The only thing worse than stir-crazy kids is… nothing. Unfortunately, embarking on a family road trip is rarely without a few whines of, “Are we there yet?!” from the backseat.

You’re a health-conscious dad, and you spent a lot of time planning this great trip for you and your little ones. And you’ll be darned if you’re not going to make sure those kids don’t get the most out of it.

Keeping kids occupied on long stretches of highway is no easy task. Videogames and movies only hold their attention for so long, and the stagnant nature of these activities can actually feed into, rather than curb, restlessness.

Healthfulness is a full-body activity, inside and out. Getting your kids in-the-know about how important—and fun!—being healthy is your priority number one, and I have a few great tips for keeping those kiddos active between points A and B.

Your little monkeys do what they see.

If you’re busy making calls and texting while driving, the little ones aren’t very likely to follow your admonishment to put the videogames away and do something more active. Make road trip activeness a family activity, not just something to keep the kids busy.

Many people believe that health and wellness are personalized, independent endeavors; however, a simple review of Truth About Abs and other lauded lifestyle-enhancement programs will show that the truth is actually the polar opposite.

Your kids should motivate you to be healthy just as much as you reciprocate that notion to them. Monkey see, monkey do goes both ways.

Teach old games new tricks.

Who says you can’t do the hokey-pokey in a car? Take your favorite outdoor activities and revamp them for car safety, keeping in mind, of course, that someone is driving.

If you’ve got kids that would be up for it, make a mix CD of the Macarena, the hokey-pokey, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” or any other songs you know the dance moves to and host a “car dance” contest for the kids. Suggest they make up car-safe dance sequences, then show them off at 65mph. You being a safety-minded driver, of course, get the fun job of being spectator.

Passersby might think it’s a little goofy to see the party in your car, and the kids will be anything but bored.

Rest stop? No way!

Bring a Frisbee, football, or baseball to toss around when you take a break to fuel up. Carve twenty minutes out of your itinerary to run around and have fun, letting off the pent-up steam that long distance travel can pump your family full of.

Also, while food on the road is rarely “healthy,” steer clear of sugar-filled or caffeinated food and drink. If you can’t pack healthy meals for the road, opt for gas station fruit (gas stations get their produce from the same deliveries as grocery stores, so the only downfall is the crazy prices) and raw nuts.

No soda, no coffee, and no fast food! These energy-killers have the double-edged side effect of winding kids up like Energizer bunnies. Take a kid with cabin fever and stir in some exhaustion, and you’re in for a cranky ride.

Workout your mind.

Bring along some healthy-minded reading material, such as books and magazines with healthy lifestyle ideas packed in their pages.

Have the kids read through with you and talk about fun recipes, activities or tips you each find within the materials. Make plans to cook meals you find when you’re back from your trip, or try out fun exercise tips next time you take a break for gas and food.

Remember, health isn’t just for your body. Keeping the mind occupied by something that doesn’t have a screen is a great way to kick stir-craziness to the curb.

No sleep ‘til bedtime.

Finally, no car naps. Staying active on the long road to vacation is hard enough, but recovering from the uncomfortable sleep that the backseat of a car has to offer is the most counter-productive thing to do for your kids’ energy.

If you’re traveling on a route where vehicle sleep is unavoidable, schedule a time when everyone—except for the driver, of course—will sleep, rather than taking turns. Winding everyone down at once will hedge against crankiness, and have fewer incidences of interrupted slumber.

Ideally, save your Zzz’s for a horizontal bed. If the little ones (or you) start to drift off, get active again with some great driving music.

Despite the global economic downturn, every year many people are still finding ways to get out of the country and enjoy a vacation to some far-flung foreign locale. In fact, according to data compiled by GrabStats, the travel industry has seen an overall increase in revenue every year since 2008. This is a good thing, as there’s nothing better for recharging the batteries while taking in culture than a foreign vacation. But more and more, a new concept is gaining traction among global vacationers: sustainable travel.

