We were invited guests of the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. The hotel paid for the cost of our air tickets, hotel, activities, and most meals. They did not require that I express a particular point of view.
I wasn't really sure what to expect when we accepted this trip to visit the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, perhaps it was the word "casino" in the name that threw me for a loop, or perhaps it was the fact that I know very little about Puerto Rico as a destination. Still, the pictures looked nice, and the bloggers who visited the other Marriott Caribbean hotels seemed to have had a nice time, so I decided to check it out.
The Room
It's been a long time since I stayed in a Marriott hotel, and my recollections were a little, well, beige and brown. So I was pleasantly surprised to see this sunny room.
For the three of us (Eilan, Everest and I) these rooms were a reasonable size, though things got a bit cramped once I added a "Pack and Play" for Eilan. A family of four might consider upgrading to one of the hotel's larger corner rooms or junior suites, especially for an extended stay or for families who think they will spend some of the day unwinding in the room.
Our standard oceanfront room (with two double beds) in the main tower had a lovely view of the hotel's beach
I also visited an ocean view room in the main tower, and it did have a very nice view of the beach, the pool, and some (not particularly picturesque) surrounding buildings
The Pool and Beach
For a resort like this, the beach access and pool are critical, and since I was operating "solo" on this trip, I really appreciated not having to traipse through a lobby, shopping or anything else to get to the pool. From the tower, I the elevator straight down to the ground floor and walked through a set of automatic doors. Just outside was a cabana where we could load up on towels and beach gear.
Here's the toddler pool. It's large enough that there's space to roam, but not so big that your child can get too far away. Bring along your own water wings and pool toys, or plan to pick some up at the well-stocked Walgreens a few blocks away.
And here's a shot of the nice, wide, beach in front of the hotel. There are beach chairs, umbrellas, and even food service here.
I wish I had more pictures of my kids in the pool - but with two kids, three towels, 6 shoes, snacks, diapers and a couple of hats - pictures were somehow too much to manage. Here's a nice shot of Everest and I on his very first waterslide taken by our host, Kara.
The Water slide drops into a larger, deeper pool where teens and adults often play "vollyball" with a large beach ball. There's also a swim-up bar and a jacuzzi.
Food
I tried three of the hotel restaurants including a coffeeshop, a grill that is about to be renovated (and whose new menu we sampled on this trip), and a fine dining Italian restaurant. Everything we tried was nicely done, though these are not "destination restaurants" that you would head across town to try out.
The Coffee Merchant, located in the hotel lobby, serves Puerto Rican coffee, juice, sandwiches, and reasonably priced pastries. The coffeeshop will even pack a lunchbox to take with you to the airport - a nice touch for traveling families.
The La Vista Latin Grill serves an extensive breakfast buffet in the mornings that includes both warm and cold items. The dinner menu will feature Puerto Rican inspired fusion food, including a wide variety of ceviches and fruffy tropical drinks.
Ristorante Tuscany is the place you would eat if you wanted to leave your kids with the sitter for the night, but weren't quite comfortable leaving the bounds of the resort. It's dark, romantic, and serves homemade pasta.
Amenities
There's a kiosk in the lobby where you can print your boarding pass before you head out to the airport. I love that
A public bus will take you to Old San Juan for 75 cents, and once you are there, a free public trolley runs around Old San Juan and to Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
When it's raining, your kids might enjoy the small arcade, secreted away in the basement of the hotel's "cabana" wing, but you might also want to bring along some puzzles or quiet games to play in the lobby sitting area.
And the Casino? I never went in. Unlike in Las Vegas, where you (and your children) are forced to walk through acres of dinging, flashing slot machines, the Casino had its own dedicated space just off the lobby. It looked big enough to be a draw for many of the hotel guests, but for us, it was just as easily ignored.
