The indoor pool at the Marriot Courtyard in Niagara Falls

When our oldest son’s hockey coach did his research on the best place for the entire team to stay during a Niagara Falls tournament last year, he analyzed 10 hotels in the area and as a group, we decided on the Marriott Courtyard.

For the group discounted rate we managed to secure, the Marriott Courtyard was at the edge of the main streets leading into Niagara Falls excitement and the kids were in awe of their surroundings. Once done at the rinks for the day, all the families ventured into the museums and attractions at night, and all were within a few minutes walking distance.

The standard room with two queen-sized beds provides ample room for families.

As hockey parents lugging equipment, suitcases, younger siblings and all that comes with them, we were overly impressed with the fact that there was more than enough ample parking in such a busy area of town.  The rooms were enormous of a family of four, and ours came with two queen sized beds.  There was more than enough space to spread out hockey equipment between games and the list of things for families to do is long if you’re so inclined and don’t mind spending a few bucks in this tourist mecca.

The staff at the Marriott was ready for anything.  They were courteous and patient with so many kids running around (we weren’t the only tourney parents there and there were a ton of kids in the hotel).  While they didn’t staff the pool with a lifeguard, the staff that did pop in stopped any kids from horsing around in the pool, employing a hands off policy so you know, nobody drowned.  Knowing how the hockey team likes to play wrestle, I was grateful they couldn’t do it in the pool.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar inside the hotel offered up a breakfast spread that made the boys go wild.  Everything little boys could ever want was there for the taking and the coffee was delicious.

Lastly, the entire staff all seemed to be extremely familiar with the area and were instrumental in getting us to our arenas on time.

We’re looking at Niagara Falls again this year for our hockey tournament and I sure hope we stay at the Marriott again.  It was a 5 star in terms of convenience, customer service and low stress for hockey moms and dads, which is especially good for a 3 star hotel.

Photos credit: Marriott Courtyard

Safety While Traveling Is Common Sense

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, alone or with family, it’s important to think about precautions and general common sense to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Hotel Security:

1. Ask questions before you decide on your hotel.  Does the hotel have security personnel on site around the clock?  Do they have surveillance cameras?  Are background checks performed on staff?  Are staff trained for emergencies?  Any hotel worth it’s salt will have taken these steps to ensure guest and staff safety.
2. Staying alone?  Do not hesitate to ask for an escort to your room or car during off hours.  Ask for a map of the hotel and know your nearby exits.
3. Opt for hotels that use key cards.
4. When choosing a hotel, steer clear of close proximity to government offices, embassies, landmarks or religious centers.
5. Avoid taking a room on the ground floor, especially those with patio doors.  Avoid near the lobby, stairwells and elevators.  The safest rooms are between the 3rd and 7th floors: high enough to deter would-be criminals, low enough that the firemen can reach you by ladder in the unfortunate event some idiot fell asleep smoking in their bed.
6. Ensure there are sprinklers in your room.  See #5.
7. If the desk clerk that checked you in announces your room number while handing you your key card, ask for a different room.  That’s right up there with the genius customs agent who asked a friend of mine why he was carrying $4000 in cash (he was going to Vegas and some scumbags overheard the exchange – thanks customs agent, I need new pants now and a getaway car.)
8. Do not use the provided door hanger to request maid service or room service, especially if the latter indicates your meal is for one.  Call in your requests instead.
9. Use valet parking instead of venturing into the parking garage, even if it is well lit.

Laptop Safety:

10. Perform a full backup before you leave.  Nuff said.
11.Turn off file & print sharing and disable shared drives & folders before logging onto the hotel’s network.
12.  Lock your laptop in a suitcase to deter thieves.  Some people go so far as to put their electronic gear in a steel suitcase and use a bike lock to chain it to a large piece of furniture.  It may be the only thing you chain to your bed on this trip, but hey.

13. Don’t turn your back on it, ever.  Even in the middle of a presentation, hard drives go missing when the speaker goes to answer questions.

Personal Safety:

14. Know your whereabouts at all times.

15. Watch your alcohol consumption.  Being impaired in a strange place can lead to some very shady situations.  Furthermore, do not turn your back on your drink and if you do, order a new one and leave the old one.  Spending a few extra bucks to spare yourself from rohypnol – priceless.

16. Beware of overly friendly people.  Do not invite them back to your hotel room even if you’ve been laughing it up with them and they seem cool.

17. Program your cell phone with all your emergency contacts.  Besides the obvious family members, consider adding your lawyer, insurance company and your favorite bail bondsman.