Sustainable travel may seem like a new-agey concept on paper, but all it really does is celebrate ethical travel that benefits locals. Also, it’s increasingly important for many travelers to support responsible governments that promote human rights and environmental causes. And there’s no shortage of locations around the world that meet this criteria.

With that in mind, here are some top global destinations compatible with the notion of responsible travel:

Barbados

When most Americans think of Barbados, they think of a Caribbean playground for the richest of the rich. Actually Barabdos appeals to a wide range of travelers. For example, some of the best surfing in the region can be found on the coastline of this island. The government is also diligent in their environmental programs – such as Barbados’ recent push for a green-based economy.

Costa Rica

This is another popular foreign destination U.S. tourists have been visiting for years. But there’s good reason to keep going, as Costa Rica recently outlawed shark finning and rejected the proposal of a dam that would have wreaked havoc on their lush rainforests. Costa Rica also boasts 20 national parks, which is a big draw for those travelers with ecotourism on the mind. And the Pacific-coast surfing could certainly be worse.

Ghana

Those countries that want to be an ecotourism powerhouse on par with Costa Rica have to be pioneers, and that’s just what Ghana is doing: pioneering. Besides their myriad parks – perfect for trekking and bird watching — the government levies taxes on activities that negatively impact the environment, such as the manufacture of single-use packaging.

Uruguay

For a long-time Uruguay was mostly popular with Argentine tourists looking for a summer holiday in the country next door. But in recent years many American have begun to flock to this small South American country to experience the fine surfing. But now that the Uruguayan government is throwing its full weight into the sustainability of its agriculture industry there are more and more reasons to go. Kayaking and birding, for example, are big tourist draws that compete with the epic surf.

Palau

One of the more “micro” of Micronesia’s islands, this top scuba destinations in the world. Like Costa Rica it banned shark finning, and the airport charges a $35 tax that goes to fund environmental programs.

These are just a few places around the globe travelers can visit for a great time with a clear conscious. In fact, each entry on this list ranks among Berkley-based non-profit Ethical Traveler’s annual list of the best sustainable travel destinations throughout the world.

About the Author:

Ken Ripoll is the founder of AllstarPassports.com, a Los Angeles passport expediter specializing in passport renewals and visas to China.

Photo credit: Ben124., Stuck in Customs, Stig Nygaard, Eduardo Amorim and piermario all via photopin cc

If taking your crew on a family backpacking trip is on your bucket list, you are fortunate to live in a country that offers numerous opportunities to trek through amazing landscapes. Many families enjoy this chance to bond together on journeys that allow time to photograph nature, view wildlife and create memories that will last throughout the years. Always gear your trip to the ages of family members. Not all trails can be easily navigated by small children. Here are four of the family backpacking trips that should be on your list.

The Grand Canyon

One of the classic backpacking trips is the route down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back to the rim. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Water and restroom facilities are conveniently placed along the way. Spend a night in one of the primitive campgrounds available. In summer, the Grand Canyon has extremely hot temperatures with a 20-degree difference in temperatures between the rim and the bottom. Prepare carefully for this hike. Winter hiking can be extremely dangerous in the Canyon.

Great Smoky Mountains

A backpack trip through the Great Smoky National Park will give kids and parents many opportunities to enjoy the old-growth forests, waterfalls and spectacular overlooks of this mountainous region. The park offers 800 miles of hiking trails of varying lengths. Wildlife is abundant in the area and, if you keep a close eye out, you can see white-tailed deer, woodchucks, turkey, raccoons and black bears. Backcountry camping permits are required for overnight stays.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore, in Maryland and Virginia, is home to the famous wild ponies, which are actually small horses. Beach hiking can be more strenuous than on solid ground. Tidal fluctuations can also affect hiking conditions. Both paved and unpaved trails are available. The beaches offer many opportunities to view water birds and tidal life forms. Hiking on a barrier island can mean additional risk of sunburn, sunstroke, dehydration and insect bites. Bring sufficient water and supplies for your hike, including water, food, a first aid kit, and a great outdoor knife.

