The summer alpine wildflower season is in full swing. We visited Verbier in Switzerland with Mother of All Trips and her kids last week are were greeted with a sea of flowers.

Alpine wildflowers galore in the Swiss Alps

All-family hiking is one of our favorite summer activities in the mountains. Kids of all ages can hike — it’s all about choosing age-appropriate terrain and engaging kids in the experience along the way. Keeping hikes short helps too. Be sure and read our article on tips for hikes with kids for more advice on optimizing the fun factor for all.

Giant wild Lupines

For more Photo Friday posts, head to Delicious Baby.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Switzerland family hotels

Kid-friendly hiking in Mürren, Switzerland

Tips for taking a boat tour on Lake Geneva

Tips for skiing in Verbier with kids

Photos of Mont Blanc summit in summer

Resorts have all sorts of wonderful ways to make families feel at home. Teddy bears on beds, cookies and milk, and welcome baskets full of kid-friendly goodies, just to name a few. Those extra touches don’t go unnoticed. In fact they often turn visitors into repeat visitors. But every now and then you come across a resort that WOW’s you and turns a family vacation from ordinary to extraordinary. At the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa outside Austin, Texas, extraordinary is an everyday occurrence.

Kid-Friendly Review of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

Crooked River Water Park

When I arrived with my 11 year-old daughter, all she could think about was the pool. We dropped our bags in our room and changed into swim suits in record time. The utter starvation that had seemed so dire on the drive from the airport evaporated the minute she hit the water.

Kids could spend every waking moment at the Crooked River Water Park and never get bored. There is a 1,000-foot lazy river tube ride, water slide mellow enough for little ones but entertaining enough for the tween and teen set. One end of the pool has a beach entry complete with sand for castle making enthusiasts. Add in a hot tub, fountain splash pad and kiddie pool, and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is having enough sunscreen. Splashing is expected and encouraged, so adults seeking silence can settle in at the adult pool.

The attention to detail and customer service is hard to miss, even when it’s focused on the Resort’s younger guests. I convinced my daughter to get out of the pool long enough to order something to eat from Old Buck’s Place, the pool side restaurant and bar. Within minutes, the bartender Matt, had her completely figured out. The Shirley Temple, the barbeque cheeseburger complete with a fried green tomato on top was just what she needed to keep her energy level going strong. She was just about to try Matt’s Kookie Monster milkshake when we had to leave to go on a Sunset Float down the Colorado River. Matt assured her he’d be ready and waiting for her tomorrow.

Horse Drawn Wagon Ride around the Resort

So Many Kid-Friendly Activities, Never Enough Time

Just about every hour a new family-friendly activity gets underway. Be sure to pick up the weekly Recreation Guide when you check it. It lists everything going throughout the Resort. Don’t miss the horse drawn wagon ride or the chance to get up close and personal with resident longhorn steers T-Bone and Ribeye.

Crafty kids will love all the options. During our stay my daughter painted a maraca, tie dyed a t-shirt and had her face painted. Most of the activities take place at picnic tables strategically placed under shady trees, within earshot of the pool. So it’s not uncommon to see budding artists, creating their works of art in the comfort of their damp swimsuit.

Oh and by the way, shortly after having her face painted my daughter headed straight to the pool to do some floating. Her friend Matt the bartender, whipped up and delivered a Kookie Monster shake before she had a chance to get her hair wet.

Camp Hyatt Fun!

Camp Hyatt at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

The best family vacations include time for parents to rest and relax. Whether the perfect afternoon is a massage at spa django or a round of golf at Wolfdancer Golf Club, parents can head off knowing their kids will have a ball at Camp Hyatt. Kids in Camp Hyatt don’t go to the pool, but they do take advantage of many of the great activities going on around the resort. It’s designed for kids ages 3-12 (must be potty trained).

Eating Out

Food can be one of the biggest challenges when going on vacation with the kids. From food allergies to picky eaters to little ones who just don’t like to sit still that long. Having options and having a refrigerator in the room are essential. McDade’s Emporium and Ice Cream Saloon is a great take on an old-fashioned general store with all the modern day convenient perks. You can grab coffee and breakfast, a snack on the go or a sweet treat without breaking the budget. Try the fried pickles at Major Neighbors Grill or grab a pizza from Shellers Barrelhouse Bar. Leftovers are fine when you’ve got a fridge to keep them in.

If the family just isn’t in the mood to sit down, grab your food to go. Find a patch of warm dry grass out by the pool and enjoy. There’s a good chance by the time you finish, the fire pit will be glowing with all the s’mores fixins ready to go. You’ll probably smell popcorn too. The outdoor movie on the lawn usually starts at 8pm but no worries, your picnic dinner reservations guarantees you the best seats in the house.

