Kimpton's EPIC Hotel Selected as Design Inspiration for HGTV's Color Splash

Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel Selected as Design Inspiration for HGTV’s Color Splash

From L to R: Eric Jellson, Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Kimpton Hotels;

David Bromstad, Host, HGTV Color Splash; Wendy Zane, Sales Manager, EPIC Hotel

Kimpton’s EPIC Hotel – recently chosen as a Top 10 Luxury Hotel, a Top 10 Trendiest Hotel, and a Top 25 Hotel in the U.S. by TripAdvisor® in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice® Awards – welcomed HGTV’s Color Splash to Miami for its five-series focus on design inspirations courtesy of the “Magic City”. The show arrived at the EPIC Hotel in downtown, Miami , on January 26 along with the young Miami couple who cited the hotel as the design inspiration for their South Beach home, which Bromstad is redesigning. The Color Splash Miami series featuring EPIC during one of its episodes will air this summer.

EPIC’s design concept exudes warmth, graceful simplicity and understated elegance which are brought forth by award-winning, Beverly Hills-based Cheryl Rowley Design through the adept use of texture and light throughout the space. Meanwhile, contrasting patterns and materials such as stone, glass, patinaed-metals, warm woods and refined textiles in a rich, neutral palette come together to create rhythm, movement and interest. From the welcoming living room-like lobby, to the 14^th floor meeting spaces embellished with a sea of glass spheres suspended throughout, to the indulgent and relaxing guestrooms and suites, the EPIC provides an understated sense of cool for all guests. Named one of Travel + Leisure’s top eight favorite hotel rooftop bars across the country, EPIC’s pool deck is designed as a cosmopolitan oasis amidst the urban skyline.

Color Splash, a new series on HGTV, seeks out creative designs and shows viewers how to incorporate the designs into their own homes. Host David Bromstad – who is best know as the champion of the HGTV reality show Design Star­ – brings his belief that “color is the root of design” to transform tired rooms into unforgettable spaces.

Managed by Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, EPIC is located, at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay . EPIC combines the timeless style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated recreation oasis for guests amidst the energy and pulse of Miami . EPIC is located within walking distance from the American Airlines Arena, and just a short distance from area beaches, local shopping districts, and a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, restaurants, shops and theaters within walking distance.

EPIC is located at 270 Biscayne Blvd Way. For more information or reservations, please call (866) 760-3742 or (305) 424-5226 or visit www.epichotel.com.

ABOUT EPIC

A member of the award-winning San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, EPIC is located at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, and combines the style of a cosmopolitan boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to create a sophisticated oasis for guests amidst the energy and pulse of Miami . The hotel’s 411 rooms and suites are artfully designed by Cheryl Rowley, with furnishings that convey an understated sense of cool, and all feature private balconies that provide inspiring views of the city and bay. Hotel offerings include a 13,752-square-foot wrap-around pool deck with private cabanas; Area 31 restaurant, offering premium seafood with a Mediterranean influence; a spa and fitness center operated by Exhale; River Lounge, a new waterfront lounge; 11,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space; a 32,500 square foot EPIC Lawn; and a private marina. 

ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US , is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America . Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned high customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, exceeding other hotel companies including those in luxury and upscale segments. Among the company’s newest properties are the LEED registered Hotel Palomar and LEED registered Square 1682 restaurant by Chef Guillermo Tellez in Philadelphia , PA , which opened in October 2009. Currently, projects are underway in New York City and Chicago . For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

-Courtesy of HGTV & Kimpton Hotels

Brand New Spa for You AND your Kids! First Salt Rooms Spa to hit the US

Halo/Air Salt Rooms is the FIRST and ONLY spa in the US that offers health and beauty treatments through Salt Rooms. The Halo/Air Salt Rooms recently opened in the heart of Chelsea at a beautiful store front on 22^nd between 6^th & 7^th avenue . This innovative and unique spa not only offers treatments to adults but children as well in their well furnished Children’s Room. I think your readers would be very interested in this new spa as it can appeal to both themselves and their children.

