Red Room Chronicles

Marriott PR alerted me to a new brand within the Marriott brand today. Marriott is teaming up with Nickelodeon to create Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott.

There is a site announcing the launch here. Looks interesting.

As a parent of a young daughter I can say that I know I will be looking for family friendly resorts in the future. Given the following statement on the press release website, “a breakthrough new lodging resort brand and concept for travelers seeking fun and adventure, “Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott,” with 20 potential hotels expected to be under construction by 2020.” my daughter may be a little too old for something like this by the time the properties mature.

The first resort is slated to open in San Diego in 2010. So if we’re headed in that direction I’ll keep the Nick Marriott combo in mind. Til then, I think it would be great if Marriott could come up with a family strategy that could be applied to their existing brands. A couple of things I can think of that would be great:

• Family Rooms - sort of like suites but with things (like a dirty diaper container) that would help families with small children.
• Family Care Paks - packages with diapers, sanitary wipes, milk and bottled water so people have basic supplies when they arrive.

My last trip with the family definitely gave me some good ideas.

Identifying Information

Marriott Brand: Residence Inn
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Property Web Page: Residence Inn Beverly Hills

Critique of the Property

Common Areas: Highrise hotel with seven floors above the lobby. Below the lobby there are two floors which include and exercise room, guest laundry and a spa. Breakfast room and lounge area are in the lobby just past the reception desk.

Guest Rooms: Stayed in a studio suite with a small kitchenette. Rooms are generally smaller than typical Residence Inn properties.

Other Amenities: Wired and wireless high speed internet access are free. On site valet parking is $20 per day. Complimentary shuttle available to destinations within five miles of the hotel.

Things To Watch Out For: In studios, the small dining table is cramped and also serves as the desk. You may bump into post operative plastic surgery patients in the breakfast area. Higher floor rooms have views of downtown L.A. and Hollywood sign.

Staff: Attentive staff to help with bags and park the car. Valet service was always quick and friendly.

What’s Nearby?

Beverly Drive shopping district is about a five minute walk north of the hotel. Rodeo Drive shopping district is also in walking distance. Lots of shops and restaurants in both those areas. Adjacent residential areas are quiet and good for a nice walk or jog. Ralph’s Supermarket, Office Depot and Coffee Bean coffee house are just around the corner on Pico Blvd.

Restaurants: No onsite restaurant. Room service available from Spark restaurant around the corner. Factor’s Famous Deli is across Pico Blvd.

Other Marriotts: None

Other Hotels: Crowne Plaza, Avalon Hotel

Tags: Marriott, Residence Inn, Travel ,Hotel

I don’t travel with the family too often but this week is one of those trips. We’re out in Los Angeles for a wedding that took place yesterday.

Since my wife and I have a two year old daughter accomodations can be tricky. A child at that age needs lots of snacks and lots of naps. As a result I decided to reserve at a Residence Inn.

The Residence Inn Beverly Hills is the only Residence Inn brand hotel in the Los Angeles area, although there are a number of Marriott properties around the town. The in room kitchenette is a must if you’re traveling with little ones.

The hotel staff provided us with a small ‘pack and play’ type crib so our daughter is set for sleeping accomodations. The studios here are smaller than the average Residence Inn property so nap time for daughter means nap time for mommy and daddy. Next time we’ll get a one bedroom.

The onsite included breakfast is a bonus for the family too. With so much to handle during the day it’s nice to know that we can get up and have a meal ready for us before we start the day.

More on the hotel and surrounding area in the next post.