Dana and her daughter received complimentary travel and accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, but as always Dana’s thoughts and opinions are her own. Photos by Dana Rebmann

If you’re visiting Boston with kids this summer, consider making the Omni Parker House your temporary home. Omni Hotels recently launched a new Camp Omni summer program that includes lots of extras for kids. I checked it out with my family last weekend and quickly learned that this program is a hit with kids …

Excellent location directly on the Freedom Trail and just a few blocks from Boston Common, the Public Garden and Faneuil Hall

Camp Omni at Omni Parker House in Boston

When we arrived at the Ciao Bambino recommended Omni Parker House on Friday the staff greeted each child with a special Camp Omni backpack filled with snacks, hacky-sacks, Frisbees and lanyard beading sets. Also in the pack was an activity map with an easy-to-conquer scavenger hunt. After the kids found each item on the list (some were inside the hotel and others at nearby historic sites), they were rewarded with a Camp Omni stick-on badge and a worms-in-dirt (gummy worms in pudding) dessert cup.

Kids enjoy a free breakfast (buffet or off-the-menu) as part of the Camp Omni program

On Saturday, after the kids enjoyed a hearty breakfast (it’s free, thanks to the Camp Omni program), we joined a complimentary tour led by a local guide who shared fun stories about the hotel and fascinating guests like Charles Dickens, John F. Kennedy, President Clinton, and all-stars from the New England Patriots.

A funny thing about the Omni Parker House is that it’s a grand, luxurious, opulent hotel with an incredible history (it’s the oldest continually operating hotel in America), and yet it’s totally kid-friendly. The staff was always ready with a smile and seemed genuinely happy to accommodate my relatively large family.

Boston is filled with landmarks and events from the American Revolution, including this re-enactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill

Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Boston

The Omni Parker House has a primo location smack in the center of downtown Boston. Walk through its revolving doors and you’re standing on the painted brick pathway that is the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile brick-lined walk through historic Boston. Though my little one wasn’t quite ready to appreciate American history, my older ones got a kick out of seeing where the Declaration of Independence was signed, replicas of the Boston Tea Party ships and statues of figures like Paul Revere and George Washington scattered around the city.

My family loves big, open green spaces. (Whose doesn’t?) So it was totally convenient that the Omni Parker House was just a block or so from Beacon Hill, Boston Common and the Public Garden. After strolling around Charles Street and popping into a few shops for artisan chocolates and gelato, we all fell for the Public Garden, where the kids fed ducks, checked out the famous swan boats and climbed pint-size duck statues from Robert McCloskey’s classic book “Make Way for Duckling.” Then they tossed around a ball and frolicked around at the Common’s Tadpole Playground. It was great fun for all.

Later we popped over to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, a touristy Boston tradition that has street performers, shops and food that’s nice and close to the Omni.

But even better was the quick ride up the Prudential Building (locals know it as “The Pru”) to the 50^th floor, where a Skywalk Observatory offers panoramic views of Boston from huge glass windows. We saw it all from here – 100-year-old Fenway Park, Boston Common, the Charles River and Harvard University in Cambridge.

Views of Fenway Park (home of the Boston Red Sox) and beyond from Skywalk Observatory on the 50th floor of the Prudential Building (aka “The Pru”)

After these knockout views my family split up – my husband and son went for a tour of Fenway Park (usually running daily with no reservations necessary but call ahead to make sure they’re running that day) and my daughter, my preschooler and I walked to the Boston Children’s Museum. The giant milk jug at the entrance is always cool to look out but even better are the activities inside: a room devoted to bubble play, a gigantic three-story climbing apparatus and ball towers and slides.

A visit to the Franklin Park Zoo is a hit with kids of all ages thanks to an up-close experience with animals like giraffes, zebras and gorillas

On our last day in Boston we visited the Franklin Park Zoo. I’m not sure how they do it but they pack a whole lot of very cool animals (gorillas, zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, lions and wildebeest) into a relatively small area (which won’t exhaust the kids) and they’re all very close up.

Omni Parker House Video

For a deeper look at the Omni Parker House and things to do in the area, be sure and check out this short video montage from our stay!

Boston is a totally cool city – historic and modern at the same time. The food is good, the streets are walkable and the hotel we chose – the Omni Parker House – was just what the family needed. For more Camp Omni scoop, check out the review of Omni Berkshire Place in New York City on Poshbrood.

