ometimes looks are not deceiving. If
it seems that Hawaii is a front-runner in innovative and successful
family programs, that's because it is.
For example, most family travel programs and packages are
designed to keep families happy and on the property.
But Aston Hotels and Resorts Hawaii, with 30 hotels and resort
condominiums on the four major islands, has a new program designed
to get families off the property and into exploring family-friendly
restaurants and attractions on the Big Island, Kauai, Mauai and
Oahu -- for free, if you're age 12 and under.
Valid at each of its properties, the year-round Astonishing
Kids: Stay, Play and Eat Free program lets children enjoy free
meals at such restaurants as Tony Roma's, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell,
Kentucky Fried Chicken and Kobe Steakhouse.
What's more, the kids get free admission to major attractions,
including Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Sea Life Park, the Maze
at Dole Plantation, Atlantis Submarine and the Maui Ocean Center.
Gifts from Hawaiian retailers, such as Hilo Hattie, are part of the
deal.
Kevin Bloom, president of Aston Hawaii, said he designed the
program because families are traveling together now more than
ever.
"Because no two families are the same, our program provides a
variety of activities and options, which adds tremendous value and
saves money for families to use on other aspects of their
vacation," Bloom said.
Sheryl Graddon of Stellar Travel in Bellevue, Wash., has this
story to tell:
"I was competing with an online travel agency for a client's
business when I received an e-mail from Aston's sales
representative announcing the new 'Astonishing Kids' program," she
said. "In less than five minutes, I closed the sale; the client was
that excited about it."
The program works like this:
• At check-in, each child age 12 and under is given a colorful,
cartoon-like plastic identification card that makes him or her an
instant VIP. The card is on a neck lanyard, so it's hard to
lose.
• When accompanied by a full-paying adult, kids simply show
their cards at any of the 50 participating restaurants or
attractions to enter and eat or be entertained for free.
Although children under age 17 always stay free at Aston
properties, the new product goes "beyond that, by giving families a
perfect way to experience the islands," a spokesman said.
"Parents appreciate the kids' activities and love the
condominium arrangement," said Terry Uemura, a travel agent with
World Class Travel in Seattle. "Having a full kitchen and washer
and dryer is wonderful for families.
"What's especially attractive is the combination of condominium
accommodations with the services of a hotel, like room service, a
restaurant -- things that really give value."
Rates vary from island to island and property to property.
Aston at Waikiki Banyan (Oahu)
• A standard one-bedroom suite starts at $175 a night.
• The property has a mini-playground, lending library, board games
and Hawaiian story-telling hour.
• The hotel is within walking distance of the Honolulu Zoo, the
Waikiki Aquarium, Kapiolani Park and Waikiki Beach.
• Kids ages 5 to 12 staying at any Oahu property are welcome to
participate in the Aston Kid's Connection program, which operates
daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a cost of $40 per day for each
child. Lunch and a snack are included.
Aston Kaanapali Shores (Maui)
• Rates begin at $255 a night for a standard one-bedroom suite and
$395 for a gardenview, two-bedroom suite.
• Amenities include two pools, night tennis, video-game rooms and a
beachfront restaurant.
• Located on Kaanapali Beach, the property features Camp Kaanapali,
open to kids age 5 to 12 staying at any Aston Maui resort. The camp
is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Fridays, it's also open from
5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
A fee of $25 per session includes all meals, a Camp Kaanapali
T-shirt and participation in the camp's Hawaiian cultural events
and activities.
Kaleel Sakakeeny covers the family travel market for Travel
Weekly and welcomes questions at [email protected].
• • •
Book it: Aston Hotelsand Resorts Hawaii
Address: ANA Kalakaua Center, 2155 Kalakaua Ave.,
Suite 500, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
Phone: (800) 922 7866
Fax: (808) 922-8785
E-mail:[email protected]
Web:www.astonhotels.com
Commission: 10% on accommodations
Aston sets vacation giveaway
HONOLULU -- Aston is offering a four-night stay for extended
families at its Aston Waikiki Sunset property on Oahu to the winner
of its Family Reunion Sweepstakes.
The winner gets to bring 19 family members along, and Aston
picks up the tab for the stay as well as the roundtrip air fare for
all 20 family members.
Sweepstakes entries will be accepted through Nov. 15. Winners
will be selected at random on Dec. 1.
Contestants enter either online at www.aston-hotels.com/familyfun or by mailing in the
contest form found in the Sept. 20 issue of Family Fun.
Or hopefuls can mail an index card with name, date of birth,
address and phone number to the Aston Hawaii Family Reunion
Sweepstakes, Box 1754, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.
To contact reporter Kaleel Sakakeeny, send e-mail to [email protected] .