John Muir Wilderness Area

The John Muir trail runs for 212 along the high ridges of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It runs from Yosemite to Mount Whitney, with a number of access points. The area contains a wide range of plants and animals and a number of landscape features, including the burnt forest, low meadows, scenic lakes and mountain panoramas. Water is not available on some areas of the trail, and families should prepare carefully for the hike.

Now get out there and enjoy nature with your family!

About the Author

This article was written by Dixie Somers. Dixie is a proud mother of three amazing girls, and she loves to blog about family, home, and travel topics when she has time. If you’re looking for a great outdoor knife for your camping trip, here’s a good link.

Photo credit: AXE | Photography – Akshay P via photopin cc

Can’t go anywhere without a cup of java in your hand? From Wicker Park to Uptown, Chicago is not at a loss for coffee shops. Plus, many of them serve delicious eats and even fancy cuisine, too. Here are 9 cafes you can pop into as you tour the Windy City.

Beverly Bakery and Cafe

Where: 10528 South Western Avenue in Beverly

Features: The cafe uses locally-sourced food items to help area businesses and they also serve 21 varieties of coffee. Beverly Cafe isn’t open in the evening, but it’s a prime spot for early risers and lunch dates.

Ch’ava

Where: 4656 North Clark Street in Uptown

Features: Ch’ava ain’t just any ol’ coffeehouse – it’s a bonafide cafe, complete with light salads and meats that are roasted in-house and used in unique sandwich creations. Oh, there’s coffee and tea there, too.

The Coffee Studio

Where: 5628 North Clark Street in Edgewater

Features: The Coffee Studio’s design is modern and the shop is great for espresso lovers, since the baristas are true experts at their craft. The menu has a lot of organic, sustainable items, including an excellent selection of quiche. Also, there are vegan desserts that taste more sinful than healthy.

de.li.cious Cafe

Where: 3827 North Lincoln Avenue at North Center

Features: For a coffeehouse that’s not crunchy and hippie-ish, they sure do have a lot of vegan options, which is good news for the health conscious. Also, de.li.cious serves yummy Chemex coffee.

Istria Cafe

Where: 1520 East 57th Street in Hyde Park

Features: The best part about Istria Cafe is that coffee is actually roasted to-order - seriously. You can also order house-made gelato and a panini as you wait for your cup of joe. If you need another coffee fix later in the day, there’s a second Istria location at the Hyde Park Art Center.

Julius Meinl Cafe

Where: 4363 North Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Square

Features: The Julius Meinl Cafe is the perfect spot for lingering…and for ordering delicious desert. They have a full food menu with items that you really wouldn’t expect to find in a cafe, like spaetzle and roasted lamb.

Kristoffer’s Cafe and Bakery

Where: 1733 South Halstead Street in Pilsen

Features: Kristoffer’s Cafe and Bakery has mouthwatering breakfast burritos and fair trade coffee, not to mention the best tres leches cake in town. There’s also free WiFi and the cafe is open late every Friday.

New Wave Coffee

Where: 2557 North Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square

Features: New Wave is an ideal coffee stop for commuters, because it’s located within walking distance of the El station. The spacious cafe has free WiFi for customers. Plus, since they’re open until late in the evening, you can stop in for a caffeine kick before heading out for a long night. Order coffee shakes, wraps or vegetarian dishes.

The Wormhole

Where: 1462 North Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park

Features: Now, there are a lot of coffee shops in Wicker Park, but The Wormhole sticks out because there’s a DeLorean that sits in the front of the shop. You can order cereal for breakfast, donuts that are delivered from Fritz Pastry and extremely strong iced coffee.

Aaron Wood is an avid blogger and contributor to SignatureSegwayTours.com, a leading Segway tour company in Chicago IL.

Photo credit: ZagatBuzz of ch’ava Chicago via photopin cc

There are few states in the Union more suited to family excursions than California. That’s because The Golden State boasts some of the country’s most amazing sites and landscapes. Ask most people who spend time in California and they’ll say that the state practically beckons people to pack up the family and hit the open road in search of fun and adventure.

