Showing posts with label Family Friendly Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Friendly Travel. Show all posts

Fun Things To Do With Kids Visits the Loews Philadelphia

Lobby of Loews


If you are like my family, winter is always hard to get through. We constantly seek new adventures to get us out of the house. Pre-covid, we would sometimes hop on the train and head to the city to grab a bite to eat or explore Philadelphia. Since covid we have yet to return to the city for some fun. As we were researching our options we learned about the Loews Philadelphia Warm Up and Save package .



View from our room




If you're in Delaware or Chester County, hopping on the train at any suburban station is not as difficult as it seems. And in most cases, you don't even have to buy your ticket ahead of time. Train conductors now take credit with the tap of your phone. Just make sure when heading to Loews you get off at Jefferson Station. 


When arriving at the Loews hotel, you know you are in for a very hip and luxurious time. This art deco-style hotel takes inspiration from its history as the former money center for the elite as the old Philadelphia Savings Fund Society (PSFS) building.


Our check-in was easy, and the staff was courteous and helpful. Loews welcomes kids and families all the way down to the family pet. They believe in making memories with your loved ones. Loews Philadelphia has partnered with HelloBello and Little Spoon to provide kid-approved amenities in their hotel and restaurant. It always makes my children feel welcome when a hotel has something special for them.


    
Grand Room



Our room was on the 30th floor and was called a Grand Room, a recently renovated corner room. This style room offers spectacular 180-degree views of the city. All of the guestrooms at the Loews Philadelphia have all been recently refreshed. The bathrooms now have porcelain mosaic tile, polished nickel, and stand-up showers or low-profile tubs. 


Tent for kids



As part of the Warm Up and Save Package, our room had a Kids Cozy Camping tent, which consisted of a pretend campfire, marshmallows, cups, and plates. This will keep your kids entertained the whole time they are in the room. 



Bank & Bourbon



The Loews Philadelphia has on-site dining at Bank and Bourbon, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel lounge is where guests mingle, relax and unwind after a day in the city.  While unwindinging after long day of checking out the city try the Free Spirited by Loews program. As one of the pioneering hotel brands to embrace the growing trend of mindful consumption, Free Spirited by Loews at Loews Philadelphia Hotel will provide elevated and bespoke bar programming for those who choose to imbibe less or not at all.


As an added touchpoint, Loews Philadelphia Hotel and Bank & Bourbon have seamlessly integrated these specialty cocktails into its standard cocktail menus, with each drink clearly marked by an icon denoting its low or no ABV content. This thoughtful approach ensures that individuals seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages have access to a wide range of options while providing complete transparency and clarity. By incorporating these distinctive indicators directly onto the menus, Loews Philadelphia Hotel ensures all beverages are crafted with the same attention and care.


The lounge has drinks and snacks for you to enjoy. There is also a grab-and-go area called POD Market. You can pick up pastries from many local favorites, including Metropolian Bakery or a cup of coffee from La Colombe Coffee. You can also order room service, which we did for breakfast. We got muffins and the kid's French toast, a decent size for a kid's meal. Everything was delicious.


Lounge

The Loews Philadelphia also has Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon and a fitness center. So you can fit in a quick workout, relax with a massage, or even get your hair styled.


You might be asking what else can you do in the area. The hotel is right next to Reading Terminal Market, the Philadelphia Convention Center, City Hall, the Fashion District, and more. Since you are in Center City, you are within walking distance of many of the historical attractions in Philadelphia. 


If you haven't been to Center City with the family in a while, it might be time to explore the area again. The Loews Philadelphia is really a family destination to check out. The accommodations were beautiful; the staff was friendly and helpful, and the location was easy to get to. Add in a visit to one of many exceptional restaurants in the area, and it is also a great option for a romantic getaway for parents and couples. Hopefully, you and your family can visit Loews Philadelphia so you can make memories, too. 



Warm Up and Save Package

Package includes:

  • Overnight Accommodations
  • Valet Parking for one vehicle
  • $25 In Room Movie Credit per stay
  • Welcome Amenity Treat
  • Upgrade to next room category, based on availability (excluding Suites)
  • Late checkout of 2 pm, based on availability
  • Kids Cozy Camping Tent*, based on availability (*not to take home)

Offer Ends Mar 31, 2024





Watch our video review on YouTube

For more information
: https://www.loewshotels.com/philadelphia-hotel/specials/warm-up-and-save

Location: 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107


This event is appropriate for: the whole family

Hyatt Place in Kent Narrows, Maryland



Recently, we spent two days in Kent Narrows, Maryland, and we stayed at the Hyatt Place Kent Narrows. This hotel is nestled on the picturesque shores of the Chesapeake Bay. This waterfront town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. This destination promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking spacious rooms, waterfront views, complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, fitness facilities, and abundant outdoor spaces to enjoy the scenery.