This treatment is extremely ideal for children as they are receiving the health benefits of the salt, without being dragged to the doctor. The children get to play in a “sandbox” full of toys, games and television while their parents are gaining the benefits as well. It is a natural and safe environment and is a huge appeal of the spa as the parents see their children enjoying themselves while seeking health benefits.

What is Salt Rooms you ask?

The Salt Rooms are entirely lined with salt as salt is blowing into the room as well, for a mist affect that you breathe in naturally. Salt Rooms and caves in Europe are incredibly popular and have been known to help people with breathing problems, like asthma because of the cleansing affect and antibacterial elements of salt. Halo/Air Salt Rooms has imitated these climates with unique features of the natural salt caves.

www.HaloAir.com

Halo/Air Salt Rooms

Grand Opening in NYC

A brand new “Salt Room” wellness facility has just opened in Manhattan. Halo/Air Salt Rooms is located at 133 W. 22^nd Street (between 6^th Ave. and 7^th Ave.) and all the rooms are made completely out of salt from the salt caves of Europe.

Twenty million years ago, an ocean covered what is now known as Eastern Europe. Once the sea dried up, salt was left 10 – 300 meters below ground. These became known as “salt caves” and the air in these environments were extremely clean since they were never exposed to the pollution above ground. The salt caves have a low humidity and salt particles are in the air at all times. This micro-climate is replicated exactly in Ron Rofe’s Halo/Air Salt Rooms.

Salt Rooms are already popular in other parts of the world but this is the first facility of its kind in the United States. The Halo/Air Salt Room treatment uses unique proprietary equipment and room design which creates a dry salt aerosol microclimate. The patented HaloGenerator creates humidity, filters the air, and grinds and atomizes the salt into air particles for the rooms. All of the salt used at Salt Rooms is mined from European salt caves 300 meters below ground.

The breathable salt particles in the Salt Rooms are able to penetrate into the bronchial tree in the form of finest crystals. This environment provides customers with a relaxing lung cleansing and deep skin treatment. The salt treatment (similar to a sauna) is safe for all ages, and the frequent treatments may help treat a variety of symptoms and ailments including allergies, stress, skin conditions, and respiratory issues.

Ron Rofe, owner and founder of Halo/Air Salt Rooms, was first introduced to Salt Rooms in Israel when his mother was diagnosed with a rare bacterial disease. Finding traditional medicines harsh on her body, Ron’s mother turned to Salt Rooms, which ultimately helped her respiratory system and alleviated some of her pain. Rofe saw potential for Salt Rooms and immediately bought exclusive rights to the HaloGenerator (created by Halo/Med) for the United States.

About Halo/Air Salt Rooms

Halo/Air Salt Rooms, located in Chelsea, is the first Salt Room facility in the United States. The Salt Rooms are made completely out of salt from the salt caves of Europe, and the patented HaloGenerator replicates the microclimate of salt caves. Opened in January 2010, the facility’s hours are Monday – Saturday from 9am – 10pm, and Sunday from 10am – 9pm. The adult session is 60-minute, and the children’s session is 30-minutes. A single session is $99.99/treatment, 5-pack is $89.99/treatment, and 10-pack is $79.99/treatment. The Halo/Air facility is equipped with two single rooms and two double rooms, with cable TV, radio, and dimming lights. The children’s room is equipped with a plasma TV, toys, games, and comfortable couches/chairs.

Halo/Air Salt Rooms

Fact Sheet

• Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 10:00am – 9:00pm

• Location:
• 133 West 22^nd Street (in between 6^th & 7^th Avenues)
• Phone: 646.666.0554
• Website: HaloAir.com

• Prices:

• Single session: $99.99
• Package of Four: $249.99
• Package of Fourteen: $999.99

 

To seek the maximum benefits it is recommended to come between 4-14 times.