Of course, with everything there is to see and do, it can make it difficult for those merely on vacation to California to narrow down their list of options. So in the interests of facilitating that perfect family vacation, here are our top five family vacation spots in California.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park California

There are few national parks more iconic – or more suited to visits by the whole family – than Yosemite. With its picturesque mountains, towering pines and crystal-clear waters, this park provides an abundance of activities. Everything from skiing to rock climbing to fishing and hiking is on offer here, and their camping and cabin lodging options have been popular with families for years.

San Diego

San Diego California Harbor

This southern coastal city is home to three major animal attractions, each a perfect destination for a wildlife-themed family vacation.

The San Diego Zoo: This zoo features an abundance of animals – some 4,000 made up of over 80 species – in habitats carefully designed to be as naturalistic as possible. In fact, this is one of only four zoos in the whole of the U.S. that has giant pandas on display.

Zoo Safari Park: an offshoot of the zoo, this park is something of an artificial nature preserve that contains over 3,500 animals roaming freely over some 1,800 acres.

SeaWorld: second only to Disneyland in terms of popular theme parks in California, SeaWorld has been a top family destination for years. This is because it offers a staggering variety of water and animal-themed attractions, from rides and exhibits to dolphin and killer whale performances.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe California

Bordering California and Nevada, this sprawling lake has something for everyone. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the prime snowboarding, boating and swimming, while adults can hop over the border to try their luck at some of the many casino games. There are a number of lodging options at Lake Tahoe, from rustic camping to 4-star resorts.

San Francisco

San Francisco Bay Califorina

The City by the Bay may just be giving the Big Apple a run for its money as far as top city vacation destinations are concerned. That’s because, despite the fact it is a modern metropolis, San Francisco offers many activities suited for both kids and adults. Aside from fun cable-car rides and strolls down Fisherman’s Wharf, visitors can enjoy the Exploratorium, Golden Gate Park, National Maritime Museum and more.

Disneyland

Disneyland California

It wouldn’t be a list of family-vacation spots in California without the granddaddy of them all. Walt Disney built his famous theme park in 1955 as a testament to the power of imagination, and visitors have been enjoying it ever since. New attractions are springing up all the time, and Disneyland’s sister park, California Adventure, is raking in the tourists as well. Those who want to bypass the long lines would do well to partake in a FASTPASS.

These are just a few of the top vacation destinations in California that are suited for families. Indeed, there are many more and oftentimes families will find that piling into an RV and taking an impromptu road trip around the state makes for a great vacation in its own right.

About the Author:

Jay Allen writes for Lazydays, a RV Superstore which offers recreational vehicle enthusiasts a place to search motorhomes for sale, stay at a campground, or service their RV.

Yosemite Photo credit: SteveD. San Diego Harbor Photo credit: oc_layos. Lake Tahoe Photo credit: Fatty Tuna. San Francisco Bay Photo credit: MikeBehnken. Disneyland Photo credit: photo credit: Tom.Bricker

All photos acquired via photopin cc

An Overview of Mount Charleston Resort

The Mount Charleston Resort is a smaller mountain hotel just west of the Las Vegas metro area. It’s literally and figuratively miles away from the hustle and bustle of what’s happening on the strip. In addition to a slower pace, the resort area is also at an elevation of just over 6,000 feet, so it enjoys much cooler temperatures than does Las Vegas. Temperatures on Mount Charleston average 20 degrees cooler than inside the city. If you’re looking to experience another side to Vegas, heading to the Mount Charleston area may not be a bad way to go.

Mt. Charleston Resort Check-In

The Resort on Mt. Charleston very much has a small hotel feel. We arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon and the mountain had a very peaceful, quiet feel about it. A single desk clerk greeted us in the main lobby area and began to check us in. The clerk was immensely helpful, not only in checking us in but also by providing us with additional information about the area hiking, restaurants and other sightseeing opportunities. Many visitors to the Las Vegas area don’t realize how much there is to do outside of what’s on (or just off) the Strip. Check-in was a breeze and only took about 5 minutes. Because the hotel wasn’t very busy, we were also able to choose our view – either the ‘lagoon’ in the front of the hotel or the mountain in the back.

