Hilton Incents Travel with Kids Programs
Two Hilton hotel brands are boosting summer travel among families offering programs just for kids.
Embassy Suites Hotels is offering a Kids-Eye View program, a guide for kids that highlights the coolest attractions in 36 cities. Upon check-in, kids receive a passport with a list of local area attractions and a “What to do in” sticker in that city.
The premium also features a spot for kids to insert their photo and personal information, mimicking a real-life passport. Attractions include locations for Best Family Outings, Best Shopping, Best Pizza, Best Burger and Best Ice Cream.
“For us, it’s another value add,” said John Lee, vice president of brand marketing for Embassy Suites. “It gives families another reason to come to Embassy.”
Embassy expanded the program from 26 U.S. cities to 34 and two locations across the border this year, Lee said.
PR and hotel signage supports the initiative, which is in its third year. Details are available at EmbassySuites.com/kidseye.
Likewise, Doubletree Hotels has updated its kidsCarepak program. This year’s theme is outdoor and nature. The premiums, available to guests with kids aged three to 12, include kid-sized binoculars, a globe hacky sack, a rainforest-themed flying saucer, an activity book and pack of crayons and playing cards.
The program, which is in its fifth year, is meant to give a specific call out to kids and show that the hotel chain appreciates them as guests.
“We want to show our appreciation to kids that are coming to our hotel and give them an extended welcome,” said Rebecca Harris, senior manager of partnerships and promotions for Doubletree Hotels. “This provides them with fun things.”
Doubletree has produced 35,000 kidCarepaks for the campaign. They will be available through Labor Day or until supplies last.
The hotel chain is marketing the offer through banner ads on its Web site and through its newsletter to 11 million HiltonHonors members. Doubletree handles in-house.
