The Lollipop Road

Posts Tagged ‘family vacation’

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

In our reviews, we will attempt to cover all aspects of the cruise in a fair, but candid manner, pointing out the good, the bad and the ugly.  Each category will earn a Rating from A+ through F; our overall score will reflect a weighting of each category score.  Each review and rating is done from a families point of view, so if you are single or a couple traveling without kids, your priorities may differ.  At the conclusion of our Cruise Views Marathon, we will crown the most family friendly cruise line (only Carnival, Disney and NCL are being evaluated) in several categories and then overall.  At some later date, we will be posting reviews from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity that were not part of this event.  Now, on to the review.

Ever since our first child was born four years ago we’ve been on a quest to find the most family friendly cruise line.  Having sailed on 30 cruises (as of next week), we had a few ideas of where to start, but it would be an interesting journey.  This was our 4 year-old’s fourth cruise and our 19 month old’s third cruise.  None of us had sailed with Disney Cruise Line before, so we didn’t really know what to expect.

We’ve talked to lots of folks who have sailed on Disney before and their sentiment seems to be that DCL has gotten better with time.  With a new ship coming out next year, perhaps they’re right…Disney has perfected their model and is ready to expand.

Reservation/Documents

Rating:  A-

We reserved our 3-night Bahamas cruise through our normal online travel agency where we were able to get a $150 onboard credit as an incentive for booking.  We opted for a Category 12 – Inside Guarantee, which netted us an upgrade to Category 10 (cabin 2043  - a deluxe inside with split bath).  There were never any price reductions (we understand that Disney cruises only get more expensive as time passes – unless you live in Florida).  Our total cruise fare after discounts for a family of four was about $1,500.  If we had booked more than 4 months in advance, we could have saved a few hundred dollars.

The online check-in process is a bit cumbersome, as you have to login and enter your reservation number each time you visit and the layout was a bit disjointed.  We were able to register our kids for the kids programs, make babysitting reservations in the nursery and print all necessary documents prior to sailing.  We received a booklet in the mail that included our luggage tags about 30 days prior to sailing. 

Pier Check-in/Embarkation

Rating:  A

We were coming from the Carnival Sensation, so we took a taxi across the port to the Disney Wonder (it took all of 3 minutes).  We arrived at the terminal around 9:30AM; passengers were still disembarking.  That gave us a chance to speak with several families who were able to give us lots of great tips.  The landside staff then directed us to the proper location to wait for the porters to open the gates to start loading the luggage.  Luckily, around 10AM, a DCL staff member let us pass our luggage over the locked gate so that we could head into the terminal.  Once again, we gave him a small tip to make sure our luggage got where it was supposed to go (it arrived in our cabin around 2PM).

We were the first to get through security shortly after 10AM.  If you are a past passenger or booked in a suite, you can use a special dedicated line to check-in, which is a bit faster as the agents started checking in those passengers early.  The dedicated Disney Cruise Line terminal was huge and designed to entertain families.  There was plenty of comfortable seating, televisions playing cartoons and a model replica of the cruise ship.  All of these extras meant that waiting to board wouldn’t be difficult as the kids would be well entertained.  Oh, and of course, Mickey and Minnie showed up on cue around 11AM for photos.

It began to get a bit crowded around 10:30AM as we were checking in and by 11AM, there was little seating left.  Disney uses boarding groups to board, so the earlier you arrive, the lower the number you’ll receive.  After checking in, you can make your way to the Oceaneer Club/Lab registration area to pick-up your child’s bracelet and your pager.  If you didn’t pre-register online, you’ll have the opportunity to register here.

Boarding began around Noon and along with the 50 or so other passengers in our boarding group, we were onboard in no time.  As you board, the host or hostess will announce your family over the mic.  The young lady announcing us must have lots of practice because for once our name was pronounced correctly.

There is no option to divert to your cabin as they shuttle you to Parrott Cay or up to the Beach Blanket Buffet for lunch.  No worries, my scolding would come soon enough.

Accommodations

Cabin Rating:  B+     Cabin Service Rating:  B

On this sailing we opted for an inside cabin so that we could honestly review what it is like to sail in an inside cabin with kids (not to mention that it was a lot cheaper).  Disney’s standard cabins measure about 184 square feet, which allows for a queen-sized bed (or two twins), a desk, closet space, a small sofa, coffee table (that raises and lowers) and a rather large bathroom with bathtub.  Our deluxe room was a bit larger at 214 square feet.  In addition to having a slightly different configuration (and a steamer trunk for storage), it had a split bath (one with toilet and sink and one with tub and sink).

