A nifty variety of family-friendly hotels. washington, d.c. “To help make family moments become family treasures and traditions, we are thrilled to provide dedicated family services and create captivating, destination-led activities, including tours of the most historic sites in Washington, coupled with tailor-made programming for younger guests and their families including scavenger hunts for our pint-sized VIPs,” says Doug Camp, director of sales and marketing, St. Regis Washington, D.C. Look into St. Regis’ Family Traditions package, which includes accommodations in a 1-bedroom suite with butler service; a children’s arrival and turndown amenity; and a family excursion of choice. The First President’s Home tour ($250) takes guests to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, while the Capitol Insider tour ($400) visits Statuary Hall, the Old Senate and Old Supreme Court chambers and special access to the House of Representatives Gallery. Along with child-sized robes, slippers and a step stool in every bathroom for the little ones, St. Regis also supplies families with strollers, baby wipes, diapers, cribs and roll-away beds. (888) 627-8087; stregiswashingtondc.com
new york, new york No family can resist a “bright lights, big city” vacation in New York, which is why Recommend is highlighting Le Parker Meridien New York. Why this boutique property? Well, it’s all about location. “We are near Central Park, Times Square and so many more popular attractions. With a rooftop pool for swimming year-round, as well as Norma’s and burger joint, two of the most sought-after kid-friendly restaurants in the city, there is always something to keep kids occupied,” says general manager Sylvie Fayolle. With razor scooters on loan, coloring books for kids, and a concierge that can arrange babysitting services, cookies and milk and other in-room treats, Le Parker Meridien is a good mix of trendy and Big Apple charm. The hotel’s Family Fun package (starting at $350) includes accommodations in a jr. suite (sleeps up to four); a blowout for Mom at Drybar, and a haircut or shave at SHARPS Barber and Shop for Dad. (212) 245-5000; parkermeridien.com/home
maui For a cultural Hawaiian experience, the 432-room Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel offers an entertaining mix of free family-friendly activities, from ukulele and hula lessons to lei making. Yet, it’s the hotel’s 24th annual children’s hula competition, Hula O Na Keiki, where guests can experience authentic hula performances. The competition (Nov. 14-16) is for children ages 5 to 17 years old, and includes performances in both ancient and modern hula dances. “Hula O Na Keiki is an honored tradition that helps perpetuate and preserve hula, which is so much a part of our Hawaiian culture that we love to share with our guests, community and family alike,” says Kalani Nakoa, director of sales and marketing. The hotel’s Aloha Passport for Kids program gives them a chance to explore the resort while earning stamps and free memorable keepsakes—free for children 12 years and younger. Infants (up to two years old) also receive a sand pail filled with baby beach toys. Rates are $198. (800) 262-8450; kbhmaui.com or travelagents.kbhmaui.com las vegas This desert oasis of 24/7 casinos, pool parties, restaurants for every taste and budget, and celebrity performances isn’t only for a guys’ and girls’ getaway—families can find fun in Vegas, too. Recommend’s pick is the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, a nonsmoking and non-gaming hotel with access to the adjacent Mandalay Bay Resort. “From cookies at check-in to baby proofing and child-sized robes in-room, we go out of our way to ensure families feel welcome and comfortable during their stay,” says general manager Mark Hellrung. At the hotel’s pool, kids can pick up their own pair of colorful flip-flops, and munch on frozen candy bars and popsicles. The hotel has access to Mandalay Beach, featuring a lazy river and wave pool, Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium is located nearby, and at the Verandah restaurant, the donut-making machine inspires kids to create their own donut masterpiece. The Vegas Suite Life package is ideal for families as suites feature separate bedrooms. Rates start at $199 per night. (702) 632-5000; fourseasons.com/lasvegas
