What to ask before dropping your children off at a hotel kids' club

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  The kids' club at 2013 Gold List property, Chiang Mai's Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi ups its game (and puts other clubs to shame) with activities like rice planting, water buffalo riding, and muay thai (kickboxing).Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

You’re on the verge of booking the perfect resort vacation, and you plan to include a little grown-up time by dropping your children off at the kids' club. How do you make sure that the program measures up to your expectations (and your kids’) so that you can truly relax?

I typically call ahead before booking and ask to speak to the club's manager. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want. In many cases, the manager will be able to email you more detailed information than what's available online. Once you’ve confirmed that the program meets your needs, go ahead and make your booking, reserving a space for your child a week before your visit.

On your first day at the resort, make time to drop in, meet the staff, and take a look around. It’s worth re-asking a few key questions on-the-spot just to make sure you are entirely comfortable with the hotel’s program and staffing. If not, you’ll still have time to make adjustments by using a hotel babysitter or a local camp.

What’s included?

Pricing and available hours are a little different at every club I’ve visited. Some include meals and snacks, while others expect you to order a meal at additional cost. Most include all activities, but in some situations (a field trip or an optional activity, for example) your child could incur extra charges. Find out exactly what’s included, what your kid needs in order to participate, and how flexible the drop-off and pickup times are before making your plans.

What ages can you accommodate?

Some clubs will accommodate young babies, while others want only kids who are fully potty independent (and will call you to pick up your child if there is an accident). Make sure you know what is expected, and verify that there are age-appropriate toys and activities available for your kids.

How are staff selected?

I always like to know how kids’ club staff are trained and how long they have been working at the hotel. What are the maximum staff-to-child ratios, and what happens if more kids enroll than expected? Does the club stop accepting kids, or bring in staff who don’t normally work with children? If you are planning to send your child several days in a row, will the staffing change each day? It’s important to note that local day care laws vary considerably, especially internationally, so training might look quite a bit different than what you are used to at home.

What areas of the hotel will the kids be in?

For some parents, a secured room with a fully fenced play area is an ideal situation, while others want their kids to make use of the resort facilities. There’s no one right answer, but if the kids will be out and about, make sure the you’re comfortable with the way the hotel keeps track of kids and keeps them safe. For hotels with a swim program, you’ll want to ask detailed questions on pool safety, especially for non-swimmers.

Can I see a schedule?

The best way to determine whether a hotel is offering a quality kids club or parking the kids in front of a TV all day is to ask to see a weekly schedule. If there isn’t one, or if the planned activities don’t seem stimulating, that should raise a red flag.

Can I leave the property?

Some resort programs require that parents stay nearby to help in case there’s a problem, while others allow you to visit the surrounding area. If you’re planning on an excursion, verify that your hotel’s program rules allow it.

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11 people killed in fire at hotel in China

Published April 14, 2013

Associated Press

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  April 14, 2013: Firefighters extinguish a fire at a hotel in Xiangyang city in central China's Hubei province. A fire at an Internet cafe spread to a hotel in central China on Sunday, killing 11 people and injuring 50 others, state media and firefighters said.AP

BEIJING –  A fire at an Internet cafe spread to a hotel on the upper floors of a building in central China, killing 13 people and injuring 50 others.

  Some of the hotel guests escaped and firefighters rescued others from the building in Xiangyang city in Hubei province. The fire started just after 6:30 a.m. Sunday and was extinguished before 9 a.m., the official Xinhua News Agency said.

It said 42 of the hotel's 50 rooms were occupied.

Two Xiangyang firefighters said the fire started in an Internet cafe on the floor below the hotel in a five-story building. They refused to be identified, as is common with Chinese officials.

One of the firefighters said the Internet cafe was on the second floor and the hotel on the three floors above. He said the cause of the fire was under investigation.

Footage shown on the state-run China News Service showed smoke billowing out of the hotel's windows as firefighters sprayed water at the building and one climbed up a rope. A man and a woman were shown awaiting rescue at one window, the man covering his mouth with a cloth. A woman climbed down a ladder, helped by firefighters. Inside the hotel, bedding was blackened, as was a corridor filled with burned debris.