Each bathroom was small and we think that we may have preferred a single larger bathroom.  The cabin was also equipped with a small flat panel television (with tons of family friendly movies and cartoons), desk telephone (not kid friendly), basic toiletries, a safe, cooling box (ie refrigerator) and a hairdryer.  There is also a wall mirror in the deluxe inside cabins, which makes the cabin feel less confined.  There was more than adequate storage space for a 3-night cruise.

I do have to say at this point that the lack of natural light did cause us to sleep late each day.  If we were to sail again, we would either book an outside cabin or bring a natural light alarm clock.

All cabins on this ship are considered family friendly as every stateroom can accommodate at least 3 guests.  You’ll find the “secret porthole” cabins (priced as inside, but really obstructed view outside), deluxe verandah cabins (some with enclosed “navigator” balconies), a deluxe family verandah (sleeps 5 and a bit larger at 304SF), and mega suites that can accommodate up to 7 guests.  If you want to sail in a special cabin or a suite, you will need to reserve far in advance, as they are very popular.

Cabin service was a bit of a disappointment during our cruise.  Our cabin steward kept the room clean, however, he never seemed to clean at any predictable time.  He also scolded me on the first day for dropping off luggage before the 1:30PM “cabin availability” time (hey, I couldn’t lug around two kids, a stroller and 5 bags of varying sizes anymore) and hounded us on the last night about getting our luggage out (we easily made it before the 11PM deadline).  This was in stark contrast to our Carnival stewards accommodating attitude.

Food/Dining Service

Food Rating:  A-     Dining Service Rating:  A

The selection at the buffet for breakfast and lunch consisted of quality entrees, sides and desserts that catered to both adults and kids.  As a matter of fact, there was a special kids side to the buffet (that didn’t stop me from eating the goodies).  There was also Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Pluto’s Dog House (a grill area that serves a half-dozen items like burgers, hot dogs and chicken) and Goofy’s Galley (deli and ice cream).  Goofy’s, Pinocchio’s and Pluto’s were all open in the evening for a fast-food dinner and sometimes a late night snack.  The selection was limited (especially the salad selection), however, the quality was excellent; the dessert selection was extensive and very good.  Another perk is that Disney offers free soda 24 hours a day, something that you would pay for on other cruise lines.

Disney offers two fixed seating dining choices (5:45PM and 8:15PM) and incorporates dining room rotation.  We chose the 5:45PM seating as we have young children; these families are assigned an APT rotation and your wait staff rotates with you, which is terrific.  The menu in both Animator’s Pallet (a modern restaurant that changes colors) and Parrott Cay (a Caribbean themed restaurant) yielded several delicious meals for everyone at our table.  However, the menu at Tritons (French themed and upscale) was a bit more limited, so I reluctantly chose beef for a third night in a row as the rest of the entrée choices were not appetizing to me.  Unfortunately, the beef wasn’t on par with earlier meals.  Other than this particular meal and a few so-so items from the buffet, the food was excellent.

The dining room service as well as the service at the buffet was also excellent.  At the buffet, there was always someone to help with your tray if you were struggling and the staff kept the tables clean and clear at all times.  In the dining room, the kids meals are served first, so kids aren’t kept waiting.  This is the first time in months that we actually got our 19 month old to sit in a high chair.  Of course, having another family with a child similar in age at our table also helped to keep everyone entertained.  Just before dessert, there was also a short bit of entertainment from the dining room staff that the kids really loved.  I’d say that Disney definitely gets it right when it comes to feeding and serving families.

Room service (24 hours) offers a basic continental breakfast, sandwiches, salads, pizza and desserts.  In addition, late night snacks were also available in Route 66, except on Pirate Night when there was a buffet on deck.  The Pirates in the Caribbean buffet was just so-so, although there were some interesting items, such as the giant turkey legs!  There was also a dessert buffet, which was a bit disappointing; the desserts were not as good as those served at other times during the cruise.

Overall – a very enjoyable dining experience.