Related Links
City Guide: San Juan, Puerto Rico With Kids
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Posted on August 17, 2010 |
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A few weeks ago I was invited to take part in a Mom Blogger's trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico with my two boys. Our host, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino paid for the cost of our air tickets, hotel, activities, and most meals. It was a nice opportunity for me to spend time with just my boys, while my husband and Darya got some much needed 1:1 time. I was also looking forward to meeting some of the women whose online work I enjoy, Amber from Crazy Bloggin Canuck, Corinne of Have Baby Will Travel, and Colleen of TravelMamas. Our kids are all roughly the same age, and it was nice to know that Everest would have some built in playmates in San Juan.
I'm also secretly hoping that this the two boys, Everest and Eilan, will have a chance to bond a little on this trip. It's tough being the baby in a family where the two "big kids" are so close in age, and Eilan sometimes feels left out. To make matters worse, Everest has been on a "no babies" kick lately, and our doors are littered with signs telling Eilan to "keep out." I know this trip won't be a magic anecdote, but I hope that without his sister around, Everest might find a little something to appreciate about sweet Eilan.
Everest has been bragging for weeks about our trip - some coveted time with his mom, an opportunity to splash in a pool, and a chance to see someplace new. Plus, there are always a slew of new travel toys secreted away in his backpack for the flight.
I'd be bragging too, but I'm always nervous about the flights - especially when I'm the only grown-up. To get to San Juan, we took a red-eye flight from Seattle with a change of planes in Philadelphia. From Philadelphia, the flight to San Juan was about 3 1/2 hours. The red-eye flight, departing Seattle at about 9pm (way after our normal bedtime worked like a dream. Both kids fell asleep during takeoff, and Eilan barely roused himself during the transfer in Philadelphia (about 3am Seattle time). Really, I'm almost embarrassed to tell you about it, because you'll think I'm painting a too-pretty picture of the grind that flying with kids can be. Poor Everest was exhausted during our transfer, but he desperately wanted to do some of the activities we brought along.
As far as Everest is concerned, it's never too early in the morning for Math - unfortunately he was just too tired to get very far in his workbook. We still come back to that moment when he won't go to sleep at night - "you don't want to be too tired to do math" I say, and (for now) he puts his head right down on his pillow.
Still, as tired as Everest must have been, he was bubbling over with excitement when we landed in San Juan. Thank heavens for small favors, because in the heat, two kids, a stroller, a carseat and our luggage, I would have had a difficult time getting anywhere without his full cooperation.
I always enjoy the ride from the airport into a new city. Gradually, the airport falls away, and the architecture, billboards, shops and vegetation begin to reveal themselves. Now that Everest is older, I can involve him in the game - look at the plants, what kind of weather do you think they get here? What are the building made of? Do people live in houses or apartments?
The ride to the
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino was short, and we arrived excited and raring to go. Pouring rain, thunder and lighting kept us from jumping into the pool right away, so we used the morning to explore the resort, and perhaps more importantly, the Häagen-Dazs across the street. (Rainfall in Puerto Rico is lowest in January, February and March. During July, the average rainfall is about 5 inches).
In the evening, we met up with everyone for the first time, and enjoyed a sneak peek at the soon-to-be-renovated hotel restaurant's new menu. The La Vista Latin Grill will feature local specialties - albeit modernized. Just check out this ceviche. Puerto Rican style shrimp with Grand Marnier and coconut, that's a magical combination as far as I'm concerned.
We all know that I'm no food writer, but I'd say that La Vista Latin Grill's new menu provides the sort of food that you're happy to have in your hotel. It's fresh, regionally inspired, and interesting. It's a safe bet on a night when you just don't want to venture out on the town to explore the local food scene.
Picky Everest wasn't impressed by a sampling of the hotel's new kids menu - but Eilan just devoured the sloppy joes, the bbq pork sliders, and the chicken cordon bleu while Everest feasted on a hot dog. (In a bun, ketchup only, and NO grill lines please. This is a kid who must just be aching to put in complicated coffee orders).
