Posted on Mar 02, 2010 - 02:25 PM

Seven Tips to Make Your Family Hotel Stay a Blast

Staying in a hotel room with kids can either be one of the most stressful or enjoyable parts of a vacation. Set a bad tone, and the whole family can be set on edge. But if you are willing to have fun with it, you can turn your shared hotel room into a great bonding experience for your family.

Here are seven tips to having a great time—and getting your kids to go to sleep—in a hotel room while you’re on vacation.

1. Have a positive attitude.

Kids can sense stress, and if they feel like you’re tense about the situation, they will act out. Instead, if you look at it as an opportunity to “camp indoors” during your trip, everyone will feel better about the situation.

2. Order dinner and a movie.

Instead of going out to a restaurant, order room service, or better yet, get delivery from a local pizzeria. You’ll save some money and you’ll create a happy atmosphere in the room you’re going to share. Yes, the price of a pay-per-view movie at a hotel can be as much as $10, but when you compare it to the cost of going to a theatre with two adults and two kids, it’s a steal.

3. Bring games.

If you’re going to have some time to kill before you settle down to bed, have a deck of cards or a board game with you to liven up the evening. You won’t have to rely on the television, and you can have a great time teaching your kids a new game, or revisiting one they’ve played before.

4. Stay at a hotel with a pool.

Giving your kids the opportunity to jump in the pool—no matter what time of year you take your vacation—is a great way for them to burn off some energy and tire them out before bedtime.

5. Bring familiar toys or pillows from home.

Make sure to bring your child’s favorite stuffed toy, pillow or blanket from home. Even if he or she doesn’t seem attached to one item at home, it could be a source of comfort in an unfamiliar room.

6. Lights out.

After dinner, a movie and games, it’s time to settle in for the night. If your kids are used to sleeping in a dark room at home, make your hotel room dark, too. If your little ones sleep with a nightlight or closet light on, re-create that in your room. If you’re not ready to turn in for the night, try reading with a portable book light. Or, better yet, enjoy some quiet time with your spouse on the balcony. You’ll be close enough to hear the kids if they need you but won’t keep them awake.

7. For young ones, bring a portable crib.

Many hotels offer portable cribs so check with yours before your trip. If one is not available, bring a portable one with you. It will be a familiar, safe environment for your child and will allow them to feel comfortable in a new space. Ideally you can put this out of sight of your bed, as your infant/toddler will likely stay awake if he/she can still see you.

Your kids will keep their family vacation memories for a lifetime so make your trip a happy one. Remember to stay calm and relaxed; engage your kids; and, most of all, have fun! Enjoy your family time and follow these simple tips for making yourselves at home in your hotel.

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