Activities/Entertainment

Rating:  A-

Okay, so here is where Disney really pulls ahead of the competition.  Somehow, Disney has managed to create activities and entertainment that is not only appealing to kids, but also adults.  Throughout the cruise, there were many family oriented activities that you could participate in together.  Our favorite was the family dance night, but there was also crab racing, Wii tournaments, frisbee making, family friendly trivia, family bingo, family karaoke and don’t forget “Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer?”.  This is in addition to a parent’s ability to participate in Oceaneer Club/Lab activities as well (discussed later).

Now, we’ve been to a family disco night before on another cruise line where the music was blaring and there was nothing fun about it.  On Disney, there was a singer who interacted with the kids and parents, the music was fun and upbeat and everyone was having a blast!  I’ll call this the Disney Difference (DD for short).

As far as evening entertainment, the first night was The Golden Mickey’s.  Admittedly, this production was a mix of Disney movies meets a typical cruise line song and dance production.  My 19 month old fell asleep, my wife and 4 year-old had ditched to go to the Oceaneer Lab and I bailed early because it was getting a bit boring and I was exhausted.  If it was only this show and the rest were just like it, I’d feel differently, however, the next two productions, Toy Story: The Musical and Disney Dreams managed to entertain the entire family.  On the four cruises we’ve been on with our kids, this is the first time we actually got through more than 5 minutes of a show, never mind the entire show.  Once again, it’s the DD.

This is on top of the Disney character appearances throughout the cruise.  There must have been at least 20 opportunities each day and there was always a line.  If you bring an autographs book, you can get them to sign along with taking a picture.  Don’t want to wait, no bother, drop off a white pillowcase, t-shirt or other item at the Guest Information desk and they will return it to your room signed by All-Stars, Princesses or both (limit one item per person).

Oh, and did I mention the fireworks display at sea?  Let me say it again – the DD.

Onboard Amenities/Features

Rating:  B+

Built in 1999, the Disney Wonder is probably due for a little expansion and renovation.  There are lots of great family spaces onboard, however, Mickey’s Splash Zone is too small to serve the number of children that cruise.  Equipped with a 3FT by 12FT (approx) water fountain “splash area” for those still in diapers, Mickey’s Slide (min 38” to participate) and a shallow one foot deep (I figure a bit more, but I didn’t measure) wading pool with “hot tubs” for kids, this is the center of the action.  This areas was packed every day, so I cannot imagine what it would be like during school holiday, so please take heed that overcrowding may e a serious problem during peak periods.

About 30 steps away is Goofy’s (Family) Pool, which can accommodate all ages (so long as they are potty trained).  With two hot tubs, this area was also hopping, but not as much as the Splash Zone.  There is also a gigantic aerial television above the pool area that shows movies throughout the day and night, so this is a great place for your tweens to hang out.

Take another 30 steps and you’ll find yourself in the Quiet Cove Pool area.  Boasting two hot tubs, a large pool, cozy loungers and shaded tables for hanging out, this is an oasis for childless adults.  We were able to get an hour to ourselves and this was our destination; we enjoyed every last moment.

For the entire family, there is also a large video arcade (best for tweens and teens), Diversions sports pub (over 18 only after 9PM) where you can watch sporting events during the day and deck sports such as basketball, ping-pong and shuffleboard.  There is no mini-golf course.

For mom and dad, there are several shops with the usual trinkets (Mickey’s Mates is geared toward kids), art gallery, a spa, gym and several adult only entertainment areas, such as Cadillacs (night club) and the Cove Cafe.

Overall, Disney has done a great job of putting together a ship full of popular amenities for families and they have done a great job of carving out quiet and secluded areas for adults as well.  However, the limited space at Mickey’s Pool is a concern.

Oceaneer Club/Lab

Rating:  A

Disney has undoubtedly worked on perfecting their kids program over the last ten years to get it the way it is today.  From 9AM until Midnight (or later), the youth staff has cool activities to keep the kids busy at all times.  Honestly, the clubs themselves are so cool, that I’m not sure they even need activities!  Read more about the programs.  They even offer the programs on the island at Castaway Cay!

Really, the best part is that Disney has disbanded the notion of age groups.  This allows younger kids to participate in Oceaneer Lab activities and older kids to participate in Oceaneer Club activities (although that is less common).  The upside is that two siblings who would normally be separated can now play together.  From what we’ve seen, it is working very well and was a smart move…should we say…another DD.