Keeping the Kids Safe:

18. Before leaving: have recent pictures of the kids, ensure kids know the hotel name and where you are staying, and make plans in the event you are separated.
19. Never allow your kids to wander the hotel alone.  Besides the obvious safety factors (the pool, the workout room equipment, leaving the hotel and stepping into traffic), children are susceptible to kidnapping in this day and age of human trafficking.
20. If you’re going to use the hotel crib, check it over very carefully.  Better yet, bring your own portable crib if you can.  Hotels cannot be relied on to provide a safe crib.
21. Upon arriving, check your room over carefully as well.  Move dangerous items such as the hair dryer, coffee pot, toiletries, glasses and dry cleaning bag.  Cover electrical outlets.  Move furniture away from windows, check window latches and tie up blind cords.  Look from the perspective of your little one by crawling around on the floor.  Then, see #5.
22. Wash your hands and your children’s hands regularly.  Nobody needs projectile vomiting while on vacation.
23. Set the rules right away.  Grown ups answer the door, no one wanders off, stay together and don’t touch the mini-bar.  Stuff like that will keep your spawn safe and your amenities bill in check.

This may sound like a lot of information, but a little forward planning and a lot of common sense can make the difference between vacation and ending up sick, lost, hungover, drugged, robbed, hurt, on fire, dead, and/or childless.

Guest Post by Leigh Caldwell of ThemeParkMom.

New Englanders may experience a sense of déjà vu upon checking into Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. After a long flight (or waayyyy longer drive), you arrive at the gates of your hotel at Mickey’s house and it’s a … Martha’s Vineyard seaside home! In Florida! At Walt Disney World!

Martha's Vineyard? Nope! Disney's Yacht Club Resort!

Once you get over the initial feeling that the Yacht Club may be out of place, though, you start to notice just how well Disney has replicated the “summer in New England” feel. This luxury hotel was designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, who is best known for – you guessed it – East Coast seaside homes.

The spacious lobby is your first experience with the hotel’s nautical theme, with wooden floors, lots of brass fixtures and staff members in navy blue blazers. The whole thing has such a relaxing feel that I think I let out an audible sigh or two at the front desk.

The Guest Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

That nautical theme carries through to the guest rooms, which have nautical themed bedding and fixtures. A mirror with a carved “rope” border is finished at the top with a sailor’s knot in the shape of Mickey’s famous ears.

Nautical Mickey in the bathrooms

Rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club are equipped with dorm-size refrigerators, desks and lots of drawer space. Disney clearly thought through the idea that a family of four might need to unpack a week’s worth of clothes in a guest room.

I was particularly impressed with the double sinks and mirror area of the guest rooms. Double sinks are wonderful for families trying to get up and out early to go to the Walt Disney World theme parks.

One of my biggest complaints with hotels in general is the precious little space allotted to spread out your makeup and other necessities on hotel bathroom vanities, but that’s not the case here. There is a wide ledge and shelves under the sinks to store toiletries.

Of course, there are 34 resort hotels at Walt Disney World. Why choose a stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort?

Lakeside at Disney

In my opinion, there are two major things that distinguish the Yacht Club from other resorts on Disney property.

Location, Location, Location

First, is the hotel’s location. The Yacht Club and its siamese twin, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, sit on the shores of Crescent Lake. That means EPCOT’s International Gateway Entrance – the one nearest the “World Showcase” area of the theme park – is just a walk or short boat ride away. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also accessible by boat, and Disney’s Boardwalk, with restaurants, carnival games and nightclubs, is directly across the lake, just a short walk or boat ride away.

Buses will take you to other Walt Disney World recreation areas, but this proximity to two of Disney’s theme parks and the many choices for food outside of the park at the Boardwalk make Disney’s Yacht Club one of the most convenient places to stay at Walt Disney World.

Taking A Dip

But the best part of this hotel? The pool. Well, it’s more than a pool, really. Stormalong Bay has three lagoon areas, including one for younger kids. There’s a life-sized shipwreck there, with water slides built into it. The bottom of the pool is covered in sand, which makes it completely unique in my book. I’ve never seen anything like it.

There is a full slate of activities planned each day at Stormalong Bay, including sand-castle building contests, dance parties, karaoke and kid’s crafts. On the “beach” built on the shore of Crescent Lake, there is a campfire every night, followed by a movie shown on a large, outdoor screen. If you choose to stay at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort on your next Walt Disney World vacation, be sure to schedule a day to stay at the resort and play in this amazing recreation area.

The biggest drawback I saw at the Yacht Club is one that carries through nearly every Walt Disney World hotel: These places are sprawling, and that means there could be a lot of walking between your room and the lobby. Be sure to look for alternate paths. While I had to snake through four hallways to get to my room from the hotel lobby, my walk was significantly shorter when I went down the nearest stairwell and cut across the pool area to get there.

The Yacht Club hotel is considered a “deluxe resort” at Walt Disney World. It offers a health club, spa and restaurant choices from a quick bite to a formal steakhouse. Prices start at $335 per night.