They say the route to a young man's heart is through his stomach. That might be true, because during dinner, and all through the following days, Everest snagged every possible opportunity to cuddle up with his first young love, TravelMamas daughter.
Until finally the dessert tray came, and it was every kid (and mom) for herself.
This was a long day, and a tiring one, but somehow a break from the routine at home gives me a recharge anyway.
Related Links
City Guide: San Juan, Puerto Rico With Kids
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Posted on August 16, 2010 |
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Unless you're the mom, you probably wouldn't spot E in this shot (he's the kid in orange, flying the kite). Still, the building drama of the clouds blowing in, the wide expanse of grass, and Old San Juan in the background capture my memories of this afternoon on our recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico
I'll be posting more about the trip next week, so be sure to come back and check it out!
About Photo Friday:
You are invited to join us for Photo Friday! It's a great way to get to know other bloggers and to help them get to know you. Just post a "Photo Friday" picture on your own blog, and link directly to your post from the linky below (If your url is longer than 100 characters, you will need to use a url shortening service, like bit.ly)
What's Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Many of you know that before I became a stay-at-home mom, I worked in the Computer Software industry for over 10 years. I worked on everything from Apple's first handheld computer (the Newton) to Internet Explorer and Windows. Despite spending my days covered in applesauce, I've never stopped thinking about new software ideas, and I've been itching to get back to building products.
Today, together with my husband, I am proud and excited to announce that my first effort since leaving the working world is available in the Apple AppStore for the iPhone and iPodTouch! TripDoc helps you keep track of the things you want to do when you travel, and puts them all on a handy map so that you can find your way between your hotel, attractions and restaurants.
If you're like me, you start every trip with a long list of ideas from friends, guidebooks, the Internet, and more. I have notes scribbled in the margins of my guidebook and little scraps of paper with even more ideas on them. The worst part is that once we're on our trip, I'm often stuck scooting into a nearby restaurant, only to find out later that a highly recommended restaurant on my list was just around the corner. We have struggled with this problem for years, and since there's nothing out there that really solves it, we decided to create our own app.
You can buy a copy at the Apple AppStore or you can even test drive TripDoc for free.
What TripDoc Lets You Do
- Keep track of recommendations that you get from friends, guidebooks, websites and magazines. Adding new places is easy - just search for the name, and click on the right place.
- See all your places on one map
- Show your current location on the map, and easily get directions to the closest restaurant, attraction or back to your hotel
- Keep a list of favorites so you don’t miss a thing
- Mark places as visited
- Keep your list of places for your next trip
- Send information about your favorite places to friends along with your personal notes
Great Recommendations to Start
I am so thrilled that several of the travel bloggers whose work I enjoy and respect agreed to contribute their own favorite places to get you started. These show up in TripDoc when you install it.
I feel honored to have them participate in this way.
How You Can Help
If you like TripDoc, please help spread the word by reviewing it in the AppStore, posting about it on your blog, or even good old-fashioned word of mouth.
P.S. There's a free version so that you can try it out for yourself, but once you do, you're absolutely going to want to take advantage of our low introductory price on the full version.
Related Links:
TripDoc Website
TripDoc in the Apple AppStore
TripDoc Free
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Posted on August 9, 2010 |
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I'm giving away FOUR coupon codes for free GoGo Inflight Internet to my Facebook fans (yes, that's right you can use Facebook on the plane for free if you win). To be entered to win, you just need to "like" DeliciousBaby on Facebook before Sunday Aug 15 at 11:59pm. If you're already a fan, you are already entered!
I will announce the four random winners on Facebook on Monday, Aug 16
Rules
Winners must claim their prize within three business days after the date of notification of such prize. A Sweepstakes winner's failure to respond to the prize notification within the specified three business days will be considered such Sweepstakes winner's forfeiture of the prize and an alternate winner may be selected from the pool of eligible entries. If an entrant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may also be selected from the pool of eligible entries. To enter, you must be a U.S. resident, age 18 or older. Employees, partners and vendors of DeliciousBaby and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter. We will disqualify any entries that we believe are generated by scripts and other automated technology. When applicable, the winner may be required to execute and return within five business days an Affidavit of Eligibility and a Liability and Publicity Release to be eligible for the prize or an alternate winner will be selected. All prizes will be awarded. No substitutions including for cash are permitted, except that DeliciousBaby reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater monetary value for any prize. Winners shall be responsible and liable for all federal, state and local taxes on the value of their prize.