View the original article here

Rock the blocks at Legoland's new hotel

Published April 05, 2013

FoxNews.com

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A 250-room hotel at the Legoland California theme park in Carlsbad opened its doors Friday that not only allows kids to play out their LEGO fantasies, but is designed to maximize their fun.

Rooms, which include kingdom, pirate and adventure-themed rooms, have kid-friendly sleeping areas with bunk beds, a trundle bed and separate TVs for the kids and adults. 

The lobby has a castle-themed play area that features a LEGO pirate ship and a LEGO-filled moat.  Behind the reception desk guests are greeted by 6,000 different LEGO mini-figures and colorful brick flowers on the counter, which has been lower to accommodate its pint-sized clientele. 

Legoland says it will also have children to serve as concierges on weekends, to give a kid view on visiting the park. 

All this, say park officials, is designed so guests to stay longer to take advantage of all the park’s offerings. Opening weekend rates were $309 per night for two adults and two children, or $278 per night with a AAA discount.

This isn't the only Legoland hotel in the world. There's one in the U.K. and Denmark

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Taking the Kids -- and staying in a 21-century-designed hotel room for kids

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  Disney's Art of Animation Resort: Finding Nemo family suite.Disney

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  Jurassic Park-themed kids suites at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.Loews Royal Pacific Resort

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  Royal rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Resort.Disney

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  Azul Hotels by Karisma Debut Fisher-Price Family Suites, Riviera Maya, Mexico.Hotels by Karisma

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  LEGOLAND Hotel.LEGOLAND California Resort

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Pirate or royalty?

Maybe your kids are really adventurers at heart. They can take their pick at the brand-new LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., and your suite, complete with bunk beds and a separate TV for the kids, will be decorated accordingly with everything from LEGO models, wallpaper and even a treasure chest.

Did I mention the 250-room hotel, opening April 5, which features more than 3,500 LEGO models created out of more than 3 million LEGO bricks? That means you might have a LEGO parrot in your pirate suite or a frog in your kingdom suite. The Skyline Cafe features a LEGO city skyline with 35 miniature scenes made out of what else -- tiny LEGOS. (I especially liked the woman trying to entice a monkey off the balcony with a banana and one fighting a turkey that came out of her oven.) I got a sneak peak just before opening.

Check out the LEGO trees at the pool outside! Young kids -- this place really is designed for the under-10 crowd -- will especially like the pool with its "talking" and bubble-blowing dragon and the giant smoke-breathing dragon that greets you at the entrance to the hotel. You won't be able to get them to leave the Castle Play area (check out the LEGO filled moat!) and they will give a thumbs-up to the Bricks restaurant where the buffet station is designed so kids can reach the food, which incidentally will include plenty of fruit, veggies and other locally sourced and healthy eats.

Hotels are so much more than a place to sleep these days, especially for families. Check into the Thayer Hotel at West Point, N.Y., and kids might even learn a little history in a room dedicated to famous graduates like astronaut Buzz Aldrin, complete with memorabilia. (The newest is the Army Baseball Room.)

In many cases, rooms have morphed into suites with kitchenettes so that families (often including grandma and grandpa) can spread out. For another, they come complete with toys, kid-sized robes and special decor all designed to continue a specific theme -- pirates, princesses, or favorite characters. Royal Caribbean has even launched The Barbie Premium Experience complete with special pink sheets, fashion show and fashion designer workshop.

Are your little ones fans of Fisher-Price Little People? In Mexico's Riviera Maya, the Azul Hotels by Karisma all-inclusives have just introduced Fisher-Price Family Suites complete with Little People toys, decor (even special kids' bathrobes and pillows) and breakfast with Little People favorites Eddie and Mia. I like that the suites will be stocked with age-appropriate toys and books.

Got a future movie star in your gang? Check into the Little Divas Suite at the boutique Diva Hotel in San Francisco's Union Square that comes complete with karaoke machine, a drawing table, giant stuffed animals and photographs of famous child stars.

At New York's Tony Plaza Hotel, the Eloise Suite complete with tea set, Eloise books, robes and towels -- all designed with the fictional 6-year-old heroine of Kay Thompson's classic tale of the rambunctious Eloise who lived at the hotel -- has proved so popular that there is now a Tower Suite for young knights in training.

