When families travel, it can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a logistical nightmare for the parents. Keeping everyone happy, especially when "everyone" includes a couple (or more) of kids is tough to do.
The most important part of family travel is often overlooked, though. The place to stay is just as important as the fun things to do. And hotels are seeing that families of all sizes may need a little more room to spread out.
What once was looked at as the ultimate splurge is now becoming quite normal. Want some sweet family travel memories? Try getting a suite on the next trip.
It used to be that suites were the epitome in luxury and often out of reach for most families, but not any more. More space does usually come with a higher cost, but if it ensures a good night sleep for all, that may be a cost one is willing to pay. And for families with three or more children, suites may be a necessity at some hotels to avoid fire code violations.
Walt Disney World in Orlando has a dedicated section on their website just for families traveling with five or more people, as most of their regular rooms only sleep four. It is no surprise that suites are a popular option for this group.
Disney World offers themed family suites at their Value Resorts that sleep six, as well as deluxe options that sleep up to nine. In fact, they have 20 different properties at the resort which offer suites for families at every budget point.
In addition to getting more space for everyone, staying in a suite can give mom and dad time to decompress after a busy vacation day. Being able to turn on the TV without fear of waking the baby is a little luxury most parents would relish.
Staying in a suite can also give you added perks other hotel guests wouldn't enjoy. The Inn on Fifth in Naples, Florida, a boutique hotel near the Gulf of Mexico, recently opened "A New Boutique within a Boutique" that includes only suites. Their Club Level Suites opened in a newly constructed building in 2012, and include a myriad of amenities not available to guests staying in their traditional guest rooms.
These additional amenities include access to a private rooftop hot tub and sunbathing area, private check-in, concierge, daily continental breakfast, afternoon tea and snacks, and evening cocktails and appetizers. The added services may balance the higher room fees for many families. Plus the luxurious touches can ensure that a good time would be had by all.
Hotels may also offer extras bundled into the higher rate of suites that families can take advantage of as well. At the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, there is a Family Getaway package offer that includes tickets to local attractions, breakfast for all, treats for the kids, and even the cost of a valet.
When one considers what the cost of the extras is worth, a suite could seem downright affordable! And one rarely goes wrong when choosing to stay at a Ritz-Carlton property.
Traveling with kids is hard, and though most families are careful about the money they are spending, staying in a suite may make the trip more comfortable and a little easier on mom and dad. Remember, suites can be affordable and family-friendly. Check them out when booking the family's next great getaway!
Sources:
Disneyworld.disney.go.com. Web. 14 August 2013. "Families of 5 or more."
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/groups/next trip
Innonfifth.com. Web. 14 August 2013. "Club level suites".
http://www.innonfifth.com/club-level-suites
Ritzcarlton.com. Web. 14 August 2013. "Family Getaway Suite".
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Buckhead/Reservations/Packages/Detail/family_getaway_suite.htm
Edited by Jody Smith