• Treatment Time:
• Adults 60 minutes
• Children 30 minutes

• Four Adult Rooms:
• Two Single Rooms
• Two Double Rooms
• Each come with plasma TV, cable, radio and ability to dim lights

• One Children’s Room
• Equipped with plasma TV, toys, games and comfortable couches/chairs

-Courtesy of Halo/Air

NYC Hotel Offering Westminster Dog Run and Doggie Salon on Premises

The Affinia Manhattan, located directly across from Madison Square Garden in New York City, is an official host hotel for this year’s Westminster Kennel Club’s 134^th Annual Dog Show on February 15^th and 16^th.  As such, this hotel is offering great, pet-friendly  services including an outdoor Westminster Dog Run and indoor Doggie Salon.  

AFFINIA MANHATTAN OPENS “ WESTMINSTER DOG RUN”

Penthouse-level Dog Run and Salon to be Open for Show Dogs on Hotel’s Premises during the 134^th Annual Westminster Dog Show

The Affinia Manhattan, an all-suite hotel at the center of it all, is proud to announce that it is an official host hotel for this year’s Westminster Kennel Club’s 134^th Annual Dog Show taking place at Madison Square Garden on February 15^th and 16^th. In honor of the show, the Affinia Manhattan, located directly across the street, will offer fine amenities for pets and their owners allowing both to primp, pamper and prepare for the show.

For the second year in a row, The Affinia Manhattan will transform their Skywalk suite into a Westminster Dog Run.  This outdoor area, which has stunning New York City views, will allow pooches of all sizes with the ability to run, play, and relax if they choose.  A designated bathroom area for all dogs will also be provided.

The Westminster Dog Run is free and available for registered guests during the following dates and times: February 12: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.; February 13–16: 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; February 17: 7 a.m.– 3 p.m. 

To further enhance the dogs’ experiences, the Affinia Manhattan will be adding a new, Doggie Day Salon in the hotel during the days of the show, offering a private space for the owners to groom their dogs.  This salon will have amenities such as a walk in shower, a hand held shower head, a table, and towels, providing a more exclusive alternative to grooming in the suite or at the actual event.  Guests are required to bring their own grooming supplies. 

This service will be available for one hour slots by appointment only for an additional fee $50 (plus applicable taxes).  Once a reservation is confirmed the client must check in with the Front Desk and be escorted to the Salon suite.  Appointments are available during the following dates and times:  February 14 – 16:  - 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 

For further details, please visit the Affinia Manhattan website at www.affinia.com/westminster or call 212.563.1800.

ABOUT THE AFFINIA MANHATTAN
The Affinia Manhattan is a boutique hotel situated among some of the most exciting attractions New York City has to offer, just steps away from Madison Square Garden, the Broadway Theater District, Times Square, Penn Station, Macy’s, and more. Located at the crossroads of Manhattan, the Affinia Manhattan provides a front-row seat to the energy, activity, and culture in the heart of the city. Comfort is of the utmost importance to the Affinia Manhattan, from the spacious suites to the luxurious Affinia Bed. Amenities further include a six-choice Dream Pillows menu, wireless and high-speed internet access, Damana bath products, and a vast selection from the coveted My Affinia menu, which boasts everything from cupcakes to an Ibanez Guitar, offering custom comforts that make your stay uniquely yours.

**All images are from last year’s Westminster Dog Run at the Affinia Manhattan

-Courtesy of Affinia Manhattan

Half Moon's Newest Children's Program Offerings

Please see the information below on Half Moon’s newest offering – the Hype Zone for teens and young adults.  The resort, located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is pleased to offer the newest amenity to their young guests.  The Hype Zone offers a game room, cyber lounge, movie theatre, nightly entertainment and more. 

Additionally, for young ones not quite old enough to enjoy the Hype Zone Half Moon introduces the Very Important Little Persons Services (VILPS) for children 3-12.  VILPS are personally welcomed by the Anancy Children’s Village Coordinator with a delicious drink and welcome gift and enjoy additional amenities such as a ‘tuck in’ service and appearances during special holidays by Brer Anancy. 

Half Moon Expands Children’s Program

Teen Club Added to Jamaican Luxury Resort

Already a Caribbean playground for the young and young at heart, Half Moon, the luxury resort located in Rose Hall, Jamaica recently added a new 5000 square foot club exclusively for teens and young adults ages 13 – 20.