Think round bed in a round bedroom with a 23-foot exposed cathedral ceiling and a closet full of knight dress-up outfits and toys from FAO Schwarz. Let's not forget a huge chocolate knight and a picnic lunch at Belvedere Castle in Central Park -- all for $1,345 a night.

In Orlando, Fla., Disney's Art of Animation Resort is far more affordable -- it is a "value" resort, which means it is among the most affordable of the Disney properties with rates that can be as low as $100 a night ($252 for a suite that sleeps six).

Take your pick of four different wings that celebrate characters from "Finding Nemo," "Cars," "The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King." Parked at the entryway to the "Cars" wing, Sheriff and Doc Hudson welcome us; inside the suite where I stayed, the pull-out bed looks like the back seat of an old car, the dresser looks like a tool chest and the bathroom design is inspired by a car wash. Stay in a "Lion King" suite and kids can chill on a leaf-shaped chair; in the "Finding Nemo" suites, the lampshades look like jelly fish. (No worries if you are going to Disneyland, the Disneyland Hotel offers five signature suites, including the Mickey Mouse Penthouse and the Fairy Tale Suite.

I loved the options for healthy eats at the food court at Art of Animation -- think omelets made to order or smoothies for breakfast. Parents will love the space in these suites, as well as the fridge and microwaves. Kids will love everything -- from the easels set up outside the entrance (the theme of the resort tells the story of the animation process, starting with sketches) to "Big Blue" the largest pool at Walt Disney World, 11,859 square feet, where kids can get underwater messages from the characters.

Across town, kids can channel their inner rock star at the music-themed suites at the Loews Hard Rock Hotel kids' suites while dinosaur lovers can check in to "Jurassic Park" suites at the Loews Pacific Resort. Families are already booking stays at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort that won't even open until next year and is designed to evoke memories of beach resorts from the 1950s. (Family suites that sleep six start at just $174.)

And while we're talking Orlando, we have to mention The Nickelodeon Suites Resort where the generously sized suites with kitchens are designed with Nick character wallpaper, (take your pick of SpongeBob Square Pants or Dora the Explorer) and there's a chance to get slimed and play Nick-themed games at the water playground.

The only down side to all these themed hotels: Your kids won't want to leave the property. You won't, either.

Ready for another ride down the water slide?

Eileen Ogintz is a syndicated columnist and writes about family travel on her Taking the Kids blog. Follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, where Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.

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Best Western opens hotel in impoverished Haiti

Published March 28, 2013

Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti –  A U.S. hotel chain opened a hotel in Haiti on Thursday for the first time in 15 years.

Best Western International has completed construction on a $15 million, seven-story hotel that features 106 guest rooms and several suites.

The towering facility is located in the hillside district of Petionville and is targeted at the business traveler.

The new hotel is part of a larger hotel boom in Haiti that has taken hold since the earthquake in 2010 destroyed thousands of buildings.

To date, developers are building or planning at least seven hotels and many hope that the businesses will create thousands of jobs in a country where unemployment hovers around 60 percent. Together, the projects add up to more than a $100 million investment.

In December, the Royal Oasis, run by Spanish firm Occidental Hotel & Resorts, opened as an upscale hotel a few blocks from the Best Western Premier now stands. The Marriott International, also in December, began construction on a $45 million hotel that's scheduled to open in 2015.

Even before the earthquake, which officials say destroyed more than 800 hotel rooms, it was difficult to find hotels in Haiti that met international standards. Those that did were often filled with diplomats and humanitarian workers.

The last U.S. hotel chain to run a hotel in Haiti was the Holiday Inn. It closed in 1998 because of political instability.

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5 signs of a baby-friendly hotel

Congratulations, new parents, on your bundle of joy. Your life has completely changed, you’ve never been as tired in your life—and you definitely could use some R & R. What might surprise you is that these first few months before your baby starts to crawl is a magical window for your first family vacation together.

Infants typically take regular naps and don't need a lot of bells and whistles to keep them occupied, so rookie parents don't need a roster of family-friendly activities or a slew of recreational amenities to ensure a great first trip. Even so, it’s important to choose a hotel that provides what you need to be comfortable and relaxed. Here are five signs of a baby-friendly hotel.

