Le Méridien and Westin Hotels & Resorts around the world have launched new family programmes in response to the growing global demand of family travel and their evolving needs. Programmes in both hotel brands celebrate the “Universal Language of Play” by reinventing the kids club concept with better family experiences with the hotel as well as branded amenities for the kids.
The Westin family programme draws inspiration from nature to promote a sense of well-being while Le Méridien family channels the inherent creativity and curiosity of children to unlock destinations through the brand’s Filters of Discovery – Coordinates, Culture and Cuisine.
Starwood partnered with C Space, a customer collaboration agency to survey SPG members around the world when developing the new family programmes. Half of the guests surveyed with children travel differently now compared to five years ago. Now they tend to travel further and stay longer. The cost and amount of guestroom space have become factors in hotel booking decisions. Both Westin and Le Méridien have introduced a Global Family Package. Children dine free and have complimentary access to kids clubs and families can receive a discount when booking a second room or have the option to book connecting rooms when available.
Both brands plan to introduce new kids clubs in new markets including the United States, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Mauritius and Thailand with more in the pipeline for 2016. Early next year, The Westin Tashee Resort in Taiwan will fete families with the grand opening of the hotel, which will feature the largest Westin Family Kids Club in the world.
Westin Family Kids Club
Based on the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-being, the Westin Family Kids Club features dedicated space for children to eat well, play well, feel well, work well, move well and sleep (or nap) well. Kids clubs were created with a focus on biophilia that suggests a connection to nature to enhance well-being. Here you get nature inspired colours with a space that feels youthful and energetic. Pathways meander and guide kids to explore and learn, building on the idea that there are no straight lines in nature. Kids also get to experience nature and gardening hands-on as an extension of the brand’s Vertical Garden.
The Westin Family Programme in both urban and resort hotels offers interactive activities that help children of all ages connect with the environment.
Guests of ages should leave feeling better than when they arrived.
Le Méridien Family Kids Club
The Le Méridien Family Kids Club is inspired by mid-century modernism. It features impactful arrival art work and flexible seating. The styling elements here playfully mirror the Le Méridien Hub – the brand’s innovative lobby concept, reflecting its creative spirit, inspired by coffeehouses, travel and culture.
The clubs also draw inspiration from each hotel’s destination that incorporates local culture and allusions to iconic landmarks into the design. The programming unlocks the destination with local musical instruments and artful yet playful games and toys.
Snacks served at the Kids Club have a level of interaction and embrace expose local cuisines and ingredients as an enriching experience.
Le Méridien is also in a global partnership with LEGO to offer a welcome amenity to children below 12 checking-in to any of the over 100 hotels and resorts worldwide. The welcome amenity is a LEGO toy to enjoy during the stay and take home as a keep sake. Le Méridien has also engaged Imagination Playground by David Rockwell in cooperation with KaBOOM! to create play spaces that allow children to create, inspire and imagine.
Le Méridien aims to ignite the imagination so that young and old travellers can discover together.