Kid Friendly Hotels

Picking the right hotel for your vacation is about much more than finding the best price.

When looking for a hotel, it’s a good idea to consider the kind of vacation you’re taking, who is staying with you, and what kind of hotel amenities are best suited for your unique vacation.

In other words, the best hotel for a romantic getaway may not be the best hotel for a family vacation with two small children.

Kid Friendly Hotels – What Amenities to Look For

1.  Continental Breakfast available on-site.

Small children don’t need an elaborate meal three times a day.  They do, however, need something for breakfast.  The more easily accessible, the better.

While a nicer hotel may have a restaurant that offers a full buffet and omelet bar, I much prefer an inexpensive hotel with a simply stocked continental breakfast when I’m traveling with my kids.  It’s generally a lot easier to set little kids up with a bowl of cereal in a small dining area that accepts footie pajamas as part of their dress code.  Traveling with kids means a lot of time spent in restaurants, and any chance to avoid that stress while still getting a decent meal is worth watching out for.

2. A pool is a plus.  A jacuzzi is completely unnecessary.

Little kids love to swim.  Or, at the very least, they love the idea of swimming – even if the reality is sitting on the pool steps for hours in their swimsuits.  But their expectations are low when it comes to a good hotel pool.

Water?  Great.  Shallow end?  Fantastic.  Clean?  If mom says so.  A jacuzzi and sauna room are less than an afterthought and should, in fact, be avoided by small children if possible.

3.  Extra sleeping area available – pullout couches, cots, massive floor space.

I always underestimate how much sleeping room my children are going to need when we travel.

“Oh, the little one can sleep with us.”

“Hey, the two little ones can bunk together.”

And then the little one is jammed between two big people in a double sized bed and the two big people end up with very little sleep.  Or the two little ones decide that this is the night that they cannot stand anymore of her touching me!

I’m all about giving up a little convenience to save a few bucks, but a good night of sleep when you’re on vacation is much more than a convenience.  Check with the hotel before you book to verify the size of the beds and the availability of cots.

4.  A bathtub.  Not just a shower – an actual bathtub.

If your kids are used to showering at home, than this is a non issue.  But if you’re traveling with a toddler, you may not want to introduce showering and water in the eyes on your oh so perfect family vacation.

Some hotels offer stand up showers only in some rooms, but have regular sized bathtubs in other rooms.  If you book your reservation by phone, ask about a room with a tub.  If you book your room online to save money, call the property you’re staying at after you’ve booked and request a room with a tub.

Ironically, you’ll usually find these amenities in a less expensive hotel.  Luxury is, apaprently, reserved for adults.  But when you’re on a family vacation, the best luxury is being able to stay some place where everyone in the family can feel relaxed and at home.

As hotel obsessives (yes, like me) know, the Ritz-Carlton is the gold standard for service. Executives and sales departments from other industries study them to learn how to treat their most valued clients. And guests of the Ritz-Carlton consistently rave about the attention to detail and care they enjoy while staying at the properties.

The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, CA

Seriously, it’s real. For a former job, we’d put our (ridiculously rich) Board of Directors up in the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton, on Nob Hill — they demanded to stay there. I’d go running up there to do whatever gofer stuff they needed, and even then, when I was a totally junior peon, every single staff person was the picture of friendly solicitousness. They greet you at the door with a smile, everything is ready for you in a nanosecond, and if you have to wait someone brings you chilled water. On a silver tray. It’s delightful.

Yes, special tuxedo chocolate strawberries. Note the silver tray!

Like so many wonderful things in life, you have to experience it to really understand it, and it can be a bit pricey — a luxury in the most traditional sense.

Before you sigh in wishful yearning, and decide you’ll never know, check this out: This summer the Ritz-Carlton is placing that luxury (a little more) within reach with special value packages.

Not a sale, not a discount, an added value package.

A room at the SF Ritz-Carlton. Check out the view!

I’m especially impressed by the “Peace of Mind” package, which is all about relaxing and creating memories, in gorgeous locations like San Francisco (of course!), Maui, Key Biscayne, the Virgin Islands, Europe and the Middle East. The package includes:

• deluxe room accommodations
• full American breakfast for two served in the restaurant (and their restaurants are always fabulous)
• daily internet access and local phone calls
• overnight parking
• Ritz Kids special activities program for two kids
• three nights for the price of two; five nights for the price of three; and a week for the price of only four nights

Did you see that last bullet? The one in bold? A week for the price of four nights? You can do this! Make your reservations now!

This package is only available through September 30, 2009 and the rate will depend on which location. Visit the “One Vacation” page of the Ritz-Carlton site to get all the details and check availability. Then prepare to experience the good life!