Editorial Note: Kara received complimentary accommodations at the Omni Parker House. As always, the opinions expressed on Ciao Bambino are our own.

Kara Mayer Robinson is an award-winning writer published in Parents Magazine, American Baby, Pregnancy, Time Out New York and more. Photos by Kara Mayer Robinson

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino review of Omni Parker House Boston

Review of Camp Omni at family-friendly Omni San Francisco

A family weekend getaway at Omni Los Angeles

Mother-daughter family fun at Omni Berkshire Place Hotel New York City

Kid’s Fantasy Suite at Omni Mandalay Los Colinas

Ciao Bambino review of Omni Mount Washington Resort

Insider’s guide to summer fun in Boston

Visiting the Boston Children’s Museum with kids

We’ve enjoyed our share of spectacular mountain scenery in Switzerland during visits to Mürren and Zermatt. These are not-to-be-missed attractions during any Alps tour. That said, our journey to the top of the Aiguille du Midi via cable car at 3,842 meters (12,604 feet) on the Mont Blanc massif left us breathless.

This vantage point allows visitors to see across the Alps in all directions. The scenery in the immediate vicinity is wild. Note, the little ants you see at the bottom of this photo? Those are brave people crossing the snow for various crazy adventures.

Even just watching the climbers scale the rocks close to the cable car gave me butterflies.

The up close views of the glaciers on Mont Blanc are unbelievable. Global warming or no global warming, the ice is flowing!

For information on visiting Chamonix and Mont Blanc, the Chamonix tourist site has quite a bit of good information. Stay tuned for our review of Les Granges d’En Haut, a fantastic Chamonix home-base for families and part of the Portico Collection in France.

For more Photo Friday posts, head to Delicious Baby. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended family hotels and resorts in France

Matterhorn in Switzerland for Photo Friday

Exploring Lake Geneva by boat tour

Tips for hikes with kids

Top family-friendly ski resorts in Europe

When I decided to spend my birthday weekend in Amsterdam, I was faced with the daunting yet task of finding a hotel that would be worthy of an adult celebration, yet kid-friendly enough for our all-family getaway. For a short stay like this in a European city, we didn’t need a hotel with a long list of kids’ focused amenities; the key, as always, is to find a hotel that can sleep a family comfortably in an age-appropriate atmosphere.

Family-friendly set up in the Grand Duplex Suite

Amsterdam has a progressive an edgy element to and I wanted to find a hotel the embraces the soul of the city. I found the perfect answer at the Conservatorium Hotel, an exciting new addition to Amsterdam’s robust boutique hotel scene.

Located in the heart of the Museumplein — the Museum Quarter — the Conservatorium was built in the late 1800s as a major architectural landmark. It was later transformed into the Sweelinck Music Conservatorium, until 2008 when The Set Hotel teamed up with the Milan-based designer Piero Lissoni to transform the building into a “luxury lifestyle” hotel.

And that it is … everything about the Conservatorium is remarkable. From the breathtaking design to the buzzy lounge filled with locals and visitors alike, to the part-concierge/part-butler/part best-friend Guest Host, staying at this hotel is an exceptional and unique luxury experience.

Light and airy Conservatorium lounge

Conservatorium Hotel Design

The highlight of this hotel is the design. It’s pure drama created by the contrast of austere, old-world bones with bright, modern accents. The heart of property is what was once an outdoor area that has been enclosed in glass, creating a light and airy space that is glorious in every weather condition. With just 129 rooms and suites, the hotel feels spacious yet intimate.

We stayed in a Grand Duplex Suite, a perfect set up for families with a sofa bed on the main level and a bedroom on the second floor. It has a bathroom on each level so there’s no hassle factor, just personal space for parents and kids alike. An entire two-story wall of this room is a window. Our suite faced the interior of the hotel which was interesting as it felt like a bit of a fishbowl, but there are quick and easy curtains to close for instant privacy.

Host station is set up for serious dialog

Conservatorium Guest Host Concept

Every guest has access to the Host who is essentially a concierge with a novel attitude. Instead of waiting for guests to reach out for assistance, the Host contacts guests prior to arrival to assist with anything and everything. In our case, my husband ordered flowers and wine for my birthday, booked a full morning in the spa, and selected our celebratory dinner with our Host, Peter.

For a busy city hotel, this service is impressive and makes a huge difference. The Host desk took care of us from the moment we arrived until the minute we left for the airport. We felt pampered and our interaction ensured we maximized our limited time in the city to do things best suited for our getaway goals. Although the Conservatorium doesn’t focus on families in a meaningful way, but our Host was certainly knowledgeable about kid-friendly things to do in Amsterdam.