Spacious Rooms with a View

Upon stepping into the Hyatt Place in Kent Narrows, one is immediately struck by the spaciousness of the guest rooms. The hotel offers a variety of room options, each tastefully decorated and designed for ultimate comfort. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, you'll find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs.

What truly sets the Hyatt Place apart is its breathtaking waterfront views. Many rooms come with private balconies or large windows that provide guests with stunning vistas of the Chesapeake Bay. There's nothing quite like waking up to the sight of boats gliding by and the gentle shimmering sunlight on the water.







Complimentary Breakfast to Start Your Day

A great day starts with a great breakfast; the Hyatt Place in Kent Narrows understands that well. Guests can indulge in a complimentary breakfast buffet featuring a variety of delicious options to cater to all tastes. From freshly baked pastries and cereals to made-to-order omelets and hot coffee, this breakfast ensures you have the energy you need for a day of exploration.






Indoor Pool and Fitness Room

The Hyatt Place offers a modern fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment for those who wish to maintain their fitness routine or unwind. After a satisfying workout, you can take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. Whether you prefer laps or lounging by the poolside, it's a great way to relax and rejuvenate during your stay.



Outdoor Bliss

The Hyatt Place in Kent Narrows has mastered the art of making the most of its stunning waterfront location. There are plenty of places to sit outside and soak in the views. From comfortable lounge chairs on the hotel's expansive waterfront deck to peaceful benches scattered around the property, you can find your perfect spot to unwind. The gentle rustling of leaves, the salty breeze, and the calming sound of the water create a relaxing atmosphere.



Close to Dining Delights

When it's time to venture beyond the hotel, you'll be pleased to discover that Hyatt Place is ideally located close to many dining options. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, hearty steaks, or international cuisine, you'll find it just a short stroll away. Some restaurants even offer outdoor seating with equally mesmerizing water views, enhancing your dining experience.


Affordable Rates 

Considering this is a waterfront hotel with incredible views located next to world-class Maryland seafood restaurants and dockside bars, the room rate will astound you, and it is only 1.5 hours away from the Philadelphia suburbs.   



Check out what to do in Kent Narrows

Places to Eat in Kent Narrows

Spring Break Travel Ideas to do with the Kids

Looking for a family-friendly getaway during Spring Break? We have picked out some of our favorite places to visit.  All of our picks are driveable and no more than a few hours from the Philadelphia suburbs.




1. DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster PA.  There is so much to do at this family-friendly resort.  This 185-room resort is very family friendly, but it's also perfect for a weekend getaway without the kids.  The hotel is about a 10-15 minute drive to the Strasburg Rail RoadChoo Choo BarnCherry Crest Adventure Farm and other Lancaster attractions.





2. Kalahari Resort in the Pocono Mountains. If you are looking for a water park adventure then Kalahari will keep everyone happy and entertained.  Kalahari is just under two hours away from the Philadelphia area. Kalahari is truly a family oriented place and they have thought of everything to keep all members of the family happy and occupied while on vacation. 



The National Harbor area is located on the banks of the Potomac River and it has plenty of activities to keep the family busy, take a breathtaking ride on the Capital Wheel or a spin on the Carousel. Explore the area with Water Taxis or a Sight Seeing Cruises
There are two great resorts to stay in while visiting the area Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center and The Residence Inn


Baltimore has something for everyone. Younger kids will enjoy Port Discovery Museum, which offers 3 floors of hands-on activities for the kids. National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Museum are also must see places when visiting the Harbor
If you want to stay check out the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Maryland that is within walking distance to all the attractions.



5. Williamsburg Virginia
The Williamsburg area has plenty of activities to keep your family busy.  Head to Busch Gardens for some family thrills.  Take a step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown or Jamestown Settlement.





Grand Cascades Lodge is a beautiful and well-appointed AAA 4-Diamond hotel located in Hamburg, New Jersey.  The main attraction for families at the hotel is the Biosphere, which is an indoor pool complex with an aquarium, vortex pools, and caves, and lush tropical foliage; year-round outdoor heated pool; 140-foot waterslide.  There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep the family busy.  

