At certain international properties, the upscale, business-oriented hotel chain has invested in noteworthy amenities for traveling families.
The InterContinental Hotel Group has more than 3,500 hotels in almost 100 countries and territories worldwide. Their well known brands include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Hotel Indigo.
The deluxe InterContinental brand has often been regarded as the group’s sector for business travelers, because its properties are located in major cities, offer 24-hour business services, and have expert “insider” concierges. Many of this brand’s hotels also feature spacious rooms, excellent restaurants, and spa and fitness facilities.
Because of the growing family travel market and the increased demand for child-friendly facilities, some of InterContinental’s deluxe international properties now offer amenities for business people, parents, and children traveling together. The InterContinental Hotel Group's press office has provided us with the following information about some of the most outstanding programs at their hotels in Europe, Asia and the South Pacific.
Europe
The InterContinental Le Grand Hotel Paris (33/1 407-3232) recently introduced a V.I.K.—Very Important Kids—program. Children are given personal bathrobes embroidered with their first names, mini-slippers and a Molten Brown toiletry bag. They also receive age-appropriate gifts, including a music box, teddy bears, and jewelry. As usual, children 12 and under receive free accommodation and breakfast, and families have the option of a special weekend rate which includes a second room at half price.
Germany’s InterContinental Berlin (49/30 26 02 0) has a café with a special children’s corner, and its menu features Mickey Mouse pancakes and mini-burgers. Kids between the ages of 6-12 dine at half-price, and children under 6 eat free. Children receive mini bathrobes and slippers, and the hotel provides baby bathtubs, changing tables, bottle warmers, and other necessities for babies.
InterContinental Warsaw (48/22 328 8888) in Poland is unique in that it has 75 two-bedroom apartments, each with a kitchen and play areas, providing families with more space and privacy. The hotel provides apartments or guestrooms cribs, linens, changing tables and diapers–all free of charge–for families traveling with babies.
Asia
Similar to the kid’s corner at the Berlin hotel, Cambodia’s InterContinental Phnom Penh (85/5 23 424888) has a separate children’s play area in its restaurant. The indoor playground has mini swings, seesaws, and building blocks, as well as computer games. There is also a separate children’s buffet that, with serving tables at a lower height, is easily accessible. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 dine at half-price, and children under 6 eat free.
The InterContinental Resort Bali (62/361 701 888) features a V.I.K. (Very Important Kids) program, and children have their own “mini-resort,” open daily, where they can take Balinese dress and dance classes, participate in face-painting sessions, and have lessons in scuba-diving, cooking, squash, and tennis.
In the urban setting of downtown Singapore, the InterContinental Singapore’s (65/63 387 600) Sunday brunch offers separate fun for adults and children. While parents sip Veuve Clicquot champagne, eat a leisurely brunch, and listen to live jazz music in the elegant lounge, children participate in their own program in The Vault. Professional caretakers supervise children while they play in this room, which has a big projector screen for cartoons and movies, X-Box video games, hula-hoops, Legos, art supplies, and table soccer. Kids also have their own low-to-the ground buffet spread here, with surprisingly Western kid-friendly dishes like PB&J and cupcakes.
South Pacific
Four bottlenose dolphins reside in the noted research facility, the Dolphin Center, at the InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea. Families can learn about dolphins while playing and swimming with them in the interactive and educational marine program. Children will also take home a souvenir photo with the dolphins.
For reservations and additional information about these or other InterContinental Hotel Group properties, call (800/327-0200) or visit www.intercontinental.com.
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