My family of five vacationed at the Crown Paradise Resort in Cancun and I have to say that if there is one thing that really made our vacation, it was the child care facilities. Here’s a report of our family’s experience.
The hotel itself is divided in two parts, the original section and a newer tower; all rooms are oceanview with balconies. Our room was in the newer tower and was decorated nicely in yellow and blue and had two full beds and a crib. The hotel itself is huge– over 800 rooms with an open air lobby, five pools, five restaurants and numerous bars and snack bars. Three waterslides are great fun for kids, too. With the all-inclusive plan, you get all meals, activities, drinks and non-motorized water sports.
Kids Care and Kids Programs at Crown Paradise Club
The Baby Club is for babies 18-months to 3-years-old. It was very nicely done with large glass windows so that one could check on the kids frequently without necessarily being seen. There were two large indoor rooms furnished in Fisher Price and Playskool as well as an outdoor small wading pool and jungle gym. There were always at least two caregivers present who spoke perfect English and seemed quite caring and attentive towards the children.
I looked in on my 18-month-old every 1-2 hours and always found him to be playing happily under close supervision. I received daily reports when I picked him up about how he ate, slept, etc. There were never more than five children at the club, which I considered an excellent caregiver to child ratio. Every day around 3pm, I saw the caregivers take the children for a walk on the beach.
The Kids Pardise Club for children 4 to 12 years old was also excellent. It is a large fenced-in area with a pool with multiple water slides, a jungle gym and eating/craft area. Each hour was broken down into swim time, free time, arts’n’crafts time, lunch time, etc. The woman in charge had a British accent and she was excellent with the kids. My 4 and 5-year-olds played Pokemon Bingo, got painted with warpaint like Indians, etc. I had to tear them away every day and they could not wait to go back in the morning. There were usually about 10-15 children and three to five caregivers at any given time. Parents were allowed to use the kiddy pool with children 3 and under but not with older children.
Both the Kid’s Club and Baby Club were open seven days per week from 9am to 4:45pm. We were asked to fill out a brief medical history and leave notice where we would be during the day. I saw other parents who were planning on leaving the hotel for part of the day, but with three kids there, we chose to hang out on the beach or by the main pool in case there were any problems. We spied on the children at least three times during the day and found all to be well. Nightime babysitting was available with the same staff for $10/HR regardless of the number of children, but we did not use it.
There seemed to be a lot of activity around the teens club, so I guess that age group had fun too.
Crown Paradise Restaurants & Bars
The food was outstanding. The buffet was open all day for all three meals. In addition to the usual steam tables, salad bars, cold cut bars and dessert tables, there were made to order pancake/waffle, omelette, and fruit smoothie stations at breakfast. At lunch these were pasta, stir fry, and taco stations. Afternoons, there was a soft ice cream machine going that my kids loved. We ate everything including the fresh fruit and salads and none of us had any problems with diarrhea.
Some people complained to us that they were hoping for more Mexican food, something that tasted local,but we were happy with the buffets and the kids liked having familiar foods available.
There are five restaurants open for dinner. Reservations had to be made one to two days ahead of time. There was a steak house, Caribbean, Italian, Mexican and “adults-only” Continental. We tried all but the adults-only place and found the service to be excellent. Our favorite was the steak house with a mechanical bull that the kids found very entertaining and my husband rode (for at least 90 seconds or so).
Even at the 6pm seating, my kids were so worn out by the daily activities that they had trouble staying awake. However, I saw many other children who had no problem. At 7:30pm on Sunday (9pm other days) there was a show put on by the staff with dancing, singing, etc. The kid’s show on Sunday featured the Power Rangers, the Little Mermaid, etc. and the kids really enjoyed it. There was one ‘fight scene’ between an alligator and Captain Hook that the under-5 crowd found a bit scary.
Crown Paradise Facilities & Activities
The facilities in general were extensive, well-maintained and user-friendly. The main pool was huge and during the day, dominated by loud music and organized activities for adults and teens (water polo, pool volleyball or basketball, etc) run by the very energetic staff. There is an adults-only pool and another outdoor pool that we preferred. The beach itself was impeccably clean, with soft, wide, white sand and clear blue/green water which was quite warm in early March, though the surf was a bit rough. Our kids preferred building sand castles to actually going in the water, but I saw many children swimming with parents.
The overall atmosphere of the hotel was one of friendly and attentive service. On several occasions my kids spilled milk, dropped glasses, etc. and each time, a smiling young man would appear within moments, clean it up, saying “no problem”. The first night our toddler threw up in his crib and we called the front desk. They had housekeeping appear within five minutes to help us clean up and offer a new crib (we kept him in our bed instead).
The only dislikes I had were that there were many offers to tell us about the time shares available and that in ground floor “bridge” between the older and newer hotel towers, there seemed to be an intermittant sewer gas odor.
Planning your Crown Paradise Family Vacation
We booked our trip through Apple Tours and at the time paid roughly $4,200 including airfare from NYC, transfers and all-inclusive for 7 days. I hear it is still a good value. We had no problems with our flights which were on time.
All in all, we had a wonderful trip. I would rate it a 9 out of 10. The kids cried when we told them it was time to go home and we are already planning a return trip some time later this year. I have to say that if there is one thing that really made our vacation, it was the child care facilities.
Those seven hours per day of knowing our children were well cared for and entertained while we were relaxing made a tremendous a difference in our stress level and allowed us to really relax. I’ve also heard that there are larger rooms now to accommodate a family with three kids, that is great.
Editor’s Note: The resort has probably changed a lot since this 2010 report, but it still welcomes kids under 12 free and rooms accommodate a family of five with no problem. For more information and current rates, visit Crown Paradise Club and resorts website.
For more great Cancun resorts, check out FTF’s complete list: “Top Ten Cancun Family Beach Resorts.”
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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
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Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
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Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you