Grace Bay Club,
Photo Courtesy of Grace Bay Club
At this point in the summer, parents are counting down the hours until their children are back in school. But let’s be honest, come fall, you’ll be craving the carefree days of summer, and wishing for a bit more time with the family that’s not dictated by soccer practice and science fairs. So, whether you have a fall break to plan, or a long weekend to play hooky—here are 10 places to remind you of summer, even though September is right around the corner.
Imperial Hotel, Tokyo
The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo stands in the same place it did when it was built in 1890. Only today, it’s surrounded by some of the city’s best shopping and theater and sits within a few miles of the Imperial Palace, where the Tokugawa Shoguns reigned for more than a thousand years. As Tokyo’s most iconic hotel, Imperial is known for its excellent service for every guest — including children. A baby room and pool are available, as well as 18 restaurant and dining options. And make sure to ask about promotions: book three consecutive nights in September and you can earn a 15-percent discount on your stay.
Hotel Eden, Photo Courtesy of Dorchester Collection
Hotel Eden, Rome
An eight-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain and a short metro hop to the Forum and Coliseum, Hotel Eden is a perfect jumping off point for historians young and old. With rooftop restaurant, La Terrazza delllzza , and sweeping views of St. Peter’s dome, the Rome hotel also offers guided Vespa tour rides and a spectacular Family Time package that comes complete with a 35-percent discount on an adjoining room, daily breakfast and one complimentary three-hour babysitting service during your stay. Don’t tell the kids, but they also bring milk and cookies during turndown service.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Beijing is hot and humid during the summer, but quite pleasant in the fall. Take advantage of better weather with a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, a property located in a modern business district of the city. The hotel wonderfully mixes its renowned impeccable service with easy proximity to historic sites and access to some of the city’s hidden hutongs. Inquire about the Three Years Triple Happiness package for exclusive club lounge benefits for up to two guests and a hotel credit of 688 yuan (approximately $110).
The Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage
Named for the cartographer who charted Alaska’s coastline, Hotel Captain Cook boasts grand views of the Cook Inlet and Chugach Mountains. Beyond breathtaking vistas, the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel (and temporary home to many visiting celebrities and entrepreneurs) also provides visitors with the opportunity to hike the nearby Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or partake in cultural events at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
The Langham, Shenzen, Photo Courtesy of Langham Hotels International Limited
The Langham, Shenzen
The Langham, Shenzen is located in the Futian District of Shenzhen, in the heart of the city’s luxury shopping hub. Opened in 2012, this Langham is a lavish experience, surrounded by great dining and modern amenities. The Family Getaway package includes a large suite, a free extra bed for children under six and complimentary breakfast—perfect to fuel you up for a day exploring the area’s famed Window of the World and see its replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and the Pyramids.
Four Seasons London Hotel at Canary Wharf
This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star hotel sits on the broad northwest side of the Thames. Steps from the Westferry and Canary Wharf tube stops, the hotel serves up Four Seasons-quality amenities (plush beds, large picture windows) with unparalleled views of the Tower Bridge. Enjoy a river cruise or a stroll through the Greenwich market—and if you’re looking for more options, simply ask someone from the multilingual concierge team. It doesn’t matter if you’re asking for the moon and the stars—they’ll make it happen. No, really. If you want to schedule a private tour for your family at Peter Harrison Planetarium, they’ll happily get it organized.
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, Photo Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
Taiwan’s capital city brims with ancient history, national parks and the modern comfort of hotels like this centrally located jewel. Through the end of August, Mandarin Oriental is offering families who book the Family Fun package accommodations in the Club City suite, as well as providing toys for the smaller guests and a complimentary deluxe room, so your group can enjoy a night’s rest in separate quarters. If you forgo the suite promotion, you can rest easy knowing the hotel often grants free access to an additional cot to families traveling with children.
Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos
Summer never ends in Turks & Caicos. Grace Bay Club makes sure all guests enjoy the full tropical experience—especially the tykes. A truly family-friendly resort, the Grace Bay Club’ Kids Town was designed to keep visitors from infant to 17 occupied with crafts, snorkeling, horseback riding and a host of other activities. With three pools, private villas and seven dining options on site, the whole family will have plenty to explore.
The Modern Honolulu
Honolulu is a beautiful, albeit highly developed part of Oahu. This Four-Star dazzler, which underwent a name change and $240-million makeover in 2010, occupies a brilliant stretch along a harbor, giving you a Pacific-side view on one side and a Honolulu city-scape on the other. Loved ones will be happy to know that Waikiki Beach and shopping at the Ala Moana Center aren’t far. The hotel’s Sunrise Pool is open to all guests, while the second-story Sunset Pool is an adults-only escape with 100 tons of imported sand, hammocks and shady umbrellas for that right-on-the-beach feeling, even if September is just a few weeks away.