Mt. Charleston Rooms

The desk clerk was able to accommodate my request to view the different types of rooms the resort has available. Their current offerings include:

Deluxe Room

This room comes with either two queens or one king bed and a decent amount of amenities including a comfortable bed, two sinks (one in the bathroom and one just outside), a safe, a refrigerator (may be limited availability) and complimentary bottled water and coffee. Some of the deluxe rooms have been refurbished while some have not, so if you stay, be sure to request a refurbished room for the best experience. Some of the refurbished rooms come with a (faux) fireplace that produces light and heat with the flip of a switch.

The King Suite

This room type includes a separate bedroom and living area and provides considerably more square footage than the deluxe rooms. There is one suite upstairs and one downstairs (first and third floors). The king suites come equipped with fire places (real, wood-buring ones) but you have to supply your own wood.

The Bridal Suite

I was unable to view the bridal suite during my stay, but was told that it’s quite impressive with lots of space for the bride and her bridal party along with a full-length mirrored wall for all the prep work required before a wedding. This room is typically reserved for bridal parties and wedding events that may be going on at the resort. I believe there’s also a suite for the groom but it’s far less impressive (and functional).

The Presidential Suite

The resort offers a single presidential suite that has clearly been recently remodeled. It includes a full kitchen, separate living & bedrooms and a wonderful view of the mountain behind the hotel. The decor of the room is a tasteful mix of modern rustic with stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and a wonderful use of natural wood throughout.

Mt. Charleston Activities

The Mt. Charleston area is known for its outdoor activities including hiking (during the warmer months) and skiing and snowboarding during the winter (typically ending in March). All activities are only a very short drive from the hotel, along with all the Vegas Strip has to offer approximately 30 minutes away (without traffic). Just one word of caution – when making the drive out to the resort at night, be sure to watch out for the deer!

We decided to check out two popular state and national parks in the area – Red Rock Canyon (national conservation area) and The Valley of Fire state park. Both were fantastic sites to behold, without a doubt, and also were very economical. Red Rock had an entrance fee of $7 (per vehicle) and the Valley of Fire  was $10. Red Rock had a manned gate before you arrived at the visitor center while The Valley of Fire park uses an honesty system for admission (you place money in an envelope).

Mt. Charleston Pricing & Discounts

You’ll be able to save a good amount of money by staying at the Mt. Charleston Resort during the ‘off’ season. Off season is typically after the snow has all gone, so the months of April through November are likely the best for pricing. Compared to the hotels on the Strip or even many of them off the Strip, Mount Charleston is quite a bit less expensive. Room prices can start well below $100 per night in the off-season.

Mt. Charleston Resort Final Thoughts

Man-Made Review Ratings
Features
While the hotel may not be known for its ammenities, all of the basic features are there to make for a comfortable stay. The best feature of the resort was the friendly front desk person!
Dining Options
Mount Charleston Resort offers a single restaurant on-property. The food is actually very good but because there really isn't anywhere else to eat for a good 15 miles, you'll either need to make other plans in advance or visit the 'Cut Above' restaurant in the hotel. Insider tip: try the pancakes in the morning. I'm pretty sure they're made out of donut batter and they're quite tasty!
Value
When compared to the hotels available in the area both on and off the strip, the Resort on Mt. Charleston can hold its own. Many travel sites give the resort a 3-star rating, which I think is pretty accurate. It's not a luxury hotel, but it is, overall a comfortable, cozy stay at a fairly reasonable price for the area.
Memoirs Overall Rating
I have to admit, I wasn't blown away by this hotel. We researched hotels in the area and definitely wanted to stay somewhere outside of the noise and people of Vegas for a few days. We did accomplish this goal, however, I didn't think the pictures on the resort's website were an accurate reflection of the hotel. Don't get me wrong, the hotel isn't bad, but it's not as good as the pictures depict. Oh, and beware of the General Manager - he's not very friendly!