Another great feature of the program is that parents can participate in the activities or just hang around in the club while their child plays.  This is ideal if you have a shy or uneasy child who isn’t comfortable staying there alone.  You are also allowed to bring children under the age of 3 into the clubs so long as you stay to supervise.  Okay, this is a huge DD!

Don’t forget the Flounder’s Reef Nursery, where you can drop your infant or toddler for babysitting or play time.  You do need to reserve in advance and there is a fee ($6/hr), but it may be well worth it.  We were able to leave our 19 month-old twice, each time for an hour.

Security and safety was very good and we were very impressed with the youth staff overall.  They went out of their way to make kids feel comfortable and always had a great attitude and were very flexible.  Thanks to them, we were able to leave our 4 year-old for over an hour and sneak away to the Quiet Cove Pool.  He would have stayed longer – the counselors were great.

There were parents onboard who were not successful in getting their kids to participate in the program alone.  However, this is where Disney differs – on any other cruise line, the kids would be out of luck, as adults are not allowed.  On Disney, adults can participate as long as they wish with their child. While not ideal for adult alone time, it does keep your child entertained.  We loved being able to make Flubber and chocolate chip cookies!  Chocolate…Chocolate…Chocolate…chip…chip…chip.

Ports Of Call

Rating:  B

This 3-night sailing called at Nassau and Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island).  These  are two great stops for kids.  In Nassau, we stayed on ship to enjoy the pool and activities as did many other families.  We did venture out to Castaway Cay and found it to be a bit crowded.  You can read our article on Castaway Cay for a full review.  Stay tuned for articles on Nassau Excursions and Blue Lagoon Island coming up next week.

Getting on and off the ship was easy, there were no lines and the security staff was fast, efficient and pleasant.

Crew/Cleanliness

Crew Rating:  B+     Cleanliness Rating:  A-

In general, most of the crew that we encountered were friendly and many provided excellent service.  The only exception was our cabin steward who was a bit inflexible and inconsistent.  We always felt welcomed at Guest Information and the youth staff always gave 110%.

We found the ship to be very clean and sanitary.  There were no dirty dishes, food or other trash collecting in public areas and the ship overall was well maintained.  Some of the areas are becoming a little worn (pool area), but everything else was in tiptop shape.

Disembarkation

Rating:  A+

The disembarkation process was the best we’ve ever seen.  Although we thought it a bit inflexible at first, we understand the reasoning behind their method.  They strongly encourage you to eat breakfast in the dining room (only limited food available elsewhere) at your required time.  This is determined according to your rotation.  We ate last in Triton, so we would eat in Triton for breakfast on the last day at 7AM.  Times were staggered, so breakfast started at 6:30 in AP, 6:45 in PC and 7:00 in Triton.  Second seating was staggered 7:45, 8:00 and 8:15.  This worked out amazingly well.  After breakfast, we grabbed our bags from the room (don’t bring them with you if you have young kids – just put them out of the way of your cabin steward and collect them later) then headed off the ship.  There was nobody in line and getting our bags was a breeze.  A friendly porter met us at the elevator, whisked us through customs and into line to wait for the Budget shuttle.

I’ll say it one last time…what a DD!

Conclusion

Overall Rating:  A-

Positive – Spacious family friendly cabins, excellent food and service, extensive kids facilities and activities, family friendly evening entertainment, spacious adult-only areas.

Negative –Small Splash Zone area, inadequate beach chairs/space on Castaway Cay, inflexibility from our cabin steward, price.

Note:  Disney Wonder would have received an Overall Rating of “A” but for an inadequate amount of space at Mickey’s Pool and Splash Zone.  We understand that they have addressed this when designing the Disney Dream (debuting in 2011).

You can read more about this topic, as well as many other family cruising topics, in our new book–Cruising With Kids: A Guide To The Perfect Family Cruise Vacation. Visit our dedicated Cruising With Kids website for more details.

If you enjoyed these photos and would like to see more, visit Photo Friday at Deliciousbaby.

Disclosure

In a bold move, Norwegian Cruise Line announced the introduction of the new Nickelodeon themed programming onboard Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Epic earlier this winter.  According to representatives at NCL, the three booking days that followed were some of the most successful in company history.  By all internal accounts this has already been a huge success.