The contrast of the old and new design elements is brilliant

Conservatorium Brasserie & Lounge

The Conservatorium offers both a casual Brasserie & Lounge for dining, as well as a more sophisticated dinner venue at Tunes Restaurant & Bar. With kids, the Brasserie & Lounge is the best choice as its casual and bustling — all ages blend in seamlessly. Classic, locally sourced dishes are very good and the ambiance is fantastic. Even if I wasn’t staying that hotel, I’d head here for a lunch or dinner while in town.

Akasha Wellbeing Center

The spa is an unbelievable space for guests to unwind. Again, the design is utterly captivating. There’s a lap pool offering daily kids’ swimming hours, a state-of-the-art gym, and an extensive treatment area. I indulged in a surreal underwater massage in their Watsu pool. I’m pretty certain I levitated at some point during the treatment.

The massage treatment rooms seem to “float” over water. This spa stands out as something  special and it’s worth going out of the way to fall under its rejuvenating spell.

A Kid-Friendly Hotel in Amsterdam?

Is the Conservatorium kid-friendly? Absolutely, to the extent that they have suitable rooms and service that embraces guests of all ages. That said, there are zero kid-focused amenities here other than a children’s menu offered at the Brasserie & Lounge. Would I stay here with kids again? You bet. If you want something truly extraordinary and a hotel that enhances any visit to Amsterdam, the Conservatorium is a tremendous choice.

Let Us Help You Book a Room!

Ciao Bambino’s booking service can help you get the best rates and pricing at the Conservatorium Hotel. Simply fill out our Check Availability Form to receive a custom quote. If you need more help, we’re here at info@ciaobambino.com

Editorial Note: The Conservatorium Hotel offered us a media rate for our stay. They did not ask us to present any particular point of view. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy and Conservatorium Hotel

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino review of Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam

Ciao Bambino’s kid-friendly luxury hotel and resort list

Ciao Bambino recommended Amsterdam family hotels

Things to do in Amsterdam with kids

Tips for visiting the Kuekenhof Tulip Gardens

At long last, Disney California Adventure Park is finally its own destination. Long seen by Disneyland visitors as a pit stop on their Disneyland vacation, it’s now a full fledged member of the Disney Parks family.  After five years of planning and construction, the new Cars Land and Buena Vista Street are here!

My take? These new attractions will wow Disney visitors. The new and improved California Adventure includes heathy and interesting food options too. The attention to detail in all respects is unbelievable.

Most popular and anticipated ride in Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers

Cars Land at Disney California Adventure

Sitting on twelve acres, Cars Land is designed to feel like Radiator Springs, Arizona, the setting of the Pixar movie Cars. In typical Disney style it transports guests to another time and place – Route 66 in the American Southwest circa the 1950’s, minus the dust and grit.

The race is on!  You never know which car will win

The Scoop on the Rides

Radiator Springs Racers

The most popular and anticipated ride in Cars Land (and most likely the one that will have the longest wait time) is Radiator Springs Racers.  It’s a race with a Disney storytelling mixed in. Six-person cars race one another through the Cadillac Mountain Range in Ornament Valley.  Disney imagineers spent more than 28,000 hours designing the rock work for this four-minute ride. The story is interesting and the ride is thrilling. This attraction gets a big thumbs up.

The cute and cuddly tractors will have you screaming in your seats

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree is the sleeper surprise fun ride.  It’s the one that doesn’t look exciting and then you ride it and are taken back to your childhood days of riding the scrambler.  This has adults and kids laughing as they slide in their seats as Mater makes hairpin turns.

Beach balls fly through the air as you glide around in your “tire”

Luigi’s Flying Tires

The verdict is out on Luigi’s Flying Tires. It’s akin to a hovercraft and requires participation from the rider as you shift your weight to make it move all while you are throwing humongous beach balls at the other riders.  It’s entertaining but doesn’t have the same thrill as the previous two rides.

Food at Cars Land

My big complaint about Disneyland Park food is that it isn’t as good as it could be.  They’ve made huge strides in Cars Land by adding healthy and interesting options.

Flo’s V8 Café is billed as comfort food, not always synonymous with healthy however healthy options are exactly what is on the menu.  Favorites here are the roast pork and the chicken salad with citrus dressing.  The cheddar apple pie gets high marks too.

The Cozy Cone Motel is a set of cone-shaped food bars.  All the food is served in a cone and is a “cone-coction”.  The dill pickle popcorn, the pretzel bites and Red’s Apple Freeze (frozen apple juice, toasted marshmallow syrup and passion fruit foam) top my list!

