Hotels that know how to keep your children entertained around the clock.
Travelling with a family can be tough, and the last thing you want is to be in a hotel that doesn’t cater to your children. Thankfully, though, hotels have now developed programmes to keep your children entertained and happy around the clock.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company The Ritz-Carlton’s child-friendly experience begins on their website, where guests can search for hotels which offer their Ritz Kids programme. It offers full or half-day options of supervised activities for children aged 5 and older, with activities are both physical (beach volleyball, swimming and tennis) and creative (scrapbooking and painting). Depending on the property and destination, kids can go sailing, drive around in mini Mercedes, or sing their hearts out at karaoke sessions. The Ritz-Carlton also offers a children’s menu, babysitting services and even scuba diving/snorkeling programs for kids eight years and older. They child proof rooms for guests with children under 5 and supply special POLO (Protect Our Little Ones) travel kits that come with a night light, first aid supplies and a stuffed animal. (www.ritzcarlton.com) Programme price varies
One&Only Resorts The One&Only hotels offers the KidsOnly club for kids aged 5 to 12 years-old, and is renowned for its culinary academy, where kids learn how to cook. Depending on the property they can spend the afternoon getting pampered at the Junior Spa or get fit with personalized training programs. The KidsOnly club also features a computer/technology area, arts centre, movie and video game room, and a library. In addition, the club provides free babysitting services. Kids get a welcome pack with a holiday album and pen as well as a farewell pack with a t-shirt, activity book and a farewell card. (www.oneandonlyresorts.com) KidsOnly club is complimentary while the activity prices vary
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts All the Four Seasons properties offer child-sized robes, kid’s menus and a Kids For All Seasons programme. The programme exposes children aged 2 to 12 to the local culture and language, with activities like Hula classes in Hawaii, Mexican art making in Mexico and traditional Polynesian water sports in Bora Bora. The hotels even go a step further and have separate children’s pools and play areas, and every hotel has a concierge to arrange family outings and babysitting. The hotel also childproofs guestrooms upon request, offers complimentary toiletries and high chairs, cribs and playpens. Children under 18 can stay in their parents’ room at no extra charge. (www.fourseasons.com) Programme price varies
Westin Hotels & Resorts The Westin experience begins at check-in when kids are presented with welcome bags and parents of infants and toddlers are given a special bag with handy items such as Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, socket covers, and a nightlight. Kids aged 4 to 12 years old can check in at the Westin Kids Club Discovery Room to watch movies, play ping pong, Legos or Playstation or sign up for activities. Kids also receive a pack that comes with a compass, membership bracelet, disposable camera, canteen and collectible travel passport. For families that are on the Destination Club package (only available at select resorts) children under 5 eat free while those under 12 get 50% off on food and drink. (www.westin.com) Programme price varies
Kimpton Hotels If you’re travelling in North America, Kimpton Hotels offer a boutique-style experience for kids. That means child-size animal print bathrobes, welcome gifts and even a complimentary pet goldfish for the duration of your stay. Depending on the property, kids can play Guitar Hero in the lobby or sleep in a bunk room with video games. The KimptonKids programme also provides a list of kid-friendly activities in the area such as parks, restaurants and enriching classes. Other services include complimentary cribs, child safety kits with nightlights and high chairs. (www.kimptonhotels.com)
