts at $329.

Experts say the trend of catering to children via family-friendly amenities, activities and accommodations has a lot to do demand. Studies show that an increasing amount of travelers are bringing their children with them on vacation. Properties such as Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort are making the most of the new trend by creating program, such as the Baby Butler Service, which includes a daily diaper delivery, in-room crib, free meals, a baby gift and 10 percent discount on baby rental items such as infant tubs, strollers, highchairs and bouncy seats. Packages that include the Baby Butler Service start at $274 per night.

Other resorts are catering to older children by offering adjoining suites specifically designed for kids. For instance, at the Omni hotels in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Kid's Fantasy Suite includes a separate kids' room stocked with bunk beds, videogames and a fridge filled with yogurt, carrot sticks and candy. In addition, every child receives a backpack filled with a stuffed animal and five mystery items.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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