When travelling with the kids, I seek the following (in order)

KITCHENETTE. Victoria (3) seems incapable of saying "Daddy" without adding, "I'm hungry.". Failing a kitchenette, I want a refrigerator.

POOL. Caitlin (5) loves to swim. Patrick (2) loves to splash. Victoria likes to tell Patrick to stop splashing.

ROCKER. You usually have to ask, but you can often get a rocking chair. All my kids love to snuggle for a few minutes before bed. A rocker makes this easier.

We don't go ANYWHERE without a nightlite. Victoria wakes up frequently during the night and puts herself back to sleep. If there is no light, she need attention.

We take advantage of the crib when they've got one, but we always pack the portable crib. We really need two (Victoria needs to be contained, otherwise she'll wander around the room in the middle of the night), but one is an absolute MUST (Patrick).

We've had good success at the cheaper hotels (Best Western, Days Inn, etc.) but you MUST call ahead to see if you can get these things.

As far as the larger hotels, Marriott has been good. Residence Inn especially.

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"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."

[This message has been edited by Jon Toner (edited 06-14-2000).]