We were lucky enough to have one of our loyal readers onboard for the Jewel’s first Nick themed sailing.  Vivian @Home revealed to us that she has been on 25 cruises, including several with NCL, although this was her first cruise on the Norwegian Jewel.  We appreciate her time  in answering our questions.

Did you find that there were more kids on this cruise than other cruises you’ve sailed on in the past?

Definitely,  there were more kids, especially in the 3-5 age range.  It seemed like there were a lot more babies onboard also.

From what you saw, was the number of kids related to the Nickelodeon themed program?

I think that was part of it, but several families that we spoke with were also on spring recess, so that may have increased the numbers.

What characters did you see on the cruise?

There was Dora, Sponge Bob, Diego and some character that looked like a pink banana; I’m not sure who that was.

Were there Nick themed activities throughout the day, or were they sporadic?

The Nickelodeon themed activities were available throughout the day.  They kept the kids pretty busy.

Do you recall the types of activities that were offered?

There was storytelling, sing-alongs, a dance party, some game show where the winning team was covered in slime and character breakfasts, just to name a few.

Did you check out Slime Time Live?  What was the participation level?

Yes, we did go to the show and it seemed that most of the audience was made up of families.  The turnout wasn’t huge, but everyone seemed to be having fun.

What was the best part of the cruise?

For me to say this it is quite a compliment; the food selection at the buffet was the best I’ve seen out of all of the cruises I’ve been on.  The food was also very good.

From what you experienced, do you think the Nickelodeon theme is a positive addition for families?

Definitely, there were lots of activities and interaction with the characters throughout the day and the kids seemed to be having a great time.

Given that you did not sail with children, would you still sail on this ship again given its focus on attracting families?

I wouldn’t let the Nickelodeon theme and the number of kids stop me from sailing on the Norwegian Jewel again.

Thank you for your time and the photos!

This post is part of our Cruise Views Marathon.  Please see special event information for details on how to enter our giveaways.

Disclosure

It’s deal day again and this week we have come up with some spectacular savings on hotels for an early summer family vacation getaway.  Most of these are time sensitive, so be sure to book now!

• Ramada is offering 40% off during its 72-hour sale.  This promotion is valid for unlimited stays from May 1st-27th at properties in the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.  The only catch – you must book by 11:50PM EST on April 29th using the link above.  Act fast!
• If you are looking for a bit of R&R, try the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai, California.  Use Promotion Code: PZOO and get up to 50% off.  Blackout dates apply.
• If you’re a family looking to travel on the cheap in Europe over the Memorial Day holiday, check out HostelBookers 20 cent promotion.  Reserve up to two beds at any one of ten properties for stays between May31st and June 4th for only €0.20.  This promotion is capacity controlled and subject to lots of terms and conditions, so be sure to read them before you book.  Promotion valid through April 30, 2010.
• Interested in visiting the Smokey Mountains?  American Patriot Getaways is offering one and two bedroom cabins for $99/night for Travelzoo readers.  Stay select dates through June 15th and enter promo code TZOO to enjoy up to 60% off!

Have fun and travel safe!

Disclosure

In just a few days, Expo 2010 will open to an expected 70 million visitors in Shanghai, China.  The largest world exposition (aka World’s Fair) site ever, Expo 2010 Shanghai will see participation from over 190 countries and over 50 international organizations.  This is an incredibly important event for China and they have expended great efforts to make it a success.

In 2005, we had the opportunity to visit Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan.  Although modest in comparison to the expo that China has put together, it was an amazing educational and cultural experience that should be experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime.  It goes without saying that this is an excellent family vacation destination and yes, I say destination, because you can literally spend an entire week at the exposition.

Expo 2010′s theme is Better City – Better Life.  With more than 55 percent of the world population living in cities, focusing on urban lifestyles, culture and diversity will bring the world together to improve conditions, conserve resources and focus on making this a better place for our children.  With interactive exhibits, technological innovations, cultural activities and food, crafts and entertainment from around the world, the world exposition serves as a meeting place for families from every corner of the globe.

Check out the United States Pavilion at Expo 2010.

In Aichi, there were virtual reality experiences, robotic demonstrations and interesting pavilions providing lots of fun for kids and adults alike.  We spent several days at the expo and still did not see everything – it was amazing!  Expo 2010 Shanghai runs from May 1-October 31, 2010.  It will definitely be an expo to remember.

For more information on World Expositions, you can visit the BIE website.

