We've reviewed a good number of hotels for families planning a Portland Oregon vacation. No matter which you pick, our recommendation is to stay downtown, within walking distance of the fun shops, restaurants, attractions (and easy-to-use MAX transportation line) that make Portland such a family-friendly city. Downtown hotels will often lack the cost-saving perks of suburb hotels (free parking, … [Read more...]
Best Ski Towns: an overview of Keystone Mountain for kids
February 10, 2014 By
We love Keystone Resort for kids! If you’re planning a Vail area ski trip with children, head to Keystone where kids ski free, kid-friendly programming abounds, and ski village convenience reigns. There’s no better place to start kids off skiing or riding, but if you have expert skiers and riders in tow, don’t worry: so do we, and we found some of our favorite expert terrain and challenging runs … [Read more...]
Homebase for a San Diego vacation: Manchester Grand Hyatt review
January 29, 2014 By
When most families dream of vacationing in San Diego, they picture themselves staying right on the beach. And this option does exist: namely in Coronado or north in Del Mar. But if you plan to spend the majority of your time in the city (and not in the car), you'll want a downtown hotel by the harbor. I spent three nights at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and was pretty blown away by this perfect home … [Read more...]
All inclusive Riviera Maya hotels: ClubHotel Riu Tequila
January 27, 2014 By
For families looking for all inclusive Riviera Maya hotels, yet want to stay away from the beach hotel zone vibe, ClubHotel Riu Tequila fits the bill at a value price point. Located adjacent to Playa del Carmen and within a few kilometers of cenote excursions and eco theme parks, this family-friendly all inclusive is situated directly across the street from white sand beaches (with beach access), … [Read more...]
Keystone Resort vacation for families: Why ski Keystone with kids
January 17, 2014 By
Almost all major ski resorts offer family-friendly amenities. However, only a handful are truly family-focused. A Keystone Resort vacation in Dillon Colorado ranks in our top three family-friendly ski resorts (along with sister property Northstar California and Big White Ski Resort). What makes Keystone kid-focused? A combination of programs, conveniences, and amenities, which, when offered in … [Read more...]
Northstar California with kids: an Aspen Grove mountain condo stay
January 3, 2014 By
Families visiting Northstar California have a dizzying array of lodging options. If you're staying a week or more, or have a large group, we recommend a home rental in one of Northstar's mountain neighborhoods. If you want luxury and ski-in, ski-out pampering (recommended with small kids or short visits) or want to be close to the action, book a stay in the Northstar Village with Tahoe Mountain … [Read more...]
Black Butte Ranch: home base for Central Oregon outdoor recreation
December 30, 2013 By
Every time we visit Central Oregon, we discover yet another family-friendly resort. While some resorts are best for golf vacations, and others ski or luxury vacations, Black Butte Ranch just may come out on top for all-around outdoor recreation amid family-friendly conveniences. Located just outside Sisters, Oregon (approximately 40 minutes from Bend), Black Butte Ranch is comprised primary of … [Read more...]
Deer Lodge Lake Louise: Where to stay near the lake
November 18, 2013 By
When arriving at Lake Louise, it's impossible to overlook massive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise planted directly at the lake shore. However, en route to the lake, you'll drive directly past the much more modest, historic, and beautiful Deer Lodge, operated by Canadian Rockies Mountain Resorts. This is where you want to be. Why? Deer Lodge is fits its surroundings perfectly: its log-hewn … [Read more...]
Autumn in Lake Placid: The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort
October 21, 2013 By
When you think of Lake Placid, the first thing you probably think of is the 1980 winter Olympics (Miracle on Ice, anyone?). While the wintertime recreation opportunities are spectacular, Lake Placid is also a wonderful place to visit during the summer and fall. So leave your skis (or bobsled) at home, and pack up your swimsuits, canoe, and hiking boots! We recently took to the family to Lake … [Read more...]
Canyons Resort Park City with kids
October 18, 2013 By
We love Park City Utah skiing with kids! And we know there are several resorts and lodging options in Park City, but when we go, we always ski at Canyons Resort Park City. It's kind of like ordering the same thing off a great menu every time...when you know you love something, why take a chance on something else? What's to love at The Canyons Resort Park City with kids: The amazing terrain! … [Read more...]