Tip on Saving Money While Visiting Washington DC

A few weeks ago my family and I attended a convention in Washington DC.  I was trying to keep the cost down since I was paying for both of my children to attend the convention, I spent a lot of time researching a money saving way and I wanted to share what I discovered with my readers.  

Many families from our area take trips into Washington to see the sites.  Many of the hotels in D.C. have high parking costs $30-$50 a night.  If you drive into to Washington there is free parking in the mall area but it's hard to find unless you're there very early in the morning.  If you find a parking garage you can pay $25 or more a day to park your car.

After some research, I found out that if I stayed in the town of Bethesda and took the red line metro into D.C. We would be in walking distance to the convention.  I never knew how easy and convenient it was.



Where to Stay
We found the Hyatt Regency Bethesda, which is right by the entrance of the Metro.  Which turned out to be perfect because it was raining on Saturday.  The Hyatt was just renovated and was gorgeous and perfect for our family.  I loved the modern finishes in the room.  The kids loved the mirror showed the time.  The staff at the Hyatt were so helpful with helping us find restaurants, offering umbrellas to use when it was pouring rain and giving us tips on riding the metro.



Bethesda
The town of Bethesda is a great town for families everything was a no more than a 10-minute walk from our hotel.  Plenty of restaurants to choose from and many different price points.  For instance, they had budget friendly choices like &pizzaNoddles & Company to a romantic date night Morton's Steak House.  If you want a special treat after dinner or lunch Georgetown Cupcake is there and also a frozen yogurt store. We loved window shopping after dinner at all of the boutiques.



Riding the Metro
Since we arrived after dinner on Friday night we decided to check out the metro before we needed to board it on Saturday morning.  I do have to warn you there is a very steep and long escalator that you need to take to get to the Metro.  You can purchase passes right at the station you load the SmarTrip card with money and you can use the card over and over just reload it with more money. I found the Metro station clean and the metro cars were clean.  Coming from Bethesda and going into DC you pass many stops, for instance, the zoo, Smithsonian, Dupont Circle, and so much more that are perfect for sightseeing in the area. The D.C. Metro website has tools for you to plan your trip using the Metro.


Overall, we found staying in Bethesda and taking the Metro a fun experience and would do it again.  My husband and I couldn't get over how easy it was and how much money we saved on parking and the stress of driving in the DC area.









Big Changes Coming to Kalahari Resorts in the Pocono Mountains



If you ever visited  Kalahari Resorts before, you will want to plan a return trip. If you haven't been there before, it's time to start planning your trip.

This past week I got a sneak peak of all the new things coming to Kalahari Resorts.  The resort will truly have something for everyone in you family, no matter what age they are.

This March, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains will become the home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark – dethroning the current title holder, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio.



The indoor waterpark will have 8 new slides

    Screaming Hyena:
    A trap-door start that drops into a near-vertical plunge.

    Sahara Sidewinder:
    An indoor looping waterslide that takes guests on a 250-plus-foot journey.

    Kenya’s Korkscrew: Zig-zag slide

    Zig-Zag Zebra: Tunnel slide
    Cheetah Race Mat Slide:
    Challenge your friends to see who gets down the hill fastest

During this expansion, Kalahari has added 520 rooms. They also added a few suites so you can bring your whole family and even your extended family, with the option of 3 bedroom suites or five bedroom suites. With the addition of these suites, you will have plenty of room to relax and spend holidays or special occasions with your family.

Kalahari will be adding some new dining options too. I had the chance to try samples of food that will be served at the restaurants and guest will be in for a special treat. This is not your typical resort food, you will be enjoying gourmet food.




Double Cut Charcoal Grill/Liquor Bar:
Kalahari’s signature steakhouse experience featuring: premium cuts of meat, craft cocktails, family style sides and more



Sortino's Italian Kitchen:

The menu will include: wood-fired pizza, Italian family dining, a large variety of wines and more. 





Marrakesh Market:
Grab and go convenience bazaar style shopping, unique gifts, authentic-African items and everyday needs.

Even more family fun:

If you get tired of the waterpark you will be able to check out the new virtual reality experience, The Arena.  Guest can step into the virtual reality and play with other guests.

If you want some outdoor adventure check out Gorilla Grove Treetop Outdoor Aerial Adventure Park (now open)

Kalahari Resorts continues to be a top-notch family friendly resort for families looking for a weekend getaway or a family reunion.   





Disclosure: Thanks, Kalahari Resorts for arranging for our complimentary stay to facilitate this article. As always all thoughts and opinions are our own.