Related Links:DeliciousBaby Facebook Page
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Posted on August 8, 2010 |
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Finding time alone with your spouse can be tough on a trip with kids. One of our favorite tricks is to go for a bedtime walk and put the kids to sleep in a stroller or sling. Then we're free to talk, stop in for a drink, or just enjoy the scenery. What could be better than a moonlit walk in Paris?
Related Links
City Guide: Paris With Kids
About Photo Friday:
You are invited to join us for Photo Friday! It's a great way to get to know other bloggers and to help them get to know you. Just post a "Photo Friday" picture on your own blog, and link directly to your post from the linky below (If your url is longer than 100 characters, you will need to use a url shortening service, like bit.ly)
What's Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
I've been more active on my Facebook page lately, and It's been fun to post more quickly and interactively than I can here at DeliciousBaby. I realize that my readers might not be aware of all the different ways that we can connect, and the different resources available on DeliciousBaby.
In Person
This summer I've been lucky to meet in person with several of my readers and with other bloggers as they've traveled through Seattle. It's been really fun! If you're coming through Seattle, drop me a note - perhaps we can get together for a playdate.
If you live in Seattle, I hope you'll join us for this year's Passports With Purpose launch at the Redmond Inn on Wednesday, August 25th 2010 6:30 PM. Here's details and information about how to RSVP
City Guides
Planning a trip? Check out our Family Friendly City Guides to cities around the world. These are filled with personal recommendations from me, and from my readers.
If you blog about a trip you planned using my city guides, let me know. Nothing makes me happier than reading your stories and knowing that my site helped!
Want to help out? suggest family friendly hotels, activities and restaurants in your hometown or a place you've visited. It's quick, and it's a great way to help other parents who are planning their own trips!
Travel Gear Recommendations
My "Products" guide has recommendations for everything from Travel Toys to Baby Carriers and Strollers, and solutions for feeding baby on the road. As always, everything has been reviewed by me and is something I would recommend to a close friend if they were taking a trip.
Facebook
I've been having a lot of fun on Facebook lately - the shorter posts let me write little notes about trips we're planning or trips in progress. Plus, I'm doing some fun giveaways exclusively for my facebook fans. DeliciousBaby on Facebook
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Twitter
Need up-to-the minute reports about the goings on around Seattle or the Travel Blogosphere (sorry I can't help myself)
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Posted on August 5, 2010 |
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I'll write about my favorite travel-related kids books every other week. Most books are from my personal collection, or checked out from the library, but whenever I do accept a book for review from a publisher, I will always let you know. If you buy the book using the Amazon link at the end of the post, I earn a small commission, and that income helps me keep the site going.
Eilan is the third child in my family to fall in love with A Day at the Market
by Sara Anderson. At his age (he's one now), the bright colors and the cut-through windows of this large sized board book keep him totally engaged.
Even the rhymes are so funny sounding and rhythmic, that they often get a laugh or a smile.
Wolf fish, salmon,
octopus stew.
Down the line
there's honeydew.
Each time I read A Day in the Market, I get to remember which parts were E and D's favorites. When I'm very lucky, all three kids cuddle up in my lap to see the colorful pictures of Pike Place Market, and show me which of the vendors they want to visit on our next trip.
Related Links:
A Day at the Market
Favorite Children's Books, Toys and References for Seattle Washington
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Posted on August 4, 2010 |
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We were invited guests of the Four Seasons Seattle on this trip. I received no other compensation beyond the room and a lovely "welcome platter" of cookies and juice. The hotel did not require that I express a particular point of view.
