Lodging

On my annual visit “back home” to New Hampshire, I’ve taken to spending a night or two in Boston, Massachusetts. I love exposing my young children to some of the same exciting sights and museums that I enjoyed when I was a kid.

Beautifully appointed room at the Omni Parker House.

Two years ago, my mom booked us a room at the Omni Parker House, with a killer location right in the heart of Beantown, within walking distance to Fanueil Hall Marketplace, Beacon Hill and other nifty sightseeing spots. I knew this property was historic and elegant. After all, it dated back to 1855. I prepped the kids that this wasn’t your average Holiday Inn Express. “Don’t expect an arcade room, and our hotel room will likely be small.” I told them to be on their best behavior.

Unfortunately, when we arrived at the front desk, the hotel didn’t have record of our reservation. While my mom and I sorted things out with the hotel staff – which necessitated getting our car back from valet parking, since our Internet-reservation printouts were in it – my kids found a big, leather executive chair in the lobby and were giggling like maniacs, spinning around in it.

Just as I was scolding them to chill out and settle down, a hotel staffer walked over. I thought for sure she was going to scold me for not keeping my kids in line. Instead, she asked if I minded if she gave the kids their Omni goodie bags. Heck, no, I didn’t mind!

Each kid was then thoroughly entertained with a paper bag filled with an activity book, crayons, reusable cup and other little knicknacks (a plastic Slinkie perhaps?). I tell you, little gestures like a goodie bag for kids upon arrival — which happens at most Omni properties worldwide — really makes a lifelong customer out of a harried mother.

Hats off to the “Omni Sensational Kids” program for welcoming families to its hotels.