Cribs on demand. If your hotel can lend you a crib and set it up in your room for your baby, it means it’s accustomed to hosting families with babies and toddlers. Even if you co-sleep or plan to bring your own travel crib, it’s still a good idea to ask if cribs are available. Another good idea: Learn how to childproof your hotel room.

Wheelchair accessibility. If a resort is fully wheelchair-friendly, it’s also stroller-friendly. Easy navigation without having to dodge obstacles and staircases can make all the difference when it comes to fully enjoying a property. Got a reluctant napper? A long stroll around a large, sprawling property can be just the ticket for scoring some quiet time.

In-room fridge and microwave. Dozens of all-suite hotel chains offer full kitchens and floor plans with separate living and sleeping areas, which make them the ultimate in baby-friendly accommodations. Still, all you really need is a fridge for cold storage and a microwave to heat baby food and sterilize bottles and utensils. In a pinch, an electric travel kettle is a handy take-along.

Kid-friendly dining. Your baby might be too young for PB&J sandwiches and chicken fingers, but ask if there’s a kid’s menu anyway; it’s a tell-tale sign that the hotel’s restaurant caters to children. Babies need a safe and comfortable place to sit during family mealtimes, so inquire whether high chairs are available at all of the on-property dining options. Arriving for an early dinner seating ensures that you’ll get a table and be served promptly, before the wait staff and kitchen get busy.

Low-key evening entertainment. A resort with an on-property nightclub may remind you that it’s been a while since you painted the town red. Still, chances are you won't appreciate loud music pulsing below your hotel room after a certain hour. At many an island resort, the pool area is transformed into a music venue at night, so request a room away from the action if your baby is a light sleeper.

Corinne McDermott of HaveBabyWillTravel.com contributed this to MiniTime.com.

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Ikea to launch its own hotel chain

Ikea says Marriott International Inc. will help it open its new budget hotels across western Europe during the next five years.

The Swedish company, which first announced last year that it will launch the hotel chain, said Tuesday that Marriott, the operator of luxury hotels across the world, will be its partner.

They will develop some 50 hotels with 150-300 rooms each in major cities. The first is scheduled to open in Milan, Italy, next year.

Peter Andrews, head of Inter Hospitality — part of Inter Ikea's property division — said the agreement allows the group "to build a high quality hotel property investment portfolio."

Ikea, the world's largest furniture retailer, already owns a handful of hotels. Marriott International has more than 3,700 properties in 74 countries and territories.

View the original article here

Weirdest hotel signs

Throughout our travels we’ve seen plenty of wild things — from rowdy guests to crazy contests, you name it. Not surprisingly, most have been in Vegas. But wackiness can be found all over the world, and we’ve seen some hilarious hotel signs in multiple countries. Check out seven of our favorites below.

Negril Tree House Resort, Jamaica

Well we feel safe…

The Negril Tree House is a budget-friendly boutique.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

Now we know where Christian Grey stays in Vegas.

The Hard Rock may be off the Strip, but it still knows how to throw a party.

Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic

This spot is reserved for pregnant Dutch women.

Casa de Campo once hosted the entire Kardashian clan.

Puntacana Hotel, Dominican Republic

Where do women expecting twins park?

Puntacana Hotel sits on a beautiful beach great for swimming.

Le Parker Meridien, New York City

You can forget about disturbing these guests…but this sign won’t let you forget you’re in New York.

Le Parker Meridien is a sexy spot in Midtown.

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas

Sometimes we upgrade the jacket we lost with the better one we found in the lost and found. Does the same unspoken rule apply to kids, too?

One of the most recognizable resorts in the Bahamas, the Atlantis is a 3,400-room mega-hotel.

The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel, New York City 

So do the quotation marks mean it’s actually fine to do all of the above?

The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel has some awesome features, such as a sun deck.

View the original article here

New technologies help travelers lower hotel prices

NEW YORK –  When Amy Eisen originally booked a weeklong vacation to celebrate her 30th anniversary, she was looking at a $3,749 hotel bill.

But Eisen reserved her room at the all-inclusive Sanctuary Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic through a new travel site, Tingo.com. Each day, the booking site automatically checked to see if the hotel lowered its price for the nights Eisen was staying there. Eventually, the price fell. Tingo canceled Eisen's original reservation and rebooked her at the new, lower rate. Her savings: $1,874.

