One-Day Getaway: The Hotel Pool Vacation
A great pool is the "anchor" of a successful one-night staycation. Look for a hotel that offers a clean, well-maintained pool area. It’s the easiest way to give the kids that "faraway" vacation feeling without ever leaving your zip code.
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The costs for a family vacation can add up fast, from flights for 4 or 5 people to meals that are $100 each (minimum, and that’s for just a casual meal). Some families are going the staycation route, but that doesn’t always feel like an escape. A single-night stay at a hotel with a pool, even if it’s in your neighborhood, is a great middle ground. No flights, no rental cars, and no household chores to worry about!
Why a Single-Night Hotel Stay is a Winner
The whole point of a vacation is to get away for a while, and booking a single night accomplishes this perfectly. You can put day-to-day life out of your mind for 24 hours and enjoy all the amenities your local hotel has to offer. The kids get to jump into a pool and raid the vending machine, while you get to maybe take an hour to relax in the spa or the hot tub (depending on the hotel you choose, of course).
Hotel Amenities for a Great Mini-Vacation
A hotel pool should be first on your list to make this trip a truly exciting adventure. Some hotels, like Great Wolf Lodge, have complete water parks, arcades, and other attractions. The resort-style atmosphere can truly make a single night seem more like a vacation. Here are some of the other features to look for when researching hotels in your area.
Restaurant/room service
While the pool will most likely be the centerpiece of the trip, you’ll also want to think about planning meals. A hotel with an in-house restaurant makes it easy to plan dinner for the evening, while the availability of room service can be great for an extra special late-night snack.
Some hotels may also partner with local pizza places to offer delivery right to your room, so be sure to check with the front desk when you check in. Ask at the front desk for any deals that might be available, as local restaurants sometimes partner with hotels to offer guests discounts on meals.
Hotel breakfast packages
If you do stay at a hotel without a restaurant or room service, there may still be breakfast packages available. A free continental breakfast is always a win with kids (endless bacon and their pick of sugary cereals? You’ll get no complaints there)! Some hotels have discount options that include a paid breakfast for just slightly more than the room rate, so be sure to check out all the offers before you book.
If the hotels near you don’t have continental breakfast options, consider heading out to a local restaurant for breakfast instead. After all, your mini vacation doesn’t have to end at checkout.
Suites with bunks or extra cot availability
Depending on how large your family is, a single room might not be big enough for everyone. Some hotels offer family suites with bunk beds or extra space for cots (which should be provided at no additional charge).
Hotel suites typically offer pullout beds or chairs, plus you get a little bit of extra space for everyone to spread out. If you’re traveling with a baby and don’t feel like bringing the Pack ‘n’ Play, call ahead to see if portable cribs are available. They are typically offered for free, but you may want to bring your own sheets to help your child feel more comfortable at bedtime.
Extra hotel perks
Family-friendly hotels offer some extra perks you might not expect. Loews hotels, for example, have a whole program dedicated to families, including kid-friendly restaurant menus and complimentary kits with bath and diaper products for babies and toddlers.
Hotels with lending libraries let families borrow movies, games, and toys for the night, so you don’t have to pack extra just to enjoy your time away. If you go for a hotel with an indoor water parks, there may be additional entertainment options, such as an arcade, laser tag, or even an indoor playground.
Request Early Check-In
To get the fun started as quickly as possible, request an early check-in time. This will make it easier to drop off your bags and get everyone ready for the pool. Hotels with water parks sometimes allow guests to enjoy the pool and other amenities before checking in (and even after checking out).
It’s a good idea to ask when you book the room, but remember to also ask if there are changing rooms available. You’ll also want to find out how long after checkout you’re able to access the pool or waterpark area. The hotel staff may give you a wrist band that gives you access for the rest of the day.
Pack only the Essentials
You’re only staying for one night, so a change of clothes, swim gear, and pajamas are all that are needed (along with diapers and other essentials for younger kids). You can use some of the extra suitcase space for beach towels from home if you prefer not to use the ones provided by the hotel. If you’re traveling with a baby, ask about having a crib placed in the room and avoid having to drag along the Pack ‘n’ Play or bassinet for just a single night.
Planning a one-day getaway is perfect for giving everyone a break from everyday life, and it can be a great option for a holiday adventure. You can avoid lines at the airport and renting a car while still giving the kids a fun experience they can remember for years to come.
Planning Your Next Family Getaway?
If you’re ready to trade the daily grind for a little hotel magic, these extra resources can help you iron out the details:
Finding the Right Space: Not sure if you need a suite or a separate door? Compare the pros and cons of adjoining hotel rooms versus family suites to find your perfect home base.
Beating the "In-Between" Boredom: Keep the mood high even during downtime with these easy and entertaining toddler activities for the hotel room.
Thinking Bigger? If your single-night staycation has you dreaming of a bigger trip, don't miss the essential guide to flying with little ones without the stress.
