Imagine your family building memories at one of these top five accommodations that subscribe to the concept that happy children = happy adults.
Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain
Just north of Tucson, a Ritz Carlton resort sits nestled in the natural landscape of the Arizona desert. Here you can be pampered while enjoying the clean desert air and activities of the surrounding Saguaro cactus forest with your family. One of the highlights for children is the option to have a tent set up in room complete with a s’mores kit for the young tent occupants, a fun and educational book about Arizona’s spectacular high Sonoran Desert, and a keepsake desert tortoise stuffed animal. Families can go on a treasure hunt using GPS around the resort or hike in the many nearby footpaths. During the summer, families will surely enjoy the cosmic waterslide, “dive-in movies” from the pool, Jeep tours and mountain bike tours.[hr]
Monaco Washington D.C.
The Monaco Hotel is a colorful and eclectic boutique hotel which occupies a National Historic Landmark building in America’s capital. This Kimpton hotel strives to make a family stay here as fun for kids as it is for adults. The concierge offers a list of kid-friendly attractions and activities in the area that includes parks, restaurants and enriching classes. Another bonus is that their Kimpton Kids program provides items that can be hard to pack, such as booster seats, diapers, etc. Comment cards and animal print robes are given to children to make them feel special. Most popular with children is the goldfish that you can opt for to keep you company during your stay. The staff will be sure your golden guest is well taken care of, so you are off the hook for fishcare![hr]
Kurland Hotel Plettenberg Bay South Africa
The Kurland Hotel is set in the heart of the Garden Route in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Here parents are pampered just as well as their children. A wonderful play area for children is available with well trained staff to look after your children while you enjoy a bit of quiet time. They even have rooms and menus dedicated to children. Enjoy the beauty of the landscape on bike or foot. Children can even enjoy the area by elephant! Nearby, you can go whale watching in the whale capital of the world or visit a wildlife sanctuary.[hr]
The Legoland Hotel
The new Legoland Hotel is fun for the whole family. Every corner of the hotel is decked out in Legos, yet adults can find relaxation in the midst of it. Perhaps that is because they can keep track of their busy, happy children while enjoying a cocktail Lego-side. Friendly dragons greet you at the entrance and a welcome letter is addressed to the children in each of the themed hotel rooms. Ride the disco elevator to your room after having fun in the Lobby’s playspace. By the way, the back doors of the hotel are steps away from the entrance to Legoland. On a side note, my children are not obsessed with Legos by any means, but still could not get enough of the experience.[hr]
The Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm exudes southern hospitality in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee. It was founded on the idea of creating a home with good friends, family and good food. Foodies should note that the proprietor and his young brood settled in his family’s farm after stints at the California Culinary Institute and the French Laundry. Guests get a true sense of place from the farm that generates a range of heirloom produce from the garden, wild flower honey, farm-fresh eggs, and artisan cheeses from East Friesian sheep. Children are free to roam the farm, chase the farm’s cat and enjoy the pristine land. Family time at Blackberry Farm offers a unique opportunity to experience adventures that will create memories to last a lifetime. Savor time at the spa, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding or simply having a picnic away from it all.
