Hockey Friendly Hotels
Over the course of several years, we’ve stayed at more hotels than I care to count. Some that we selected based on proximity, some because of price, some were kindly assigned by the tournament.
We’ve tried higher end hotels, bargain basement brands and just about everything in between. I remember when we knew we were not a winning team, it was great fun to ensure the hotel had an indoor pool so the boys could swim. Now, there is a no-swimming clause built into every season it seems. I know an included breakfast is important to many (though, for what reason, I’m not really sure, as we often have to depart for the game before the breakfast even opens…and even when it does, the boys tend to grab only a yogurt or banana so they aren’t too ‘stuffed’ for game time).
Hyatt Place
What I’ve come to appreciate recently is the trifecta of location, price and space. My realtor friends would be so proud! Comparing a wide variety of hotels, my new fav is EASILY Hyatt Place. Here’s why:
1) They are located primarily in suburban areas, which generally means they are not far from the local rink.
2) They have really competitive prices, albeit not the cheapest, for what you get.
3) They are hockey-family-friendly. They have an open-all-the-time menu, they have a bar (good for celebrating or drowning your sorrows), included breakfast, indoor pool, spacious rooms that include a “sitting area” that makes for a fantastic knee hockey space, particularly if you are on the first floor. Perhaps best of all, they have a ‘limited’ staff that attends to all of the above, and they seem to be really, ridiculously friendly and hockey-happy.
Given the option, I will seek out a Hyatt Place going forward. My favorite space is first floor, end room, king bed. In Chi-town, we had the end room which provided for no one beneath us, no rooms to the left, no rooms across (only stairs!) and thus, the possibility that we could ‘bother’ only one guest to our right with any loud knee-hockey contests. I spent the weekend with the entire Little Caps team in my room. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
My suggestion: Stay away from pricey hotels that have ‘elegant’ lobbies. The more glass, the less likely they are to accept hockey play, noise, or kids for that matter. They have an ‘atmosphere’ to maintain.
What is your favorite hockey hotel…and more importantly, why!?
