It’s no secret for us moms (and dads, too) that a family “vacation” usually means very little for those with, well, littles. It typically just means more work in a different location.
When our family takes a trip, there are a lot of things to consider: Will we have what we need? (The space and equipment, plus a safe and kid-friendly environment?) Will there be enough to keep everyone entertained? What kind of travel time is involved? Is there access to food everyone likes? Is it easy to get around?
Jenn received a free stay at Westin Seattle for her honest review.
All opinions are her own. Check out SPIRIT 105.3 for a special rate.
We were invited for a stay at The Westin Seattle, and I was a little nervous. We come with a lot of challenges, including two active elementary schoolers as well as a one-year-old. All the questions above applied. And yet somehow, this stay checked all the boxes.
Arrival
There was an easy drive to get in, and since we were able to utilize the valet parking, it was simple to get our bags out and into the building without worrying about parking. (Even without the valet, there’s a parking garage attached.)
We were all immediately struck by the beautiful, modern lobby with the restaurant, bar, and service desks. Thankfully, one of the first things I noticed were more families around. It’s not just us! I breathed a sigh of relief.
More fears were put to rest as we approached the front desk to check in and we were all greeted warmly, especially my kids. There was also no trouble getting around with a stroller.
Room Accommodations
The Westin staff treated us to a beautiful suite at the top of one of the two towers, and there was just this sprawling, gorgeous view of the city. You could even spot the water in one direction and mountains in another. We spent a good ten minutes oohing and aahing.
The suite was decorated so beautifully, and with an adjoining room attached, we had plenty of space for everyone. Two and a half bathrooms meant very little wait times, there was a small sink and fridge in the main area, a desk in the main room and bedroom with the king bed, a couch and chairs in the main space too. I could pick up on the lovely light signature scent of The Westin, white tea, and the personal products in the bathroom were white tea scented too.
There were thoughtful touches waiting for us, like snacks from PNW brands and coloring books for the kids. A crib was already set up in the bedroom with the king bed (Another point for The Westin–no need to bring a pack and play!). And my kids quickly started a game of bowling with the soft ball and pins that were set up for them.
Dinner
To save us a trip out, we opted to eat at the hotel restaurant, Relish. Again the staff was incredibly welcoming to us and our kids too. The fact that our kids weren’t seen as an inconvenience, even in such a classy hotel, was not lost on me.
Everyone enjoyed their meal. My kids, of course, ordered from the dedicated kids menu. My husband chose the pork chop, and I had the seafood cioppino (a huge bowl of a variety of seafood in a slightly spicy tomato sauce with garlic bread on the side)–both were delicious. We were even able to get Starbucks coffee at the table, since the restaurant bar was connected to the Starbucks counter.
Recreation
After dinner and a trip back to the hotel room, my kids were eager to get to their favorite part of any hotel stay: the pool.
While it was a bit of a walk, we found the fitness area with no problem–and I was so disappointed when I got there. Not because the facility was lacking. Actually it was amazing: treadmills, Pelotons, all kinds of fitness machines in a clean, well-lit space.
No, I was disappointed because I’d injured my leg running that morning, and couldn’t put those machines to use. I was also sad to miss the morning concierge run! It would have been so cool to run around the city. Just another reason to make sure we get back there at some point.
The pool was legitimately the nicest hotel pool I’ve ever seen. It was surrounded by huge glass windows looking out over the city, clean and minimal tiles, plenty of lounge chairs, and so many fluffy towels. And it was wide enough that my kids could do cannonballs without too much disruption to the other people in the pool. It required key card entry for security, and there was a bathroom right next to the pool. Everything was accessible for all abilities, including a chair to get into the pool.
My kids had a blast, and meanwhile Mom got to sit beside the pool and chill for a bit, while Dad took the baby back up to the suite. The pool hours were long–up until 11:30 at night–and if we’d let them, my kids would have stayed that long.
Evening
By the time we got back, the gorgeous city view turned into a nighttime scene. The kids relaxed with a movie on the big screen TV, and my husband ordered a dessert from downstairs for us to split.
There was enough space and shade that my baby could peacefully go to sleep while we all stayed up a bit later, playing games until bedtime.
And here’s the kicker: ALL MY KIDS SLEPT SOUNDLY THROUGH THE NIGHT. I think you’ll agree with me when I say, that’s a hotel miracle.
Our Day Out
The rain didn’t dampen our determination to get out and explore in the morning. Grabbing a quick bite at the Starbucks counter, we were scrambling to figure out where to go when the kind concierge stepped in. She handed us a huge umbrella and directed us to the monorail just across the street.
The monorail took us straight to Seattle Center (Pro parenting tip: it is never not cool to ride a monorail, especially through the MoPOP museum.) There’s so much to do at Seattle Center, but we chose the Pacific Science Center, admiring the Space Needle and arching architecture on the way in.
After cruising through exhibits, letting the baby play in the small children’s area, the butterfly room, and a laser show for my husband and older two, we stopped in the Armory for a lunch that, once again, everyone could enjoy, since it’s a food court with plenty of options.
I’ve never been to Seattle Center without struggling to park, so it was a treat to get in and out so easily, and to basically be dropped back at our doorstep at the hotel.
We were able to settle our baby down for a nap and hung out in the suite for a bit until our gracious late check-out time. When asked at the desk about our stay, our kids gave an enthusiastic review.
I’m happy to say that even though we come with a lot of needs, our family had a fantastic time at The Westin. They made us feel so special, including my kids, and I think I speak for all of us when I say it’s a trip we’d be happy to make again.
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Read more of Jenn’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
