Starwood Family Fun Rates

St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort,
a Starwood Family Fun Rate participating property.

Starwood has made a concerted effort to provide a kids-oriented resort package for vacationing families with the introduction of Family Fun Rates. The program is starting in 29 Starwood Resorts in the US, Canada, and Caribbean, and anticipated to expand to other properties globally. The centerpiece of the program is the "Fun Team" and a Director of Fun at participating properties.

The Family Fun Rate includes a $100 daily resort credit that can be used for kids activities, spa, or recreational activities. The resort credit is not valid for food purchases which is a huge limitation in my opinion.

The rates I checked were all at least $100/night more than best available rate. The Westin Kierland Resort was $178/day more for the Family Fun Rate than the AAA rate for dates I checked in April with AAA rate at $335.20 ($376.33 after tax) and the Family Fun Rate at $494 ($554.61 after tax).

The Westin Maui Resort provides a better value.
Westin Maui Resort 7/8/2008-7/14/2008 (6 nights)
$455/night best available rate; $555 Family Fun Rate

The discounted meals, free drinks for kids poolside, and entertainment activities for children may make this a slight savings for some families.

Amenities included in Family Fun Special include:
$100 per day resort credit to be used on kids activities, spa, or recreational activities. (Appears this credit can't be used for food purchases.)
Kids 5 and under eat free from kids menu items.
Kids 6-12 receive 50% off regular menu items with purchase of adult meal. Two kids eligible per paying adult per room.
Age appropriate amenity for each child in the room.
Souvenir cup for unlimited juice, milk, soft drinks (T&C specifically states poolside bar).
Complimentary crib or roll-away bed, if needed.
Single guaranteed connecting rooms or suite.
Orientation with Fun Team member.
Evening family or kid-centered counselor-led activity on hotel property.
Separate adult and kids seating areas in main dining restaurant with child supervision provided at least 3 nights a week.

Terms & Conditions from Starwood:
"The offer also includes free kids meal from the kids menu with purchase of adult meal at select restaurants (one child 12 years old and younger per paying adult; up to two children) per room per day; one welcome amenity per child per stay; a kid’s cup that can be filled up with juice, milk and soft drinks for free at the pool bar; complimentary rollaway subject to availability; evening ritual (varies by property) separate kids and adult seating area (kids area is supervised) at dinner in the main dinning room (offered at least 3 times a week); and guaranteed connecting single rooms or suites."

Maximum Stay is 14 nights.

Find out more about this package: http://www.familyfunspecials.com/