Family Vacation Ideas and Help for Family Vacations

By Family Travel Planet Correspondent:
Debbie Kaye

Sometimes when you live in a city, you don't take advantage of everything it has to offer. My "sweet home" Chicago became even sweeter when I checked into the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers with my mom and my six-year old daughter, Julia, for a family vacation.   The new trend of vacationing in your own hometown is on the rise.  Some even call it a "Stay-cation."    After our multi-generational girls' getaway, we all would have been happy to stay forever, as the staff at the Sheraton focuses on making sure your Chicago experience is spectacular.

The men in our lives were going to U.S. Cellular Field to cheer on the Chicago White Sox. We girls had other things in mind. The purpose of our visit was a three-generation “girls’ weekend” which centered on the Sheraton’s American Girl package.

As an American Girl "preferred hotel," the Sheraton offers many perks for your little girl and her special doll. At the front desk, Julia and her doll, Samantha were greeted by the staff and presented with the new and exclusive American Girl Satin Sweet Sleeper Bed.  As an added bonus to our stay, complimentary parking and upgrades (depending on availability) are part of the American Girl package amenities.

After admiring the amazing view of the city from our room which included the Chicago River and the new Trump Tower, it was time to SHOP! Of course, we had to get to the American Girl Place store first. We stopped at the Concierge Desk for a map and were happy to see it was well-staffed with multiple employees waiting to assist their guests.  It is always nice when you are traveling with kids if you do not have to wait in line. As any parent knows, little ones have no patience!

The American Girl Place store was a pleasant, short walk down Michigan Avenue. While her Samantha doll was “pampered” and had her hair done, Julia shopped, as any "real girl" would. 

After our shopping extravaganza and dinner, we arrived back to our room to find special cupcakes and two glasses of milk, which had been delivered for Julia and Samantha. What a sweet end to a perfect day.

As Julia got herself and Samantha ready for bed, she announced she had pulled out her tooth. She was excited, but a little nervous that the tooth fairy would not be able find her at the Sheraton. After reassuring her that all would be fine, my mom and I were able to sit back and enjoy the hotel room view once she was sound asleep. 

The next morning, when Julia awoke she announced that she would like to live at the Sheraton. She said, “It felt just like home . . .even the tooth fairy found us here.”

We spent the morning exploring the hotel. We found the pool had been strategically located away from the rooms to avoid any disturbances to the guests. We also learned that the Sheraton will be starting a Dive-In Movie Program where families may watch movies while enjoying the pool.

Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers also offers Kids Culinary Birthday Party Packages, featuring an overnight stay, a creation in the kitchen and even some fun in the pool.

Before we checked out, we had a farewell feast at the Chicago Burger Company and enjoyed a choice of burgers with all types of trimmings. We are now planning our return visit with the rest of the family.

With the Sheraton’s close proximity to Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute, we certainly will be able to entertain the whole family.

We even discovered that the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers is pet-friendly, so we will be able to bring our furry family member along.