Fillmore Taste In has fresh fruits and drinks served in clever surroundings.

Even the sides of the buildings are intricately designed

Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure

One thing I appreciate about Disney is that they have history and they celebrate it and make it come alive so visitors feel it too.  There is no better place to see this than Buena Vista Street, the new entry way into California Adventure.

Visitors see and feel what Walt Disney experienced when he left Kansas City and came to California in 1923.  Guests can ride the Red Car Trolleys up Buena Vista Street to the Carthay Circle Theater, a recreation of the original theater where “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” premiered in 1937.

There is a casual restaurant here but the star of the new California Adventure is Carthay Circle Restaurant with an adjacent lounge that serves lighter fare and drinks.  Even if you don’t eat here, take a walk upstairs to the see the beautiful décor.

Luigi’s Tires is the most popular souvenir in Cars Land

And the shopping … I’m not shopper but it’s fun to do a little “sticky beak” in the stores here just to see the 1920’s décor.  Be warned that Trolley Treats is all about the candy and kids will be lured in by the window display of Rock Mountain Candy – an attraction designed but never built in Disneyland.

Don’t leave California Adventure without checking out the most talked about merchandise item in the park, Luigi’s Tires hat.  Yours for just $24.99.

If you want to see more photos of Cars Land, check out the Route 66 photo montage of California Adventure Park on Delicious Baby.

Disney California Adventure Park hosted Ciao Bambino as part of their media preview event.  As usual, all opinions expressed on the blog are our own. Photos by Kristi Marcelle

Relevant Links

Review of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

Is a Disney Cruise the Right Choice for Your Family

Review of Aulani Resort

10 Tips for Visiting Disneyland

Family Vacation on the Disney Fantasy

10 Surprises on the Disney Dream

Girls Getaway on the Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line vacation review

Tips for an optimal Disney Cruise

One of the best parts of summer for kids is the sense of freedom that comes with it. With no school bell to worry about, families get about 10 weeks to set their own schedule. For many families that means traveling and camps. Omni Hotels & Resorts is out to make the two synonymous. I spent a weekend with my girls at the Omni San Francisco Hotel, and when Sunday rolled around, none of us wanted to go home.

Located in San Francisco’s Financial District, the Omni is a magnet for business travelers, but it was clear from the moment we arrived, they enjoy having kids as guests. Darrell, the hotel doorman, struck up a conversation with my kids almost instantly. By the time we made it into the lobby he knew our plans for the weekend.

Kids Fantasy Suite

Family-Friendly Omni San Francisco Hotel

My girls probably would have talked for much longer if they hadn’t noticed the appearance of two colorful backpacks on the counter next to our room keys. The Camp Omni program caters to younger guests. At check-in, kids receive a drawstring backpack. My girls’ bags were filled with s’mores flavored marshmellows, a lanyard kit, $10 gift card good anywhere in the hotel, and a camp newsletter complete with scavenger hunt.

Spoiler Alert: If you’re kids do the scavenger hunt, schedule completion accordingly. The prize is a generous, rich and sweet serving of the classic dirt & worms dessert.

The Deluxe Room my husband and I shared was much larger than the typical San Francisco hotel room, but the adjoining Kid’s Fantasy Suite stole the show. At 13 and 11, my girls may be bigger kids, but don’t tell them because they don’t want to hear it. They were thrilled and quickly settled into what they considered “their space.” The Kid’s Fantasy Suite is bright and colorful with bunk beds, beanbag chairs, a comfy sofa and an assortment of books, toys and numerous stuffed animals. When the milk and cookies arrived, it just sweetened the deal.

Best Things To See in San Francisco Around the Omni

After a fabulous night’s sleep (I love the plush down comforters that were on my bed and the bunk beds) we headed to the lobby to take a morning walking tour of Chinatown. Every Saturday, in conjunction with the San Francisco City Guides group, the hotel offers a free walking tour of their neighborhood. I learned about it when I received a call at home from one of Omni’s Camp Counselors, better known as the concierge.

The art of the fortune cookie

The tour runs an hour ½ to two hours. That’s a long time for little ones, but it’s flexible and you can easily leave and go it on your own when the kids have decided they’ve had enough. If you take the tour though, you’ll learn how to get to the playground just a few blocks away at Portsmouth Square and find the alley that is home to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Go inside. Samples are free, but photos cost 50 cents.

The Omni’s proximity to Chinatown is a nice perk. With so many things to do and see with kids in San Francisco; Alcatraz, the Children’s Creativity Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, Chinatown often falls off many lists. It’s so culturally different that it naturally provides a large learning curve for kids and often parents too.

