It’s no secret that organising family time during the school holidays can be challenging for parents and carers. With increased pressure to keep the kids happy, the inflated costs of flights abroad and the stress of organising a fun-filled itinerary, a relaxed family break is an art that is difficult to achieve.
A recent poll by Park Plaza Hotel & Resorts has revealed the extent to which the school holidays pose a challenge to Britons. The survey found that a whopping 80 per cent of us have something to complain about when it comes to half term, with a third citing increased costs for transport and inflated holiday prices as their number one bugbear.
Even before the school holidays have begun, it seems preparation can stress us out. The survey polled 1000 UK residents aged 25-54 through Google Surveys, with one in ten people saying they found the scramble at work to book days off during half term an annoyance, while the challenge of keeping the kids happy and occupied over the holidays is a lot to bear for 15 per cent of us.
When it comes to what we’d most like to do during the holidays, the majority of us would still love to get away despite the high cost of a holiday. Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts’ poll revealed a luxury hotel stay to be top of the travel wish list if money were no object (56%), with a city break with the family in a cool city coming in second (26%), suggesting families want their break to be stress-free but still packed with things to do and see.
Family Fun in the City
The poll was conducted to support Park Plaza’s Family Fun in the City package, created to support parents in 2016’s first holiday period and ensure a city break with the kids in tow is stress-free. Visiting some of the most exciting cities in the UK and abroad can be awe-inspiring for youngsters, with fun-filled and cultural attractions providing a truly valuable experience. The award-winning hotel brand has created the luxury family package to help parents and carers create long lasting memories for the family whilst ensuring the school holidays run as smoothly as possible.
Little VIPs
At all Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts properties, children are treated like VIPs. Children aged 12 and under eat breakfast for free and stay for free when sharing the parents’ room, with large guest rooms designed with families in mind. Many of the hotels have pull-out beds in the living area, a kitchenette, a separate TV in the living area and of course a TV in the parents’ bedroom.
Park Plaza’s Family Fun in the City package includes:
• Accommodation for up to two adults and two children in a spacious Executive Room, Studio Room, Junior Suite, Family Room or connected Superior Room
• Children share parents’ room with under twelves staying free of charge, unless two rooms are booked
• Parents’ breakfast is included and children eat breakfast for free
• A complimentary children’s gift bag – example of gift bag: wristband with hotel telephone number in case child gets lost, Park Plaza passport, wooden yo-yo, six-pack of pencils, activity book, Sudoku book and origami animal
• Three Park Plaza children’s vouchers per gift bag, which can be redeemed against selected food and drink items in the hotel
• Children’s menus available to purchase in hotel restaurant
• Complimentary children’s in-room movies (available in the UK and The Netherlands)
• Parents pay on check-out for easy finance management
Example packages:
Park Plaza County Hall London – from £245 per night
Enjoy an exciting family break at the award-winning Park Plaza County Hall London, located on London’s South Bank. Awarded “Best Family Friendly Hotel” at the HRS Hotel Excellence Awards, the hotel has family city breaks in the capital all wrapped up. Offering spacious suites and a range of (free!) kids’ activities, from pizza making classes every Saturday afternoon to regular movie nights, the hotel is ideal for a family break in the capital. Park Plaza County Hall London is located just moments from the bright lights of London’s South Bank and some of the UK’s most iconic attractions, including the London Eye and Big Ben.
Accommodation for up to two adults and two children in a spacious Studio Room at this centrally-located hotel costs from £245 per night for the whole family during February half term (price based on 19th February).
Park Plaza Leeds – from £129 per night
Conveniently located in the city square close to the city’s top attractions and Trinity Leeds shopping centre, the striking four-star Park Plaza Leeds is the ideal hotel for a family stay in Leeds. You can easily explore the local area from this hotel opposite Leeds Railway Station. Don’t miss the Royal Armouries Museum, the UK’s national museum of arms and armour, with activities for youngsters including dressing up to have-a-go sword sessions. Hotel amenities include award-winning dining at Chino Latino® Restaurant & Bar, a Pan-Asian restaurant mixing Asian food with Latin cocktails.
Accommodation for up to two adults and one child in a spacious Executive Room at this centrally-located hotel costs from £129 per night during February half-term.
Park Plaza Nottingham – from £142.50 per night
The stylish and comfortable four-star Park Plaza Nottingham hotel is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the area’s main shopping districts and the train station. With plenty to do with the family, Nottingham makes a fantastic destination for a city break. Catch a show at the Theatre Royal or Nottingham Playhouse, take a tour of the underground City of Caves, enjoy a boat trip along the river or discover the history of the city and the origins of the infamous Robin Hood. This hotel in Nottingham features sleek, modern decor, superior accommodations and exceptional services, including wired and Wi-Fi Internet access, an on-site car park and a fitness suite. Also, don’t miss the multi-award-winning, Pan-Asian cuisine at Chino Latino® Restaurant & Bar.
Accommodation for up to two adults and two children at this centrally-located hotel costs an average of £142.50 per night during February half term.
For further information, please visit www.parkplaza.com/family-holidays.
