In an attempt to draw more family travelers, many hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada now offer activities for every member of the family: while the kids are playing, Dad can golf while Mom enjoys a facial. Later, parents can enjoy a relaxing, romantic dinner without interruption. Don't worry, your kids will be so busy listening to stories, playing parachute games and meeting new friends, they'll hardly miss you.
For a taste of tropical splendor, visit the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego where everyday you and your kids will uncover something new and exciting to do.
THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIAThe "Dell," a sprawling Victorian beachfront resort, has provided the backdrop for many television shows and movies, including SOME LIKE IT HOT and LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS.
What's there for you: Beautiful beach, tennis, scuba-diving, rental sailboats, canoes, whale-watching excursions, rental bikes and family activities such as marshmallow roasts, beach volleyball, cooking demonstrations and bingo.
What's there for kids: Supervised activities for children ages four and older from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. daily. Kid's Camp features games, sand castle building, songs, swimming, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts. The camp costs $35 a day for the first child and $30 for each additional child. The cost also includes a T-shirt.
Seasonality: Open from late June to Labor Day and during holiday periods.
Ratio of caregivers to children: One-to-six
Worth special mention: The hotel has a relationship with a baby-sitting service, for an additional fee, can watch your children who are ages three and younger.
Cost: A room for a family of four starts at $290 per night.
For more information: Log onto The Hotel Del Coronado's Web site or call 800-HOTEL-DEL.
For more information on resorts in general, click on the following links: questions to ask before booking and tips on child safety.
Jeanne Muchnick lives in Larchmont, New York, with her two daughters.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.