Chinatown specialty food store

At some point, the kids will cry “eww” or “gross” whether it’s because of a bin of smelly, dried fish or glimpse of roasted, headless ducks in a restaurant window. But they may also learn they love tapioca bubble tea and dim sum. Seeing the controlled chaos that goes hand in hand with grocery shopping in Chinatown is something most families never forget.

The Omni is a short walk to Market Street where you can jump on a vintage street car and head to the Ferry Building. Inside there’s an assortment of fabulous restaurants to make any aged palate happy.  The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is a great place to  sample and purchase local veggies and produce and grab all the fixings for a picnic lunch. It happens every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

AT&T Park – Home to the SF Giants

If you’re feeling energetic you can stroll along the waterfront, or simply hop on a Muni train to AT&T Park. If the Giants are in town, catch a game and you just might come home with a game ball like my daughter. Giants games and families go hand in hand. Inside the park at the Coca-Cola Fan Lot, kids can play ball on a mini-version of AT&T Park, or glide down one of the numerous slides that twist their way down through a giant Coca-Cola bottle. No Game? No worries, the Fan Lot is open almost everyday during the summer, even when the Giants aren’t in town.

If you’re not in a rush, go the long way back to the hotel. Take a Muni train to Embarcadero, walk a couple blocks to California Street and jump on a cable car. No one should come to San Francisco and leave without riding a cable car. It just so happens, the California cable car line stops in front of the Omni Hotel.

After a busy day, dinner at the Omni was a great way to go. Texas-based Bob’s Steak & Chop House has the beautiful look and feel of an upscale steak house, but don’t let that scare you from bringing the kids in for dinner. They were happy to let my girls split a small filet mignon and didn’t blink an eye when my oldest ordered a Caesar salad with Ranch dressing on the side.

One handed cable car riding – only for the young and young at heart

About halfway through dinner my kids caught sight of what is apparently a Bob’s trademark – a candy dish filled with sour balls. The manager kindly gave them a paper cup to hold their new found loot and they returned to the table with two sourballs, one for each of them. I was impressed with the restraint and apparently so was the manager, because moments later he appeared at the table with another paper cup, but this one was filled to the top with sour balls.

It’s attention to details like sour balls that stood out during our Camp Omni weekend. Often simple details like books in the room and cookies and milk that make for happy kids, happy parents and guests with many reasons to return again.

For a taste of what our weekend was like, check out some fun video highlights.

For more Camp Omni scoop, check out the review of Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa on Poshbrood.

Dana and her family received complimentary accommodations at the Omni San Francisco Hotel and complimentary tickets from the San Francisco Giants, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own. Photos by Dana Rebmann

Relevant Links:

A family weekend getaway at Omni Los Angeles

Mother-daughter family fun at Omni Berkshire Place Hotel New York City

Kid’s Fantasy Suite at Omni Mandalay Los Colinas

Ciao Bambino review of Omni Mount Washington Resort

Ciao Bambino review of Omni San Francisco Hotel

School’s out for many families and summer is officially underway. Which also means you better get those summer vacations set. Ask just about any kid, their favorite part about staying in a hotel is often the pool. So with that in mind, here’s some ideas to jump start those summer trip plans.

School age kids and teens won’t ever want to get out of the water at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort. The hot springs, pool, waterslide, and kid-friendly swim-up bar delivers hours of entertainment with an incredible view of Arenal Volcano.

This mega-sized family-friendly resort has endless options for kids to stay wet. There’s a water park, waterslides, lagoon and so much more, that’s it’s perfect for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to get in the water with dolphins.

So England might not be the place that comes to mind when you think of great hotel pools, but after spending the day visiting Bath, you can come home to an indoor lap pool with swimming hours just for little ones.

Relax at Vedema Resort

After spending the day exploring bustling Santorini, a swim at Vedema Resort is just what the entire family needs to relax and unwind. With comfy chaise loungers and plenty of room to spread out, the setting exudes Greek charm.

This is a great place to relax for a few days when your family needs a vacation from vacation. Though it’s just a short walk to the ferry stop in Tremezzo, the “floating” swimming pool in Lake Como, might make it hard to get the kids to go anywhere.

The Montage Laguna Beach exceeds expectations in many ways. The gorgeous main Mosaic Pool is for all ages to enjoy. In addition, there’s a children’s pool and play area along with an adult-only pool that is part of the spa and fitness area.

