Hotels International

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Hotels International Hyatt International 

	Hyatt International
tel: UK tollfree (0845) 888 1234; US tollfree 1 800 233 1234

Where

A US group of 204 hotels with 125 in the US, Canada and the Caribbean and through subsidiaries 80 other hotels and resorts in 35 countries. 16 of the US and Caribbean properties are designated family properties.

Style

Five-star, generally of around 400 rooms. Properties are defined Hyatt Regency, the majority of the hotels, Grand Hyatt hotels for ‘culturally rich destinations' with programmes designed for particularly discriminating guests, and Park Hyatts, smaller, luxury hotels in European style with particularly high standards of food.

Facilities

In the US offers Camp Hyatt, introduced in 1989 to cater to families with two working parents who want a break from kids on holiday. Camp Hyatt is now at around 16 resort hotels, with hands on and educational activities for children 3-12 (from 5 years on Hawaii), focusing on local flora, fauna, culture and geography plus fun activities from arts and crafts to biking. Examples include exploring bear caves and making tepees (Beaver Creek Resort) coconut bowling (Grand Cayman) learning to grow pineapples and oranges (Orlando), and creating a take-home cactus garden (Arizona).
At the family friendly properties there is a Family Camp programme for all the family during holiday periods. Activities include taking a glass bottomed boat in the Grand Cayman, panning for gold at Beaver Creek, and deep sea fishing in Hawaii.
Babysitting and nannies can be arranged. Child menus are offered in restaurants and on room service, and on check-in all children receive a welcome pack. Average prices for Camp Hyatt are US$18 for a morning, lunch $10, afternoon $24, evening with dinner $34, all sessions with meals $64.
Travel cots, bottle warmers and microwaves can be supplied for the rooms. There are also high chairs and a baby sitting can be arranged through the concierge.
Outside the US particularly family friendly is the Hyatt Regency Coolum in Australia runs children including Possums (6 weeks to 18 months - A$10 per hour, staff to child ratio 1:3); Joeys (18 months to 4 years, A$10 per hour, staff to child ratio 1:4), Kookaburra Club (4-12 years A$22 per morning), and Wallabies (8-12 years A$22 per morning on site, 30 for off site). Rock Hyatt Teens is for children up to 17. Day and evening baby sitting services are also available. Joeys and Possums are side by side but with separate indoor play areas and an outdoor playground. Kookaburra Club offers golf and tennis clinics and competitions, canoeing on the resort's lake, archery, treasure hunts, arts and crafts, cooking classes and some off site activities. Wallabies also get themed evening parties on alternate nights during holiday periods.
In addition the hotel offers a baby extras package for A$20 per night including baby cot with linen, changing table, bottle heater, steriliser, baby bath and high chair.
Recommended family accommodation is available in President and Ambassador Villas sleeping a minimum of four with kitchenette and laundry facilities. Groceries and takeaway food is sold at a Deli or children's menu items are available in the Brasserie, gril and pizzeria.
Packages may be available including access to the spa for parents. For details see http://www.hyatt.com.au.

Sample Price

US$265-385 per room. Prices for Camp Hyatt vary but average around US$20 for the morning, US$25 for the afternoon and US$68 for all sessions.

Child Prices

Children under 18 can stay free, sharing, or there is a 50% discount on a second room for children. There is also what appears to be the industry's only frequent stay programme for children. In addition there may be offers such as summer 2002's Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free package at 16 properties in the US, Hawaii and Caribbean. Families Play Together & Stay Together at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort £134.00 per night for the family.