The Langham Boston Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World that is housed in what was originally the Federal Reserve Bank, is in a prime location to enjoy the sights and attractions of Boston: the New England Aquarium, the Children’s Museum and Boston Harbor are all within a 10 minute walk, and various shopping districts are between 5 and 20 minutes walk away.

Deluxe room, The Langham Boston Hotel, copyright Langham Hotels & Resorts

Note we’ve talked about a lot of walking. While most of us travel with our familiar strollers in tow, if you’re staying at the Langham you can leave the Maclaren at home – a stroller is but one of several thoughtful inclusions in the Langham Hotel’s  V.I.B. “Very Important Baby” package. The list is long – and also includes separate amenities for Very Important Big Brothers or Sisters. We love that special touch, because let’s face it – some of us have more than one child, and it’s nice to know that they’re all being thought of and attended to in appropriate ways. Check out the laundry list of items for this package, with our highlights on the unusual (and appreciated) perks: (more…)

The entrance to the hotel
copyright, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa

If your children are fascinated with fish, sharks and aquatic life in general, this family package from The Chester Grosvenor and Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, will delight them. The hotel is located in the heart of Chester and is a mere 15 minutes from the Blue Planet Aquarium, with whom they’ve partnered to create this package.

-Two interconnecting rooms for two adults and up to three children
-A family pass to the Blue Planet Aquarium
-An adoption certificate and commemorative photograph for your child’s adopted fish (kids get to choose from a Caribbean Leopard Shark, a Clownfish (“Nemo fish”), a red-eared terrapin and a Piranha!)
-An Information pack about the adoptee’s species
-Full English breakfast
-24 hour car parking

The Aquatunnel at Blue Planet Aquarium
copyright, Blue Planet Aquarium

Chester is located in the northwestern part of England and the area is well-knowned for its Roman history and striking architecture. Other sights to take in around Chester: the Norman cathedral, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Chester Zoo, Britain’s biggest. Take advantage of shopping at Chester’s famous ‘Rows’ and in the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village.

A Classic Room at The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
copyright, The Chester Grosvenor and Spa

Rates for this package are approximately $750US a night per family and the package is available until further notice. To check availability or to book this package, visit their website or call +44 (0)1244 324024.

We don’t know about you, but to us this has been an odd winter. Just when we thought we were getting by with a relatively mild season and were headed blissfully into spring, temperatures went below freezing. Then we had some beautiful days that turned out to be flukes, because where we are, we’re in for a cold Easter. No, we don’t care that it was still a short winter with a rather late arrival – where we are, it was snowing outside today, and we’re a tad snippy about it.

So of course, we’re thinking of places where the weather is warm with no hint of snow. (You will find we are warm-weather fans here, although we try to keep in mind that, much as we hate it, some of you actually like snow…) For us, the first place that comes to mind is Miami, a city we happen to love. While you often hear about the celebrity scene, hot clubs, and newest restaurants, Miami is definitely not just for singles and celebs.

Oriental Suite bedroom, The Mandarin Oriental, Miami

The Mini MO package from one of Miami’s first-rate hotels, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, delivers fun for adults and children, both on and off the property. The 3-night package includes:
-Luxurious accommodations
-American breakfast daily
-A complimentary crib or rollaway bed
-Age appropriate kids’ welcome gift, special bathroom amenities and bathrobes
-Complimentary DVD player and and iPod upon request
-A family picnic on the private beach with a beach butler
-Entrance to Miami Children’s Museum, which includes: admission for the day including access to the Museum’s 14 exhibit galleries, one rock climb per child and adult on the 30-foot Mt. MiCiMu rock climbing wall and lunch.
-Complimentary Valet Parking

Special Touches: Among many welcoming features for children is the hotel spa’s little yoga program for the 5-11 group, in which the kids can contort themselves into cool animal poses.

Oasis Beach Club, The Mandarin Oriental, Miami

The Mini MO package is available through May 31. From now until April 30, rates for the 3-night package begin at $1899 for a superior room. From May 1 to 31, rates begin at $1689 for a superior room. To book this package or for further information, click here, or call the Mandarin Oriental reservation line at 866.526.6567