The activity centre, called Hype Zone, features a games room, cyber lounge, disco, movie theatre, and spa area and offers activities such as foosball, pool, air hockey, video games and mini-spa services. In addition to games and a teen spa offering manicures, pedicures facials and massages, Hype Zone also offers nightly entertainment such as karaoke, movie and disco nights.  For those looking for a more sports centered stay, there are organized events such as tennis tournaments, beach football and group aerobics.

Not to be excluded, Half Moon also introduced the Very Important Little Persons Services (VILPS) for children 3 – 12 years.  Children staying at the resort will be personally welcomed by an Anancy Children’s Village Coordinator and offered their very own fizzy drink and a welcome gift. In addition, characters from the Anancy Children’s Village at Half Moon, including Brer Anancy himself will make special guest appearances during major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, US President’s Week, Canadian Family Day and Easter.

The Very Important Little Persons Services also offers a special turn down service for children with their unique Sleepy Treat and Tuck-In services. During the Tuck-In service, Tiger, one of the Anancy Children’s Village’s famed and lovable characters, will be available to visit rooms between 6:00pm and 9:00pm, to read bedtime stories to the little ones and serve freshly baked cookies and milk.  This unique half-hour service is available for $25 for up to two children, and an added $5 for each additional child.  There is a maximum of five children, all of whom must be staying in the same room. For the little ones who wish to enjoy cookies and milk without Tiger and the bedtime story, the Sleepy

Treat service is offered for $8.

These additions to the resort come on the heels of Half Moon being named as having the Best Family Program by international travel agent consortia Virtuoso. Virtuoso’s Best Family Program recognizes the resort with a family-friendly environment, an activity packed programme for children of all ages with innovative activities and services to educational endeavours and active adventures.

About Half Moon

Half Moon is a 400-acre luxury resort situated on twin crescent-shaped white sand beach, with 398 rooms including suites, cottages and villas. In 2005, Half Moon re-branded its children’s programme to the Anancy’s Children’s Village; a themed activity-centre that caters to children aged 3-12. Childcare providers are certified by the Penn State University’s “Better Kid Care” programme. In addition, Half Moon also features an 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed championship golf course, the Half Moon Golf Academy, full equestrian centre, 13 lit tennis courts, fitness centre, superb cuisine, 54 swimming pools, the colourful children’s activity centre Anancy Children’s Village, water sports, Dolphin Lagoon, 24-hour medical centre and more.

-Courtesy of Half Moon

Postcard Inn on the Beach

Fl or ida is the quintessential family destination, and there’s a new hotel perfect f or parents and kids alike.  So pack the swimsuits and head to St. Pete Beach, Fl or ida f or an unf or gettable vacation at Stephen Hanson’s (of B.R. Guest) latest venture, Postcard Inn on the Beach. 

From sand castles to surf lessons, Postcard Inn on the Beach offers mem or ies that last a lifetime.  With its family friendly atmosphere, low-key vibe and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico , Postcard Inn on the Beach is a classic American escape.  Activities include:

·                                                                              A gym with cardio and weight room

·                                                                              Bike rentals f or both kids and adults

·                                                                              A pristine beach (perfect f or long walks and hunts f or sharks teeth)

·                                                                              Outdo or volleyball and basketball

·                                                                              A swimming pool

·                                                                              Local fishing and sn or keling excursions

·                                                                              Dolphin sightseeing trips

·                                                                              Shuffleboard and other games

·                                                                              Surf lessons

·                                                                              Outdo or movies

Families can also experience the local flav or of St. Pete Beach, with mini golf excursions, educational visits to the nearby Salvad or Dali and Ringling Museums and Tampa ’s renowned Fl or ida Aquarium, downtown shopping and so much m or e.  And to top all of this off, the hotel is aff or dable, with rates starting at $99 in low season and $189 in high season.

F or reservations at Postcard Inn on the Beach, please call (727) 367-2711 or toll free (800) 237-8918 or visit the hotel online at www.postcardinn.com.  

Still Wondering What to Do for Thanksgiving?

