Stay: IKEA?

Yes, IKEA is planning the launch of a budget-friendly (naturally) hotel chain, to open in Europe in 2014.

It seems like a natural extension of the IKEA brand, although apparently rooms will not actually be furnished with IKEA furniture (though it will have a Scandinavian feel).  One of the things I like about going to IKEA is pretending for just a moment, that we live in one of their tiny model apartments.  I always thought they should get into the hospitality business.  As an IKEA fan and a lover of good deals, I look forward to checking in!

Stay: Hotel Kakslauttanen

My son has told me several times that he’d like to visit the North Pole (partly in order to verify Santa’s existence, but also just because it sounds exotic…).  Now that the heat of summer is bearing down upon us, this idea is becoming increasingly appealing.  I think we’d stay here:

These are glass-roofed igloos, part of the Hotel Kakslauttanen. The hotel is located 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle in Finland. Log cabins are also available, but why would you do that? Among the on-site restaurants is a Kota (a traditional Lapp teepee) and a Snow igloo; there are also more conventional options.

The remote resort offers all sorts of activities all year-round, including berry-picking, hiking, reindeer or husky "safaris," various sports, and much more. 

Reindeer Safari!

Ice Karting

While I would assume that Santa Claus was, er, busy at the moment (he is just so, so busy), I would desperately hope to catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis.

You may also take cultural excursions among the Sami people, who are indigenous to the region, Excursions include visits to a reindeer farm and other significant sites, as well as a special Lappish dinner in the Kota, featuring - what else - reindeer.  And ice cream.  Count me in.

Stay: Un Lit Au Pre

Good god, this is my dream – a rustic (but not too rustic) little cabin in the French countryside, with delicious food close at hand and bucolic views all around. 

La Ferme du Moncel

Un Lit au Pre offers accommodations at six small farms in central and northern France. The cabins – more like tent-cabin hybrids, really – are simple but so charming.  I love the cupboard beds for kids (there’s a larger bedroom for parents) and mismatched chairs.  I also love the absence of electronic anything!  For cooking, there is a wood-burning stove; each tent has a proper modern toilet.  Showers are a short distance from the cabin. Local foods can be purchased from the “Larder” found at each farm, to be prepared by you in your own cabin. 

Inviting, isn't it?

Extended time outdoors, the freedom to wander and explore - these things are so important for children (adults too!  Here on the farm, you get to hang out with the animals; special areas are set aside for children to engage with young animals (goats, rabbits, calves, and more)... You can also take a tour of the farm, and rent bicycles for touring the surrounding countryside.  Heaven!

Stay: San Ysidro Ranch

When I was about seven years old, my parents were lovely enough to whisk my sister and me away to Montecito, CA (near Santa Barbara) for a weekend at the San Ysidro Ranch.   This resort (it’s not what most people think of when they hear the word “ranch”) is low-key and glamorous in a distinctly Californian way.  I remember my mother excitedly telling me that this was where the Kennedys had honeymooned. 

It was certainly romantic – even at seven I was old enough to be enchanted by the pretty cottages and flowers everywhere.  My sister and I made friends at the pool, and I got to go on one of my first horse rides. 

The ranch is still going strong and it looks as beautiful as ever. They don't seem to offer horseback-riding these days, but they do have miles of hiking trails. The ranch occupies more than 500 acres and the views and landscapes are gorgeous.  Importantly, they are happy to accommodate children and families, offering baby monitors, tubs, baby-proofing, and other items and services. They even provide babysitting! What a special weekend this would be for some lucky child...

Stay: Berlin Radisson Aquadom

Berlin is pretty high on my list of Places I Really Want to Go, for lots of reasons.  I just keep hearing about how cool it is and about the creative energy happening there.  Lots of artists, lots of ideas, lots of architecture, lots of all kinds of great stuff.  And then I saw this:

Now, I normally don’t fuss too much over hotels – I try to find something clean and affordable in a decent location.  Done.  But the Berlin Radisson is something else.  It’s… spectacular!  Or – is it a ridiculous waste of water and resources?  Perhaps both…  I do know my son would flip out over this.

According to Radisson, the 25 meter high Aquadom holds more than 1500 tropical fish and over 50 species.  The glass elevator at the center of the Aquadom carries 48 guest and one guide; the elevator deposits riders onto a viewing platform just beneath the roof of the hotel. 

I might also flip out.

Stay: The Landmark Trust

Wolveton Gatehouse

The Landmark Trust is a wonderful organization in the UK that buys and restores unique and often spectacular historic buildings. Then, instead of turning them into “hands-off” museums or private facilities, they make them available for rent to the general public.  The Trust’s goal is "to promote enjoyment of historic buildings by enabling as many people as possible to experience living in them for a short time." 

Swiss Cottage

Saddell Castle

Each property is fascinating in its own way, and the Trust provides a thoroughly researched history for each one. I can't think of a more enjoyable way to teach children about the magic of architecture and history -  instead of touring a historic site with fences and signs all over the place, you can explore, play, dine, and just relax in one.  Imagine spending a whole weekend in a 13^th century castle!  Or perhaps a 18^th century gothic temple is more to your taste.  There is even a former train station available – perfect for train-obsessed little boys.

Castle Keep South

Gothic Temple

Alton Station

The Trust also operates five properties in Vermont (including Rudyard Kipling’s former home), two in France (including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s former weekend house), and four in Italy (including the former homes of Keats and Robert and Elizabeth Browning).

These are just a couple more from the UK - I'm getting addicted to browsing through these!

Martello Tower

Laughton Place

Find out more and enjoy perusing all of the amazing properties here.