Vacationing is on the rise as spring break and summer vacations are approaching fast. Many families in the area have told me that they are looking for great weekend getaways and day trips. Did you know that vacation planning is at a high? Over 70 percent of Americans are expected to travel for leisure in 2017. Hotels are working hard to meet the growing needs of the importance of family bonding and creating special memories. Lodging is no longer just a place to sleep… hotels are becoming more invested in offering amenities to make travel planning easier and especially more kid-friendly. Our family travels a great deal is hoping to bring you some great ideas for spring break travel over the next few weeks. Today I want to talk about choosing a hotel by sharing a few tips that I have learned:
Know what your family wants and needs:
Every family is different and has different needs and desires. So think about what defines your family’s dream hotel stay? We value quality, service, amenities and special features. When in our budget we prefer a spacious and home-like suite. A swimming pools and on-site restaurants with a kid menus is a requirement and if they have free breakfast…even better.
Know which affordable hotels are the best bang for your buck:
Starwood and Marriott have merged; it’s great that they have merged so you can collect points towards free stays easier. I enjoy staying in Residence Inns By Marriott. What’s great about this choice is that most of the properties keep up to date on renovations, have contemporary and stylish lobbies, suites with separate bedrooms, complimentary breakfast and mostly always a pool. Always at a affordable price! If you are looking for other great hotels while on a budget try Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Express.
Booking the room:
I honestly avoid booking through third parties and have found that the best pricing is found by booking online through the hotel directly. If you have the option to book with AAA, military or government rate you can save a lot of money on your room by just booking directly through the hotel. Plus you can earn free nights through rewards.
Williamsburg Recommendations:
Two weeks ago we stayed at Springfield Suites Marriott. I was very pleased with the stylish room decor, comfortable beds and implacable service. The rooms are huge; in the standard room you will find a studio set up with two beds, couch and mini kitchen. The price was perfect and we saved lots of money by enjoying free breakfast at the hotel before starting our day.
SpringHill Suites Marriott
1644 Richmond Rd.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
http://www.williamsburgsuiteshotel.com/
Just this weekend during the Busch Gardens season opening we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg. This hotel has one of the most beautiful lobby’s I have ever seen. I love that they serve fresh baked cookies during happy hour and always have refreshments like lemon infused water and coffee and tea available complimentary to guests. The boys were thrilled that there was a indoor pool. The rooms are kept nice and the beds are very comfortable.
Hilton Garden Inn Williamsburg
1624 Richmond Rd.
Williamsburg, VA 23185
I hope that everyone has safe and happy travels this Spring break and throughout the year.
***The Playful Parent is not paid to endorse companies. I write recommendations based on my own experience to help make traveling easier for families.***
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