Disclosure

As part of what seems to be a never-ending home search, we had the opportunity to stay at the Marriott Courtyard in Fitchburg, Massachusetts this past weekend.  Located in the central part of the state, this seems to be more of a destination than a resting place.  Attached to the hotel is a huge 55.000 square foot water park called Coco Key Resort, so if you do decide to stay here, you better like kids!  On to the review…

The Reservation Process

You can make a reservation in a couple of ways.  If you are looking for a water resort package, you can reserve through the Coco Key Reservation page.  Otherwise, you can go to Marriott’s website and reserve as normal.  I did the latter as I was using Marriott Reward Points (this property is a Category 2, which is a good value).  A few clicks and the reservation was confirmed.  Regular weekend rates start at $115/night or you can get a water park package starting at $149/night.  If you are booking a package, be sure to go through the Coco Key Resort, as the rates are cheaper than going through Marriott.

Things To Do

The main attraction here is the Coco Key Water Resort (day passes are $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends), but there is more to do nearby.  Whether it’s skiing in the winter or hiking and biking in the summer, you can have fun at Wachusett Mountain located less than 15 minutes away.  In downtown Fitchburg, you’ll also find the Fitchburg Art Museum (kids under 12 are free).   Bottom line – this is a great weekend family destination!

The Exterior

The hotel is situated near the intersection of Route 2 and Route 31.  Set atop a hill, the drive up to the hotel provides a scenic introduction to the giant complex that consists of the Coco Key Water Resort, Courtyard and Convention Center.  Despite the size of the complex, there is a lack of convenient parking.  On busy days, I can see the convenient lots filling up quickly.  The exterior was clean, modern and very impressive.

Check-In

We checked-in after 7PM and there was lots of activity in the newly designed lobby.  Although there were several guests waiting to be serviced, there was only one clerk actually working with guests.  Rather than having a single desk area, there were 4 with no direction as to where a line should form, which added to the confusion.  Although the process went smoothly and the clerks were friendly, future visits to the desk would prove equally frustrating due to the design and lack of staff.

Hotel Amenities

As I said, this hotel is quite impressive, inside and out.  The modern lobby has a sitting area with television, quaint open concept bar area for light snacks and drinks and a large internet cafe that was always hopping.  Down the hall, there was also a simple restaurant (a bit pricey, but family friendly), a fitness room with professional equipment and an indoor pool with hot tub (free).  The only negative is that the pool was always crowded and is a bit small for the number of families that frequent this hotel.

Connected to the hotel, you will also find the Coco Key Water Resort lobby, which is simple and kid friendly with seating, video games and the entrance to the water resort.  There is also 60,000 square feet of meeting space, which no doubt makes for an interesting combination during peak season.

The Room

There are a total of 245 rooms on 6 floors.  Our room on the 5th floor was generous in size with 2 queen beds, a large desk and entertainment area, chair with ottoman, closet and decent size bath.  Also available are King with sofa bed and Suite with living room.  There was ample space for the kids to play and sleep, so in that respect they get an A+.

Overall, the room was clean, but I did find trash underneath the bed skirt and there was a bit of excess dust in/near the cooling unit.  Unfortunately, the fan on the cooling unit never shut off, regardless of what we did, so that was a bit of an annoyance.

On the tech side, the LCD television was great and offered lots of channels for kids, including Disney, Nick, the Cartoon Network and Showtime.  There was no on demand feature, however, there was a docking station to hook-up your toys to the TV.  The wireless internet signal was a bit weak and slow, but at least it worked consistently.

Amenities included an iron, ironing board, luggage rack, hair dryer and ample toiletries.  Storage space was a bit limited and we could have used more towels, but overall the room was roomy and family friendly.

Unfortunately, we have to note that the ice machine on our floor was not operational.  There was also a leak in the stairwell that left puddles of water on the stairs, which created a hazard.  With all of the kids that this property attracts, this should have been repaired immediately.

Conclusion

The Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg is a great family hotel with lots of nearby attractions.  You can enjoy an entire weekend vacation without leaving the hotel!  The rooms are attractive, roomy and family friendly.  There are plenty of amenities for both kids and adults as well as plenty of other kids to play with while mom and dad sneak away for a quiet lunch.

We would like to see them pay a bit more attention to maintenance and address the setup of the front desk area.  Otherwise, this is definitely an excellent property.

Disclosure