"I would have not have considered that you could continue to ask: Are there any discounts? Are there any discounts? Are there any discounts?" said the Wynnewood, Pa., psychologist. "I don't think most people would. You book it and think this is the best price I can get."

Tingo is one of a growing number of services that aim to save travelers money on their hotel stays.

The site, which is owned by TripAdvisor, says that travelers have a 20 percent chance of getting at least some money back. The typical rebate is $50, according to the company, but occasionally travelers like Eisen get much more back.

The site requires prepayment of the room and focuses on fully refundable rates. Sometimes, cheaper rooms might be available through other booking channels but they typically can't be canceled.

Tingo isn't the only site changing the way travelers book. A host of new apps are offering steep discounts on hotel stays, particularly last-minute bookings.

HotelTonight offers discounted rooms at more than 2,000 hotels via its iPhone and Androids apps. Each day at noon local time, a slate of rooms is released for each of the 80 cities it currently serves. There are luxury hotels, hip hotels and those categorized as "solid" or "basic."

The savings can be substantial.

A recent search turned up the Bryant Park Hotel in New York. HotelTonight said a room there should cost $345 but was offering it for $239. (A check of the hotel's own website showed $285 as the lowest rate.) Two hours later, the room was being offered for $199. Two hours after that, HotelTonight was out of rooms at the Bryant Park Hotel.

A search for Chicago turned up the Wyndham Blake Hotel. HotelTonight said the going rate was $179 but that it could offer a room for $129. The cheapest standard rate on the hotel's own website was $169; a room could be had for $152 for AAA members.

HotelTonight users can't request room types, so it is best used by solo travelers or couples. And while many hotels offer ample nonsmoking rooms, nothing is guaranteed using the app.

Travelers can book rooms until 2 a.m. — perfect for unexpected travel delays or those who might have partied too hard and just don't want to go home.

Rooms can be booked for up to five nights but check-in must occur the day of booking.

But as with all travel deals, make sure to shop around. Rates aren't always cheaper on these apps. For instance, HotelTonight was offering a room at Caesars Atlantic City for $49 a night, down from the regular rate of $62 for that night. However, a quick visit to the hotel's website found a room for $39 thanks to an online promotion that was being automatically applied to all bookings. As an added bonus, guests could pick a smoking or nonsmoking room.

Priceline — one of the original discount hotel sites — has also jumped into the same-day hotel sale frenzy.

Through its iPhone and Android apps and its mobile site, Priceline is now offering "Tonight-Only Deals." The service covers approximately 150 cities and towns around the U.S. on a typical evening. It only applied to three- and four-star hotels. Offers start to post at 11 a.m and rooms can be booked up until 11 p.m. local time, or until they sell out.

Unlike Priceline's traditional service where travelers bid on unknown hotels, here the hotel names are displayed along with descriptions, maps, photos and customer satisfaction scores.

A recent search for a room in Memphis turned up the Madison Hotel. Priceline said the room should cost $242 but was offering it for $184. The hotel's own website was charging $242.

Sometimes, the deals through the Tonight Only specials of Priceline's mobile app are even better than Priceline's own website.

The Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans had a room recently for $229 on its own website and Priceline.com. However, Priceline's mobile app had a Tonight Only offer of $183.

Priceline says Thursday night stays tend to deliver the deepest savings, while Sunday is the most popular check-in night among last-minute mobile bookers.

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5 hotel health risks you never knew about, and how to avoid them

Let’s face it: Traveling can bring out the inner germaphobe in even the most adventurous of us, and for good reason. There are lots of health risks encountered in your hotel room that you won’t necessarily find at home, from mold to industrial cleaning product residue. Didn’t even cross your mind ’til now? Well, fear not — more and more hotels are offering solutions, so your next hotel stay can be cleaner and safer than ever before. Read on to find out what to be wary of — and what you can do about it.

The Orchard Hotel in San Francisco uses chemical-free cleaning products.

The Risk: Chemical Cleaning Products

The chemicals in cleaning products used in many hotel rooms can make you sick — and routine exposure (road warriors, take note) can be life-threatening. Exposure to the carcinogens in cleaning products can increase cancer risk, while endocrine disruptors found in many pesticides, detergents, and disinfectants can confuse body hormones and cause fertility problems or even miscarriages.

