City hotels are offering spas, gaming zones and buffets especially for kids as the little ones are fast becoming opinion makers of the hospitality world
Book a spa session, relish an exotic brunch and get all the attention as you relax at the poolside and make some new pals. But take note, all these services are exclusive to only those who are below 12 years of age. Interestingly, children have become valued customers for hotels as they are coming up with exclusive services for their ‘little’ clients. There are kids’ zones, spas, buffets, games, babysitters and staff dedicated to children.
Kiddies corner
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts recently released the Insider Guide to Travelling with Children, providing useful advice to plan enjoyable family vacations. The hotel chain has ‘Planet Trekkers Kids Club’ for children aged four to 12. Depending on the destination, the planet trekkers activities could include learning a new language, umbrella painting and releasing sea turtles with fellow young explorers. “We are just about to launch the InterContinental Planet Trekkers Menu in the region, designed exclusively for children. The menu will feature nutritionally balanced and exciting dishes that promise to take our young guests on an exciting culinary voyage around the world,” says a spokesperson from the hotel. The kids at Eros Hotel are given special attention during their stay. In case a kid is stepping out of the main porch, the special duty manager keeps an eye on him. Their weekend package offers complimentary meals for kids up to five years 50 per cent off on up to 15 years. They also have DVDs, books, games and toys for children. At Taj Mahal hotel, outdoor activities are a must for kids which can be facilitated at the poolside lawns. “There are specifics in room amenities that await our little guests like candies, games, toiletries, books, DVDs, movies and toys. Crafted carefully to delight the kids, there are ‘rickshaw’ toys placed in the room prior to the check-in. Young adults and kids can choose a healthy meal from the various in-room dining options and can end their meal with a personalised dessert that has their name engraved on it,” says lakshay Nirula, Head, les Clef d’Or Concierge, Taj Mahal Hotel. Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort has a separate section for kids inside the resort. ‘Wet Feet’ offers fun-filled day for the kids with activities like mask making, balloon busting, treasure hunt, cartoons et al. At Shangri-la’s- Eros Hotel, New Delhi, children of registered hotel guests under the age of six can enjoy complimentary buffet meals in Cafe Uno when accompanied by a paying adult, up to a maximum of two children. Kids can also enjoy a special child’s placement menu featuring games and quizzes along with mouth watering delicacies such as fresh garden greens, catalan salad, macaroni cheese, peanut butter sandwich, creamy mashed potato, banana split among others.
Small choice
Nowadays, children do influence family matters. Be it travel, entertainment or dining, parenting decisions are conditioned around their kids. “Kids are important guests since they are decision-makers. If they are impressed with services, they would get ensure parents return to the same place,” says Umesh Dalal, assistant F&B manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon. Since nuclear families have become a norm, parents have no choice but to take their kids along, even on business trips. “In that case, we entertain kids till the time the parent is out. Our guests, who are out on business trips, demand for babysitters. We have trained staff for kids,” he adds. The ideal family vacation is the one where parents and children both spend quality time together and also get ‘me’ time. “Parents do need their own leisure time. So while they are out in spas or diving in pools, we take care of their babies with number of engaging activities,” says Dalal.
Challenges galore
Deciding on a location for a family vacation can be challenging, especially with the abundance of destination, travel, sightseeing, activity options. There are a number of factors to take into account when you plan a holiday with your children. “Ask your children. Include them in the decision making process over a meal and get everyone excited about the destination together. This provides the whole family with a sense of ownership and encourages a shared vacation agenda that both adults and children can look forward to,” reads the guide by InterContinental.
Hotels are an important factor for parents while planning a vacation with kids. Savvy parents look for amenities such as kid pools, drop-in kids club, crèche and interconnecting or family rooms. Many hotels, too, offer family rooms with bunk beds for kids which work very well for a family of four (parents plus two kids) both in terms of experience and cost advantage. MakeMyTrip has launched a new range of ‘Child-friendly holidays’ with customised lodging, itinerary and sight-seeing to make a perfect family vacation.