Mt. Charleston Resort Pictures (Deluxe King)

Holidays are traditionally a time to relax, but parents know only too well they can’t afford to let their guard down too much. Keeping your family safe on holiday doesn’t have to be a chore – it just takes a little forward planning.

To Tech or not to Tech?

It’s tempting to rely completely on technology – but satnavs have been known to fail dramatically in rural areas, so always make sure you have a paper map as a backup. Not every rural area has decent mobile phone coverage either, so have a “plan B” for communicating. If you’re staying at a registered campsite, make sure you know the contact number, facilities and opening hours – and have the details in both old-fashioned paper and electronic format. If there’s a child courier or babysitting service, make sure you know the operating hours and how you book. Ensure you have the location of the nearest hospital, pharmacy, police station, and convenience store. Once you arrive at your pitch, it’s a good idea to take a walk as a family to see how far away the amenities are. If you’re doing your own thing during the day, setting at least one regular daily time when you all come together helps you all keep track of each other.

Personal Safety Considerations

If you have expensive gadgets, don’t make them too conspicuous. Keep cards and cash on you. Make sure you have essential phone numbers on you, such as your bank and your closest relative or friend. Mark your property with your house number and postcode, preferably using an inconspicuous method like an ultraviolet pen. Although one of the joys of country holidays is the lack of light pollution when you’re star-gazing, when you’re trying to find your way around late at night or early in the morning, though, a good, reliable torch, such as a Maglite, is essential. Consider a personal alarm or whistle too. And if you can, just as you would at home, stick to well-lit areas and designated paths when moving about.

Sturdy, warm footwear and snug socks are also essential to lessen the chance of trips, falls, and stumbling on glass, rocks or sharp sticks on the ground. Keeping covered up makes you less likely to be stung by nettles or insects. And good waterproof outerwear and lightweight, easy-dry tops and trousers are a must. If there are rivers, brooks or lakes on site, make sure any children understand water safety.

Caravan Safety

It’s a good idea to always have a basic first aid kit with you, plus a store of bottled water, some non-perishable food like chocolate or cereal bars (assuming it didn’t all get eaten on the journey, of course), a few extra blankets or rugs, and hand gel or wet wipes. Sunscreen is another essential – even in Britain, it’s possible to burn very quickly in summer sun. It may be easy to overlook, but carrying proper insurance on your vehicle is a necessity as well, especially when traveling. There are a number of options available for finding cheap caravan insurance in the UK.

Just a few simple precautions can mean you go home with happy memories of a great family holiday. Don’t let a simple detail wreak havoc on your trip!

Photo credit: Donnie Ray via photopin cc

An Overview of the Nickelodeon Resort

One of the advantages of living in Florida is that we have the uncanny ability to visit all of the awesome theme parks and resorts that many families have to plan for years – or even a lifetime – to visit just once. We decided to do a staycation this spring break and check out the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This is a review of my thoughts on our stay at the resort hotel.

The Nick Hotel is located in the heart of all the Orlando action – less than two miles from the gates of Walt Disney World. Other areas of interest such as Downtown Disney, Universal Studios and Citywalk and International Drive are just a few minutes drive away as well. Click here to view a map of the area where the hotel is located.

Nickelodeon Hotel Reservation & Check-in Process

We made our reservations online using their online booking system. The entire process was very simple and their website had all of the details of the hotel, the pool & water park areas and the rooms.

Naturally, spring break in Florida is one of the busiest times of the year, so I expected the hotel to be at or near capacity. The check-in process was a bit clunky but not terrible, considering the number of people that were checking in at once. The hotel actually had additional temporary workers and check-in personnel on-hand to expedite the line that was forming. It may not have been the most efficient check-in process I’ve seen in a hotel, but at least by them having the desk at more than full staff it certainly showed they were doing everything they could to help guests check in quickly.

Nickelodeon All-Suite Resort Rooms

The facility is an all-suite hotel, meaning that all of the rooms actually come with multiple bedrooms. You can get either a two-bedroom or three-bedroom suite where the kids’ rooms have bunk beds and the adult’s room comes with a larger (either queen or king size) bed.

