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KidSuites are Family Friendly to the Max

For most families, vacations have meant crowding into a single hotel room, arguing with siblings over who gets the television remote control, and trying to share a double bed with mom or dad. Although everyone enjoyed the vacation, getting home was usually the best part. A new Orlando-area resort is working to change all of that, by providing an unprecedented amount of space, privacy and amenities, all within a budget most families can afford.

Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort Lake Buena Vista features deluxe two and three room suites, each with amenities every member of the family can appreciate.
"Let's face it ... most families spend a lot of time, energy and money to make their vacations memorable," said Terry Whaples, operating partner of the new resort. "But somewhere between rental cars and theme park tickets, parents often forget their kids are accustomed to sleeping in their own beds. A little added space can make all the difference in the world, and can make a vacation much more enjoyable for everyone."

The resort features the next generation of KidsuitesTM, special kid-friendly hotel rooms launched by Whaples' team in 1996. These suites were among the first in the industry to provide kids with their own fun-themed areas with separate beds, TV, VCR and Nintendo 64. At Holiday Inn Family Suites Resort, Kidsuites have evolved into two-bedroom suites, with a private bedroom for parents, a fun-themed kids' bedroom and a parlor for family gatherings.

"When we researched suite properties, we found much the same information as when we originally developed Kidsuites," said Whaples. "The typical suite brand offers a king bed with a pull-out couch in the living room, which is usually right by the front door (not good for small children). Now we can provide space for each member of the family."
"Ask any parent who has traveled with their kids, and they'll tell you that while vacations can be great fun, they can also be stressful," said Raymond Thornton, a licensed marriage and family therapist who consulted with the team on the development of Kidsuites. "From early mornings and late nights to eating out all the time, families are often emotionally and physically drained at the end of the day - especially younger children."

"By providing kids and parents a little space of their own, Kidsuites help re-establish some normalcy to a non-stop, sometimes overwhelming vacation," he continued.

In addition to two-bedroom Kidsuites, the Family Suites Resort offers families a number of different one and two bedroom options that make family travel more fun. All of the resort's 800 suites have a parlor area with full-sized sleepersofa, entertainment center, kitchenette and full-sized bathroom.

"Three years ago, Kidsuites were seen as a revolution in the way hotels looked at family travel," said Whaples. "With Family Suites there is an evolution, where all types and sizes of families can enjoy the comforts of home - while enjoying the wonderful benefits of family travel."

Parents travelling with teenagers may find the resort's 212 Classic Two-Bedroom suites the perfect fit. These suites feature two adult-sized bedrooms with queen beds in each the master bedroom and the second (semi-private) bedroom. Another economical option is the Residential Suite, which has a full-service kitchen with dishwasher, stove/oven and refrigerator.

Most of the resort's suites interconnect, meaning larger families can also bunk together. A connecting Residential Suite and Kidsuite can sleep up to 11 people. And with five entertainment centers, fighting over the remote is a thing of the past. The resort features many other fun suite layouts designed for every individual's needs and tastes.

Additional concepts include the romantic SweetHeart Suites, with king bedroom and a 117 gallon heartshaped whirlpool tub; CinemaSuites, featuring a separate home theater with 60" TV and stereo surround sound; Fitness Suites, designed especially for fitness fanatics; and Business Suites for the working vacation. For reservations from the U.S. and Canada, or for more information, call toll-free (877) 387-KIDS (5437) or (800 HOLIDAY, or visit the resort's website at http://www.hifamilysuites.com. Reservations are also available through major tour operators.