Do you ever see a fancy new hotel open up in town, and wonder to yourself - "what do those rooms look like inside" and "who stays there?" You can see inside the lobby, but that's it!
I've been more intrigued by the new Four Seasons hotel in Seattle than by most hotels. It's Northwesty, modern, and cozy feeling all at once.
My obsession has only become worse since we tried out the hotel restaurant's brunch last year. The relatively formal restaurant does a nice job of accommodating kids (and kids meals are about $6 depending on what you order). This has become our standby (at our own expense) when my husband and I are in the mood for a nicer meal, but don't have a sitter lined up.
You can imagine that when the hotel offered us a free night, so that the family could experience the hotel room and the pool, we jumped at the chance!
Our one bedroom suite was far nicer room than we would have ever spluged on ourselves. It's absolutely enormous, and there's lots of room for everyone to stretch out. Honestly, I am so gaga over this room, that I've completely lost all sense of reason, but maybe you'll join me for the ride anyway.
Just look at this bedroom. I don't have to tell you how cozy that bed is.
But the kids weren't pining for that bed (afterall, baby Eilan doesn't wake them up every night just to "say hi"). There's only one thing they want. I'll give you a hint... it begins with "P"
We had a miserable spring in Seattle, one that most people dubbed "Junetober" because there were so many gray days, and yet somehow our day at the pool, scheduled months ahead of time, landed on the first warm day of the year.
Outdoor public pools are a rarity in Seattle, and on a day like this, the pool and the warm weather are a real luxury. The pool doesn't really have a shallow, splashing area, and would be best for kids who know how to swim. Luckily the Jacuzzi wasn't over-hot and both kids enjoyed splashing in it instead.
Doesn't E look like he's ready for someone to deliver him a fruity drink? There's a cabana at the pool where you can order drinks or grab a cool cup of water. Periodically, as part of a special summer promotion, the staff comes around with free treats like smoothies in plastic shot glasses, frozen grapes, popsicles or fruit kabobs. It seems like my kids are constantly snacking, so this was a real treat. Eventually, we ordered up a whole lunch poolside.
And then, when the sun finally got to be too much for our poor, pasty, Seattle skin, the kids cuddled up with a movie.
I can't remember when we've had such a relaxing day. Perhaps it was because our travel time to get here was less than 15 minutes, perhaps it was the unexpected sunshine, or perhaps it was all those luxuries. In any case, it was a great way to kick off the summer.
If you do decide to stay at this hotel, here are a few tips:
- Kids up early? Walk down to Pike Place market and watch the vendors set up
- The concierge has a carefully selected set of children's books about the Pacific Northwest. Even if you've brought your own reading material, it's worth stopping by to see what's there (the concierge also has DVDs and CDs)
- There's a Fran's Chocolate shop in the lobby. Don't pass it up, Fran's is making some of the best chocolate in the city right now (and this is a city with stiff competition)
- Check the hotel website for seasonal promotions. Right now, families can book a second room at half price.
- If you live in town, and that pool looks like a treat, consider booking a spa package. Several packages include access to the pool and gym.
Related Links
City Guide: Seattle With Kids
What to do in Pike Place Market With Kids
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hotel-review
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Posted on August 3, 2010 |
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Right in the heart of downtown Seattle, in front of our Benaroya Symphony Hall is a war memorial called the Garden of Remembrance. That might seem like a strange place to stop with kids, but it's one of our favorite detours when we're out and about.
You can watch the waterfalls from the top or the bottom
Balance on a precarious balance beam next to a fast running river (if you have a vivid imagination)
and race leaf-boats with your brother (just don't let the poor person who cleans the filter know I told you)
When they're older, the kids will understand what this memorial is about. For now, it's enough to enjoy a little bit of quiet right in the heart of the city.
Related Links
Garden of Remembrance Map and Details
Things to do in Seattle With Kids
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Posted on August 2, 2010 |
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recommends things to do in New Delhi,