The Solution: Chemical-Free Cleaning Products

Eco-friendly hotel initiatives are growing increasingly popular, and these days many hotels are being recognized for their efforts by organizations such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). So don’t be afraid to ask hotel staff about the cleaning products they use. One of our favorite LEED-certified hotels is The Orchard Hotel, which was at the forefront of this movement. Among the very first LEED-certified hotels in San Francisco, the Orchard uses chemical-free cleaning products — among many other impressive green practices.

The Koa Kea Resort in Kauai offers twice-daily housekeeping service.
 

The Risk: Bathroom Mold

Not only is bathroom mold gross, it can be dangerous, causing respiratory issues and other problems.

The Solution: Ventilation Fans and Frequent Cleaning

Ventilation fans in the bathroom are key to preventing the moisture issues that allow mold to flourish, as is frequent cleaning. Many hotels, such as the Koa Kea Resort Hotel at Poipu Beach, keep their bathrooms spic and span in order to avoid any “ick” factor. To be aware of any potential cleanliness problems ahead of time, make sure to look at Oyster.com’s honest hotel photos — if there’s mold, we’ll show you.

The Grand Hyatt Seattle offers special hypo-allergenic rooms with air purifiers.

The Risk: Air Pollutants

Air pollutants such as ozone particles (which make up smog) can cause wheezing and shortness of breath for anyone, not just allergy sufferers. And many people have had the experience of checking into a supposedly non-smoking room that smelled otherwise — a particular annoyance for those sensitive to cigarette smoke.

The Solution: Air Purifiers

Hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Seattle — and indeed all hotels in the Hyatt brand — offer special hypo-allergenic rooms that have air purifiers and go through a special cleaning process to reduce allergens on fabrics such as the carpet and upholstery. The Four Seasons Denver also has heavy-duty air ionizers that can be brought into the room upon request.

The Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto offers hypo-allergenic pillows and bedding upon request.

The Risk: Feather Allergies

For those with feather allergies, staying in a hotel room with down bedding and feather pillows can be downright unpleasant: itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing are only a few of the possible reactions. That down duvet may look plush and inviting to some, but for those with feather allergies it’s a bout of hay fever waiting to happen.

The Solution: Hypo-Allergenic Pillows and Bedding

Luckily, many hotels — such as the Garden Court Hotel in Palo Alto — offer alternative hypo-allergenic pillow and bedding options for allergy sufferers.

The Sebastian Vail offers in-room humidifiers.

The Risk: Dry Skin and Itchy Eyes

It’s ski season, and those traveling during winter –particularly to locations with high altitudes — are likely to encounter cold, dry air. Dry skin isn’t fun for anyone, and neither are itchy eyes, particularly when you’re trying to get comfortable in your hotel after a day on the slopes.

The Solution: Humidifiers

If you thought humidifiers were exclusively an at-home luxury, think again. No, you don’t have to lug your humidifier onto the plane — plenty of hotels, such as  The Sebastian Vail, provide them upon request.

View the original article here

China opens world's first panda hotel

It's pure panda-monium.  A Chinese hotel in the country's Sichuan province has claimed to be the world's first hotel dedicated expressly for pandas.

The Haoduo Panda Hotel, which lies at the foot of Emei Mountain near the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding facility, has decked out its rooms with panda pictures, cuddly panda toys and furniture decorated with the endangered animal.  Like other theme hotels, such as at Disney resorts, the staff even dress in panda costumes so guests can have a real-live panda experience. 

The themed guest rooms have panda painted on the walls, and one appears to show a scene from the "Titanic" movie where Kate Winslet stands on the bow of the ship while Leonard DiCaprio stands behind her. 

The hotel, which officially opens in May, have room rates that range from US$48 to $80 per night.

View the original article here

Luxury for less: 10 ways to save on a splurge hotel

At the plush Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Southern California, families rave about the Ambassadors of the Environment program, whose adventures include whale-watching and botanist-led nature hikes.

Are your kids happiest in the water? The tony boutique resort of Little Dix Bay, in the British Virgin Islands, offers lessons in SCUBA, snorkeling, sailing, and deep-sea fishing—as well as a private crescent beach that’s drop-dead-gorgeous.