Plenty of room to do laps at Hotel Alder-Thermae

Along with a freshwater lap pool, the Hotel Adler-Thermae Toscana has a large pool with a circular rapids area, another pool with mineral rich thermal water and a children’s fun pool with water slides and jet fountains.

If you like a pool with a view, head to Hotel Santa Caterina. The pool practically meets the sea’s edge, leaving sunbathers with the tough decision of which direction to face.

More than one million glass mosaic tiles were laid by hand to form the perfectly round Coliseum Pool. The Camp Pelican Pool gives younger guests a place to call their own.

Take in views of the Matterhorn from the warmth of a heated pool

Home to Europe’s highest outdoor pool, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Matterhorn while floating in the waves created by the various water jets mounted on the side of the pool. Since the pool is heated to 95°F/35°C, no worries about being cold either.

The focal point of the Resort is the heated Nuna Pool, a free-form infinity-edge pool with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Kids and parents can grab an inner tube and let the mild current of the Lazy River take them for a spin around the Resort. The adult Tamai Pool Complex has two main pools and two plunge pools for those seeking a quiet and peaceful setting.

The 130-foot landmark adult swimming pool is absolutely spectacular. It’s adjacent to the family pool. Pool toys are on hand to kids yet another reason to splash around.

The heated Panoramic Swimming Pool rewards visitors with and incredible view of Florence. Olive trees provide shade to escape the warm summer sun.

The Crooked River Water Park at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

It’s all about families at this Texas Resort. The Crooked River Water Park caters to kids of every size. There’s a 1,000-foot lazy river tube ride, waterslide, beach entry pool complete with sand, hot tub, fountain splash pad and kiddie pool. Splashing is encouraged.  Adults looking to stay dry can enjoy the adult pool.

An amazing 25 thermal pools bubbling with mineral water, ranging in temperature from cold to blazing hot. There are mellow pools for little ones, but with waterfalls at every turn, tropical gardens and high velocity water slides, it’s a dream for tweens and teens.

Set on a scenic stretch of Southern California’s Pacific Ocean, Slyders water playground has three mellow but fun water slides, an enormous 25 person hot tub, a wading pool for little ones, a family pool, and private cabanas perfect for getting the kids to actually sit down every now and then.

Turtle time at Villa del Palmar, Loreto

Paying tribute to the sea turtles that nest on their stretch of beach, Villa del Palmar has created a turtle shaped water playground for kids of all ages. The turtle’s body serves as the main pool. The fins are smaller soaking pools and a hot tub, while the head is a shallow, fun play area for kids.

Where else but Vegas could you find a hotel with a 3-story waterslide that winds its way through a shark tank. The $30 million Tank will entertain kids and parents for hours.

Swim in the Red! Made using mosaic Italian glass tiles in red, yellow and orange, the pool is steps away from the white sandy beach of Chaweng.

Wet and Wowed in Santa Barbara

The pool may be small, but the view from the Canary Rooftop packs a punch. From red-tiled roofs, to mountains and ocean waves, the scenery will leave you winded, just in case the laps don’t.

Thank you to everyone who entered our Camp Omni Giveaway sponsored by Ciao Bambino and Poshbrood.  We love that Omni Hotels & Resorts has locations all over the United States — our winners come from across the country!

A huge thank you to Omni Hotels & Resorts for generously donating these prizes.  If you are interested in being part of Camp Omni this summer, check the website for Camp Omni packages – but hurry, camp ends when summer’s over.

And the Grand Prize winner is … Erica from Perth Amboy, New Jersey!

This Jersey mom of four will be headed to the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate for a three-day/two-night Camp Omni stay loaded with extras like golf, kids club and meals.  Enjoy sunny Florida Erica!

Our two First Prize winners are Mary from New Tazewell, Tennessee and Cory from Portland, Oregon.  They both won two night stays at any Omni Hotels & Resorts.

Ever wonder where our winners find out about our giveaways and what they do with their prizes?

Erica’s Story

Erica’s daughter dreams of going on an international student excursion, so Erica began researching family friendly vacations online and discovered Ciao Bambino. She immediately fell in love with the blog and reviews!  She saw the sweepstakes and decided it couldn’t hurt to enter.

In her words, “I had no idea that we would actually win.  After receiving the email, I couldn’t wait for the kids to come home from school, so I could tell them about our next vacation!!  They are so excited! Thanks Ciao Bambino!!!  This is truly a dream come true.”

Mary’s Story

Mary found out about our giveaway from one of the many websites she follows.  She’s going to surprise her nephews when they come for a visit and add on some extra vacation time in either Nashville or Chicago – lucky nephews, nice aunt!