Still Wondering What to Do for Thanksgiving? El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Offers a Last Minute Getaway Option for Families to Celebrate and Have Fun

For those still undecided about how to celebrate Thanksgiving, El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, is offering an unforgettable holiday experience for families to enjoy all the trimmings, plus quality time together with a special rate starting at $250 per room, per night.

The El Conquistador Resort’s Thanksgiving Celebration Package includes accommodations in a garden-view guestroom, daily breakfast and an invitation to the resort’s Thanksgiving Day Celebration, which will be held on Thursday, November 26 from 5-9 p.m. at the resort’s Grand Atlantic Ballroom. Guests will have the opportunity to savor more than 20 delectable dishes featured at the various salad, carving and dessert stations, including gingered pumpkin soup, cranberry walnut chicken, roasted turkey with cranberry orange sauce, cheddar whipped potatoes, yams with marshmallows, and cinnamon baked apple cobbler. Kids will enjoy a variety of children and family-friendly activities, while parents can dance to the tunes of the Grammy-nominated Latin Jazz Band, The Turnaround.

The Thanksgiving Celebration Package is available at the starting rate for up to four guests and is valid from Wednesday, November 25 through Saturday, November 28; a minimum two-night stay is required. For more information or to make reservations, call El Conquistador Resort at 888-543-1230.

For families seeking a higher level of privacy and pampering, El Conquistador Resort’s sister property, Las Casitas Village, is also offering the Thanksgiving Celebration Package, with rates starting at $299 per room, per night. For more information on Las Casitas Village or to make a reservation, call 888-557-6370.

About El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection

Located on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico near the fishing village of Las Croabas , and dramatically set along the length of a 300-foot bluff, the El Conquistador Resort spreads across 500 acres and overlooks the converging waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean . The resort destination offers 750 redesigned guestrooms and suites, boasts the recently opened Coquí Water Park; private Palomino Island, which offers an array of water sports and other recreational activities along white sand beaches; a renowned Golden Door Spa; an Arthur Hills 18-hole golf course; Tour Desk offering excursions to San Juan and the famous bioluminescent bay; a casino equipped with table games and a new collection of slot machines; as well as numerous dining options including an outpost of New York’s famed steak restaurant, Strip House.

About Las Casitas Village , The Waldorf Astoria Collection

Las Casitas Village is an intimate resort that shares the grounds of El Conquistador Resort, offering luxury one-, two-, and three-bedroom style villas with full kitchen facilities, three private pools including the magnificent infinity edge pool, tropical spa services and personalized 24-hour butler service for guests and families seeking a higher level of privacy and pampering. Las Casitas Village provides the perfect match to Coquí Water Park as a family destination. Las Casitas Village was previously voted “#1 Caribbean Family Resort” by Travel & Leisure Family readers. Las Casitas guests have access to all El Conquistador Resort amenities.

For more information on El Conquistador Resort, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, please call 888-543-1230. For information on Las Casitas Village, The Waldorf Astoria Collection, call 888-557-6370. Guests can also call Waldorf Astoria Collection reservations at 800-WALDORF (1-800-925-3673), or visit www.ElConResort.com, www.LasCasitasVillage.com or www.WaldorfAstoriaCollection.com.

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York . From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Waldorf Astoria Collection hotels each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.

The Best Kid Friendly Hotels in Oahu, Hawaii

As the weather cools down, many families will be looking to make warm-weathered travel plans around their kids’ winter breaks. Hawaii is a popular tourist destination for families in need of sun and relaxation. The island of Oahu has a number of hotel options, and while some hotels may advertise kid friendly amenities, those offers can be misleading. Oyster Hotel Reviews (www.oyster.com) sent a team of undercover reporters to join the kids clubs, separate fact from fiction, and compile a list of the top family friendly resorts on Oahu.

“On Oahu, a family-friendly resort is usually one of two things: A large, amenity-packed mega-resort with kids’ activities and dining options galore or a do-it-yourself, kitchen-equipped condo for longer (albeit no-frills) stays,” says Will Begeny, Senior Editor of Oyster Hotel Reviews. “Our undercover reporters found standouts for both types.”

