The most exclusive hotels on the planet have developed a new range of services for their youngest guests, those who instead of calling up room service to order caviar, are more likely to want a feeding bottle, and would rather have a rubber duck rather than bath salts. These are the “baby friendly” hotels.
What: Beverly Hills Hotel
Where: Los Angeles, United States
This classic hotel, built in 1912 when Beverly Hills did not have the slightest idea that it would become the world’s movie and glamour capital, has over the years consolidated its reputation for exclusivity, frequented by stars such as Liz Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and the Prince of Monaco. Its 203 rooms have hosted some of the world’s most famous names, providing them with a discrete and elegant hideaway.
Recognized in 2004 as the best Hotel in the United States by The Leading Hotels of the World, it is also recognized for the first class services that it offers to its youngest guests. These are the targets for its VYP (Very Young VIPs) Program that ensures that they receive the very best service, including unlimited drinks in the Fountain Coffee Shop (sodas, milkshakes and lemonades, of course!), a welcome chocolate cookie, video games and a whole program of entertainment activities.
The rooms awaiting its young guests are equipped with an exquisite baby cot, where a teddy bear bearing the hotel’s logo is waiting to welcome them. The bathtub is equipped with rubber ducks that will liven up any bath time, and in the closet, there are blankets, bath robes, toys and t shirts designed especially for them. The nanny service is also available to attend to even the most minor need of these little ones, while their parents enjoy a relaxing time in one of the exclusive pool side cabañas. www.beverlyhillshotel.com.
What: Hotel Le Maurice
Where: Paris, France
The Hotel Le Maurice provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the City of Lights from a child’s point of view. They have a special program aimed at their youngest guests, from Pistache, the specially designed mascot to a map that allows parents and children to discover the surprises that the French capital has in store. In order to take advantage of this adventure there is only one restriction – it has to be led by a child, never an adult.
Le Maurice, built in 1771, stands out for its classic, glamorous style. It has welcomed such well known figures as Queen Victoria and the composer Peter Ilitch Tchaikovsky. One of its most frequent guests was the painter Salvador Dali, and one of the hotel’s most beautiful suites was named in his honor. It adjoins the famous Tuillerie Gardens and this provides the opportunity to offer its young guests a boat ride through the park.
Other services for the very young include a special menu developed by Chef Yannick Allenó, a passport guaranteeing preferential entrance to the city’s tourist attractions, nanny service in various different languages (including German, Greek and Spanish) and as a welcome gift, a model of the mascot Pistache for them to take home. www.meuricehotel.com.
What: Hotel Jumeirah Beach
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It is not hard to pick out the Hotel Jumeirah Beach against the background of the cosmopolitan city of Dubai. You only have to lift your eyes to the horizon and they will be attracted by the curves of this building that characterize its architecture, calling to mind the sinuous movement of waves. This magnificent building dates from 1997 and its accommodation is the very essence of exquisite luxury, distributed between areas that evoke nature’s four elements: water, earth, air and fire.
The Jumeirah provides its adult guests with wonderful, luxurious bedrooms overlooking the sea, a wide choice of restaurants including menus ranging from typical Argentine food to French cuisine, a fully equipped spa and a good choice of water sports. However, what really grabs your attention is its Sinbad Children’s Club, located in the pool area, for children between the ages of 2 and 12.
While the big people enjoy the pool activities designed for them, the little ones are entertained with lullabies and have the chance to socialize with other babies. All activities are supervised by specialist personnel, and nannies are available around the clock. A complete range of entertainment is available to make sure the children have the unforgettable experience of having one of the very best hotels designed especially for them. www.jumeirah.com.