The suites come in different Nick themes – from Dora the Explorer to Sponge Bob Square Pants. The rooms are decorated and appointed in a very kid-friendly manner with the characters painted as a mural on the bedroom walls and scattered throughout the suite. Just walking into the room is sure to have a “wow” factor for anyone under about 12 years old, and maybe even those a little older as well!

Nickelodeon Resort Water Park

The water park portion of the Nickelodeon Resort is, hands down, THE reason why you’d want to stay at this hotel. The hotel itself is “okay”. It’s certainly not a luxury hotel, so don’t go in expecting that or you’d be disappointed.

Staying at the Nick Hotel is effectively like paying for a hotel stay but getting a water park for free. There are two pool & park areas in the resort that correspond to the main courtyard areas – one in the front, known as the Lagoon and one in the back, known as the Oasis. The Lagoon pool area is the larger of the two and is meant to be where all the action is. This is where they conduct their shows throughout the day, where audience participation is central to the show. The Lagoon pool area is also where they conduct the group sliming twice a day – 10:30 am and 4:30 pm were the times when we stayed.

The Oasis pool and slide area is inside the rear courtyard area and is a more laid-back, quiet pool. The pool isn’t as large and there aren’t as many slides. They don’t host shows in the Oasis pool area – it’s meant to be more of a relaxed atmosphere for parents and families to take a break from their normally hectic day.

Nickelodeon Pricing & Discounts

Overall, we found the hotel to be very affordable considering everything you received during your stay. All rooms are actually suites, which is awesome for the kids and parents alike (trust me on this one). The pools and water park areas are totally cool as well and provide at least one or two days’ worth of entertainment alone. You’d be challenged to find a nice (suite) hotel and water park deal for less in the Orlando area – especially during spring break!

Florida Resident Rates

As I mentioned, we’re Florida residents, so we are afforded a few luxuries that those that live outside of the state don’t get. One of those benefits is that most parks and resorts have Florida resident discounts. Nickelodeon Hotel offers seasonal discounts for Florida residents. The best way to see what discounts are available is to check the official discount page of their hotel’s site.

Nickelodeon Hotel Final Thoughts

Man-Made Review Ratings
Features
The best feature the resort has going for it, by far, are the pools and water park. Kids and adults alike can play for hours without ever having to leave the resort. The hotel should definitely not be considered a 'luxury' resort, however. Don't check in assuming you're staying at a four or five star hotel or you will be disappointed, although it is a solid three star in my opinion.
Dining Options
I hadn't mentioned the restaurants and dining options in the review above, so I'll touch on it here. The meal facilities are all located in what's known as the Mall area, which lies in the middle of the resort between the (front) Lagoon pool and the (rear) Oasis pool areas. The Mall really has a lot going on, from restaurants to an arcade, gift shops and the Nickelodeon Hotel Studios, where the big shows are performed daily. In addition to having a number of fast food style choices, including the requisite chicken with french fries & pizza and even a Subway, there are two breakfast buffet options - one is a character breakfast and one is a normal buffet and a sit-down restaurant as well. All meal options are very casual and dressing up isn't required (however, shoes & shirt are). There's also a bar area as you first walk into the Mall, for the adults that are interested in relaxing with a beverage as well.
Value
You simply can't beat the value of this hotel when you consider you get a nearly full-featured water park just outside your room's door. Staying at the Nick Hotel may save you money you'd otherwise spend because you won't have to leave the hotel!
Memoirs Overall Rating
It's difficult to say what I would take points away from the hotel. The resort was built in the mid-2000's, so some areas are beginning to fade just a bit from the Florida sun, but those are just cosmetic issues at the most. I found the hotel to be in great shape, overall, my sons (ages 9 and 2) had a blast and JenB and I were able to both relax when we wanted to and chase the boys around and have fun as well. It's a win-win for parents and kids!

Nickelodeon Hotel Resort Pictures

Disclaimer: This was an un-paid review of the Nickelodeon Suites Resort Hotel in Orlando, Florida. I was not paid by Nickelodeon nor any other company or entity for this review.