Summer is the perfect time for family getaways. When I was a kid, my family would pack up the car and make the trip over the mountains and through the woods to Lake Tahoe. It was my favorite place in the world, and I imagine it would still be a favorite if I had the chance to go back now. But alas, the drive to Tahoe from California is much easier to make than the Maryland-to-Tahoe drive.
In the last few years, we’ve made it a tradition to drive to a near-by state (Pennsylvania, Virginia, or New York) for an extended weekend outing. I love getting away without the hassle of lengthy travel, but regardless of the distance, it can still be a challenge to find a suitable (and affordable) hotel to put up a family of seven (and often a larger group when we travel with my mom, sister, and niece!).
According to a Mom Central poll of 1300 Moms, 66% plan on staying at a hotel this summer – with most families citing an affordable price, plenty of space, and a convenient location as important factors. I also look for features like a pool and ease of room access (carting 5 sleepy kids and their bedding and luggage up 3 flights of stairs is not my idea of fun!). Finding a hotel in the right location, at the right price is not an easy task.
Enter Residence Inn by Marriott. Here’s what I learned about the new changes that are happening at the Residence Inn:
Originally intended for extended-stay business travelers, and feeling more like an apartment than a hotel room, these newly renovated suites are designed to meet all of your family’s needs on the road. Their more than 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada feature suites that include free hot breakfast daily, free Internet access, and some even have a door that separates the bedrooms from the living area for extra privacy and a much needed family breather at the end of a long day. Whether it’s a week-long stay or just a long weekend of exploration – Residence Inn makes family vacations a lot more comfortable. Have a picky eater and want to cook their favorite meal? Each suite harbors a full sleek kitchen with microwave, stove or cooktop, dishwasher, dining table with stools and gorgeous marble countertops. When you just want to relax after running from landmark to scenic view, most properties have a pool and outdoor recreational spaces for kids to run off any remaining energy. With all these features, plus incredibly spacious rooms, modern bathrooms and a cozy living area (with pull-out couches), Residence Inn by Marriott offers a home-away-from-home for families on the road.
Sounds nice to me!
After looking at their website and taking a peak at some of the rooms and resorts, I am ready to pack up the car and take a road trip. I might have to wait til the kids are out of school before we head out of town, though. Destination? Hmm. I might have to go for Hershey, PA for another trip to Hershey Park. Or maybe Williamsburg, VA for a visit to Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.
Where do you dream of going this Summer?
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Residence Inn by Marriott and received a chance to win a weekend stay at a Residence Inn to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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I dare to dream of Sedona, AZ.
.-= sheila´s last blog ..Driving Ms. Crazy =-.
I grew up in San Jose and Pleasanton. And, yes, I consider myself spoiled, too! :)
Where did you drive to Tahoe from? It is one of my favorite places to go having grown up in Palo Alto. It is also the reason why I don’t consider skiing in the Mid-Atlantic skiing! Guess I was too spoiled by the Sierras growing up!
.-= Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama´s last blog ..LeapFrog’s Leapster Explorer Promotes Learning on the Go =-.
We stayed at Comfort Something when we went cross country. I loved the two-room suites! Definitely made the hotel experience with lots of kiddos more enjoyable for us!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Toilet Paper Roll Architecture Activity =-.
I don’t care. I just want out of my messy house. Is that bad?
.-= Cecily R´s last blog ..365 and Week 23 =-.