“It’s not a vacation, it’s a trip.” If that’s your line every time you head out for PTO with your kids and spouse in tow, it might be time to adjust your vacation game. While there’s not much we can do about cramped planes, flight delays and cancellations, we do have advice to share when it comes to creating core memories throughout your stay. And that starts with your accommodations.
You may think of a hotel as a mere place to rest your head, but it’s really your home away from home for the duration. It’s the place where you can feel safe, rest, relax and recharge. And one that centers the needs of younger travelers can transform that trip back into a vacation. Since you’re already doing everything, we made a checklist of our five must-have, family-first amenities when it comes to booking a hotel. These Marriott Bonvoy properties prove that with a little planning, everyone really can have fun on vacation. (Just don’t forget to pack the sunscreen.)
1. Suites With Multiple Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Stop crowding into a single room with no spare floor space and — gasp — only one bathroom for all of you. A multi-room suite gives you plenty of space to stretch out and to sleep better. That plus the extra privacy, the opportunity for family hangs and the fridge and microwave for snack time add up to a serious parenting win. Book into the two-bedroom suite at SpringHill Suites Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown and you’ll get all that, multiple beds, and the convenience of two bathrooms. Bonus: The two TVs mean you don’t have to settle for the show that appeals to your youngest traveler.
2. Kids’ Club
Vacation is meant to be restful, and one way to ensure you get well-deserved alone or adults-time is by booking your children into a kids’ club. These on-site offerings are a bit like camp, with childcare pros who lead participants in age-appropriate — and often destination-specific — activities. At The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, parents can book children ages 4 to 12 for full-day or half-day programs at Ritz Kids. They’re designed to fuel imagination and curiosity while focusing on four pillars that aim to inspire future global citizens: nature, exploration, responsibility and culture.
3. Breakfast Packages
It’s the most important meal of the day — and sometimes also the hardest to find when traveling. Whether you have a jam-packed itinerary and need some quick convenience or just want to spend a lazy morning in your room, a property that offers breakfast packages can start any day off on the right foot. At Courtyard Scottsdale Salt River, The Bistro opens at 6:30 a.m.. And — get ready to have your parental mind blown — the kids can head over in their jammies and enjoy avocado toast or eggs without having to step outside.
4. Next-Level Pool
It may be Vacation Law that swimming is required. So make a splash at a property that goes beyond the classic rectangular pool. At the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, with its new Queensbreak pool, everyone in the family will have fun in the sun. You’ll find an open-air pool deck with three distinct spaces overlooking the most famous surf break on Oahu. There’s a family area with a pool and chaise lounges, a kids’ splash pad, lawn games and fire pits; an open-air restaurant with live music and entertainment; and an adults-only section with a poolside bar, private cabanas and a hot tub. No one will blame you if you stay on property for the entirety of your vacation, honest.
5. Pet-Friendly
Boarding your dog can add significantly to a vacation budget (at an average of $40 per night, that’s an extra $280 for a week away) — plus, this is supposed to be a family trip, right? Happily, many of Marriott’s properties welcome pets, including Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, which has access to walking paths along the iconic river. And all the classic city landmarks, including Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, are within walking distance.
Ready for the vacation of a lifetime? Plan your next trip at experiencemarriott.com/family.
