Palm Springs with kids: Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs

Ready to head to Palm Springs with kids? The Renaissance Hotel Palm Springs is a great pick for a reasonably priced, stylish hotel pick right near the downtown Palm Springs action. What the Renaissance lacks in extra amenities offered elsewhere in the Palm Springs area, such as a kids’ club, tennis courts, or on-site golf, it makes up for in location. Only two blocks from downtown Palm Springs, … [Read more...]

A stay at Seattle’s Hyatt at Olive 8

I love finding new kid-friendly gems in destination cities! I've said it before, but I'll say it again: families don't have to settle for cheap hotels in the suburbs while city touring. Family-friendly, downtown hotels do exist. Our latest find: the Hyatt at Olive 8. Located in the heart of Seattle's downtown, the Olive 8 is just steps from the impressive convention center. One would assume this … [Read more...]

What to do and where to stay in Knoxville Tennessee

Knoxville Tennessee is a small city with a lot going on. Known affectionately as the 'cradle of country music' (after all Dolly Pardon got started here), Knoxville is now also gaining a reputation for its dining scene, urban wilderness and vibrant downtown. Whether you've come to Knoxville with the kids to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding countryside, or are enjoying … [Read more...]

Fun holiday events at favorite hotels this season

Will you be celebrating the holidays on vacation this year? If so, we have a round-up of holiday events at hotels, with deals and and happenings at some of our favorite resorts and family vacation hot spots. Read on to learn where to book your holiday getaway, whether you're headed to sand or snow: Tropical and beach holiday events: Head to South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, … [Read more...]

Top hotel chains for family travelers

We get asked for hotel recommendations all the time. And we have plenty to give: after all, we spend over 100 nights per year in hotel rooms, suites, vacation rentals, and condos. While specific hotel picks in family travel destinations are important, it can be equally useful to know which are the top hotel chains for family travelers...no matter where you're going. We have our favorites, … [Read more...]

How to use IHG Rewards Club points this summer

This post brought to you by IHG Rewards Club. The content and opinions expressed below are that of Pit Stops for Kids. Summer is the busiest travel season of the year for families. But if you travel year-round, as we do, it's also the season to build up hotel reward points! Think you don't travel 'year-round'? Do you travel with your children for sports tournaments or dance competitions? Do … [Read more...]

Springfield Missouri lodging picks: Ramada Plaza Hotel and Hotel Vandivort

This post is truly a tale of two hotels. Families finding themselves in Springfield, Missouri can choose from a fairly standard array of motels and hotels, or they can pick between two unique choices: the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Oasis Convention Center for family-friendliness or the new Hotel Vandivort for boutique downtown chic. If I could, I'd squish together the best amenities and features at … [Read more...]

Where to stay in Portland: Governor Hotel review

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...]

Homebase for a San Diego vacation: Manchester Grand Hyatt review

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...]

Sheraton Atlanta: where to stay in Atlanta with kids

The best feature of the Sheraton Atlanta is the pool. No. make that the hotel layout around the pool. Comprised of a huge glass-ceilinged atrium with plants and Southern style design, the pool area is located at the center of the Sheraton, right past the lobby on the second floor. A large free-form heated pool and hot tub are situated around a tasteful and almost beautiful indoor setting. The … [Read more...]