The sluggish economy hasn’t dampened our love affair with luxury resorts, but it has certainly shifted our priorities. It’s no longer just about what we pay; it’s what we get to do. And these days, the best luxury resorts are offering increasingly exceptional experiences that help create vivid vacation memories.

Luxury resorts are pricey, to be sure. But not all of their guests belong to the money-is-no-object set. Savvy parents know the difference between reckless spending and reasoned splurging, and have learned to make trade-offs that keep costs down while racking up memorable vacation experiences.

Love to live large but hate overspending? Here are 10 ways to trim costs at a luxury resort:

Be flexible with dates. If you’ve got your heart set on staying at a particular resort, realize that hotel rates are volatile and largely based upon occupancy rates. It’s not unusual to see price fluctuations of hundreds of dollars, depending on whether you visit in low or high season. Always check a variety of dates to get a handle on when prices dip—is it midweek? Winter? Following a holiday? You may get a significantly better rate by shifting your arrival date by a few days or weeks, or postponing your stay by six months.

Focus on quality time. We’ve all checked into a beautiful hotel after a long day of traveling, too exhausted to do anything but flop into bed. Nobody wants to drop $400 on a throwaway night, so take a look at your travel schedule. If you’ll be arriving late, consider spending your first night in a nearby chain hotel and moving into your plush resort the next morning. It’s likely your room won’t be ready until afternoon, but your family can use the resort’s pool and other facilities right from go.

At the tail end of your trip, consider the departure time of your flight home. If it’s before 10am, think about spending your last night at a more affordably priced hotel near the airport. When you check out of the luxury resort, stow your luggage with the baggage clerk—but by all means, feel free to hang out at the pool or beach all day before heading to your airport digs.

Sightsee somewhere else. To get your money’s worth at a plush property, you need a chunk of time to lap up the amazing pool, manicured grounds, fabulous spa, and myriad other marvelous enticements. Want to explore the environs? No sense paying for resort amenities you can’t use while you’re out and about. Instead, book a less expensive hotel for two or three nights and get in all your sightseeing. Once you transfer to your luxury digs, stay put and enjoy the pampered life.

Settle for an okay view. Admittedly, it’s beyond fabulous to watch the sun set over the ocean from your balcony—but you’ll pay dearly for it. A room with a killer view at a marquee destination resort can cost 25 to 30 percent more per night than an identical room with a so-so vista. As you explore the property, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and take in a few of those gorgeous sunsets without paying extra for the privilege.

Embrace what’s included. Take time to familiarize yourself with the resort’s list of inclusive amenities and recreational pursuits. Then commit to taking advantage of everything that’s remotely appealing before you start shelling out for non-inclusive options.

Schedule your splurges. Putting your money into truly outstanding offerings—swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with stingrays, zip-lining over a forest canopy, learning to surf—is never money wasted. Those experiences will likely be the highlight of your trip, and fondly recounted by your kids years from now. If your budget allows for a premium experience or two, decide in advance what you will purchase and, for goodness sake, enjoy looking forward to it.

Enjoy a local breakfast. It’s beyond rare to find a luxury resort that offers a free or cheap breakfast. Very often, a family of four can pay $100 for a perfectly prepared, beautifully presented, but basic breakfast. Instead, scout around for a local coffee shop or diner that can be your go-to morning eatery. Or, if your room has a fridge, find a nearby grocery and pick up some pastries, fruit, yogurt, milk, and juice the night before. Then start your day with an in-room picnic.

Spring for a fancy lunch. Dying to try the chef’s world-famous bouillabaisse? It’s likely that the restaurant’s lunch and dinner menus are fairly similar, but prices are considerably lower at lunch. The ambience is undoubtedly less formal and more kid-friendly then, too.

Bring your own beach gear. Luxury oceanfront resorts offer ample ways to have fun in the sun, but guests can end up paying through the nose. Before renting snorkel equipment or boogie boards from the resort—sometimes at an hourly rate—find a local store and buy your own gear. Your kids get unlimited time with their beach toys, and you’ll spend less in the long run. Don’t want to lug the stuff home? On your last day, offer your toys to another family and ask them to pay it forward when they leave.

Stay out of the gift shop. Those souvenirs in the hotel store come with a big markup. Look for local dollar stores or groceries for t-shirts, hats and other we-were-here purchases.

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