Cory’s Story

Cory saw a friend’s Facebook post and thought  “What the heck, why not try and give it a go and see what happens?” And lucky him, it actually worked! Cory is not sure which Omni hotel he’ll choose but is thinking it might be fun to visit his brother who just moved to Austin, Texas.

And we can’t forget to thank all of our travel blog friends that helped spread the word about this giveaway. We appreciate your support!

If you are new to Ciao Bambino and liked this contest, you’ll be happy to hear that we have quarterly hotel stay giveaways. We focus on families, but one look at our hotel portfolio and blog will tell you Ciao Bambino is not just for kids.

Ciao Bambino used Random.org to select the winners from all qualifying entries.

Relevant Links:

A family weekend getaway at Omni Los Angeles

Mother-daughter family fun at Omni Berkshire Place Hotel New York City

Kid’s Fantasy Suite at Omni Mandalay Los Colinas

Ciao Bambino review of Omni Mount Washington Resort

Ciao Bambino review of Omni San Francisco Hotel

Lounging at Parc Güell

Fantastic Modernist architecture is one of Barcelona’s exceptional features. This backdrop is paired with a relaxed and social atmosphere unlike any other European city. Do you have plans to travel to Barcelona with kids? Staying in accommodations that embrace these unique elements greatly enhances any visit. We just stayed at the family luxury hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, and loved it. True to their marketing slogan, I’m now officially “a fan.”

Opened in November 2009, this 98-room luxury hotel is a treat for parents and kids alike with sensational Barcelona-inspired design and incredible service in an unbeatable location.

Looking down into the all-day dining venue, Blanc, from the lobby

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona Experience

The minute you walk into the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona you are transported into an urban oasis. Chic and whimsical, the décor inside is exciting and fun to explore as there are a vast number of intimate and interesting spaces to uncover, particularly for a hotel of this size.

From the bright and airy lounge Blanc, to the signature gourmet restaurant Moments, to the 1,000 square meter spa with a long list of treatments and an indoor pool, leaving the hotel is actually cause for pause. That tells you something!

Thoughtful kids’ welcome treats

It’s Kid-Friendly Too

Although reviewing family-friendly luxury hotels is our specialty on Ciao Bambino, this is our first experience with the Mandarin Oriental brand. I covered them at the International Luxury Travel Market this year in Cannes, but have yet to experience one of their hotels with kids … until now.

Despite the parent-pleasing allure of the décor and adult-focused spaces, the moment kids enter the building, they receive a warm welcome. In typical Catalan style, the attitude isn’t scripted or formal, just warm and sincere. The family-friendly elements are subtle here. There’s no kids’ welcome desk or elaborate activity presented at check in. The main surprise is waiting in the room. Ours included a beautiful display of Spanish books, a paper cone filled with small prizes, and edible treats.  There are kids’ menus available at the in-house restaurants.

All-time favorite hotel bathtub

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona Guest Rooms

Otherwise, the other family-friendly feature is the guest rooms. We had a deluxe double room with a perfect little nook for an extra bed. They also have connecting rooms and suites that work for families of four or more people.

The guest rooms at this hotel are glorious.  Our room an average size, but cleverly designed to optimize space with wonderful lighting and decadent, cozy beds. The bathrooms are magnificent with Japanese-style soaking tubs and gorgeous rain showers.

My only complaint was that our room was garden-facing and a bit dark. If you like a bright and light guest room, it’s best to request a street-facing room.

Casa Batlló Barcelona is just a stone’s throw from the hotel

Unbeatable Location

The location of the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona on the coveted Passeig de Gràcia is unbeatable for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and strolling. Surrounded by leafy broad avenues, two of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces are just blocks away, and the Gothic Quarter as well as La Sagrada Familia are all within walking distance.

The beach, Park Guell, and Tibidabo require public transportation or a 10-minute taxi ride.

Fun and friendly concierge staff

Other Good Stuff

The hotel offers an outdoor lounge, Mimosa Garden, a casual and buzzy place that is ideally suited for an early and simple dinner if you want to avoid a typically late Spanish dinner with kids. There’s also a rooftop pool (really a poolette as it’s small) but it boasts fabulous views of the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, their family package includes two hours of free baby-sitting, so parents can effortlessly add a bit of romance or relaxation into their Barcelona vacation.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Spain family hotels

Why we love Spain with children

Things to do in Barcelona with kids

Things to do in Seville with kids

Things to do in Madrid with kids

Family travel Spain – visiting Nerjas

La Sagrada Familia for Photo Friday