Hilton Hawaiian Village

• Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $179/night

The largest resort in Hawaii , the amenities-packed Hilton Hawaiian Village has more to offer families than any other property on Oahu . The crowds are big. But if you're willing to make a pre-breakfast detour to stake out chairs by one the resort's four impressive pools -- one is Waikiki 's largest; another has four waterslides -- your kids will be thoroughly entertained. Among the premier attractions are the dozens of species of animals on the grounds, including parrots, penguins, and turtles; the calm, coral reef-protected waters at the beach; and the Friday night fireworks. And what'll you love? A chance for some kid-free relaxation, thanks to the Rainbow Express Keiki Club, which plans field trips to the aquarium or zoo and activities like Hawaiian crafts and sandcastle building, for kids ages five to 12. (And the $90 per day cost is half of the price of Sheraton's kids' club.)

Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club

• Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $251/night

Many families could happily spend their entire vacation on the grounds of this activity-packed resort. The three sprawling, winding pools have waterfalls, a slide, and a basketball hoop. The lagoon beach ocean is calm enough for family snorkeling. Parents can grab some guilt-free time off by enrolling the kids in the hotel's twice-weekly, four-hour "Passport to Fun" sessions. And the hotel runs activities like fish feeding and yarn lei-making every day of the week.

Sheraton Waikiki

• Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $218/night

The Sheraton's Helumoa Playground pool, just opened in 2009, is arguably the best -- and kid-friendliest -- pool in Waikiki . A waterslide, sprinkler-like fountains, and tropical landscaping put it on par with some of more elaborate pools at Caribbean resorts. Budget-conscious families will appreciate that kids under 17 stay for free, while parents who want to work some kid-free relaxation into their trip can make use of the Sheraton's superb kids' camp, where certified teachers lead kids on trips to the zoo or aquarium and in activities like lei-making and bodyboarding for $180 a day. One warning: Expect crowds; the 1,636-room Sheraton is the second-largest resort in the area.

Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club

• Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $299/night

The condo-style units in this hotel, which opened in December 2008, are a great choice for families who want to spread out and make themselves at home. The luxurious condo suites have full kitchens with high-end appliances, Bosch washers and dryers, and flat-screen TVs with over 500 digital channels. And guests have access to the oodles of kid-friendly amenities at the adjoining [ Hilton Hawaiian Village ]].

Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa

• Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $170/night

The Marriott is both less expensive and less chaotic than comparable family-friendly mega-resorts like the Hyatt Regency and Hilton Hawaiian Village . It may not have the Hilton's laundry list of kid-friendly amenities, but families won't be sacrificing too much: The two ocean-view pools should keep the kids plenty entertained, and the family-friendly Kuhio section of Waikiki Beach is right across the street. Free rollaway beds for kids under 18. 

The Kahala Hotel and Resort

• Pearls: Rating: 5.0 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $428/night

It's pretty hard to find a kid-friendly activitiy to top the Kahala's Dolphin Quest program, which (for a substantial fee) let's your family interact with the resort's resident dolphins. Even the free sideshow, the hotel's marine life pond, will capture young imaginations with its sea turles, stingrays, and colorful tropical fish. The kids' club is a reasonable $65 a day.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort And Spa

• Pearls: Rating: 4.0 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $175/night

This mega-resort's signature is Aloha Fridays, where performers showcase skills like fire-eating and hula dancing. The kids' camp, for five- to 12-year-olds, is $85 a day and offers activities like crab hunting and boogie boarding.

Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

• Pearls: Rating: 3.5 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $351/night

The Aston Waikiki Beach isn't big on amenities, but the room rates are low, the beach is across the street, and the Honolulu Zoo is a block away. The free poolside breakfast buffet, a step above continental, solidifies its position as one of the island's top budget choices for families.

Ilima Hotel

• Pearls: Rating: 2.5 Pearls
• Where: Oahu, Hawaii
• Average Price: $133/night

Families flock to the Ilima Hotel, a standout budget option for do-it-your-selfers with a full kitchen, 24-hour landry room, free parking, and enormous, clean condo-style units. Pretty bare bones in terms of features -- the pool is tiny -- but with the money you'll save, you might just be able to afford a longer trip.