Review: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

5 out of 5 Ants Rating!

Wondering why I am reviewing a hotel, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay (Get Directions Here), when I typically just review area activities?  Because it is SO much more than a hotel; this place is a little bit of paradise for kids (and their parents too).  It's a destination in itself, so I just have to share it here!

We spent a long weekend at the Hyatt right before New Years.  It was busy, but not crazy.  This is definitely a family-friendly hotel.  In fact, I wouldn't go here if you don't have kids or aren't traveling with a family group.  I'm sure you could figure out a fun time without kids, but the place is crawling with kids and not exactly on par with the romantic getaway you could have at numerous other more adult focused hotels in the area.  So stick with Hyatt for the fam.

Miss M painting a wooden fish at "Santa's Workshop" arts and crafts room at the Hyatt

My poor friends, family and Facebook followers during and after our visit to the Hyatt.  I posted about it non-stop.  I'm in LOVE with this place.  

• The staff are SO friendly and very family-focused (they remember your child's name, have crayons and coloring paper ready to go at every turn, ask you if you are having a good stay, suggest activities, etc.);
• There are SO many activities, including a daily, hourly, activity list published for you to grab and read each morning (and if that isn't enough there is indoor pool with a plethora of toys to borrow and use, an indoor/outdoor hot-tub, reserved for adults on the even hours and children welcome on the odd hours, many arts and crafts, a game room, a teen room, organized scavenger hunts, and on and on);
• The main hotel restaurant has a free (under 5) kids buffet to keep your little one happy and fed while you wait for your (yummy) adult food to arrive; and
• Smores.  Need I say smore?  

If you visit in the warmer months, you could also partake in: mini-golf, beach volleyball, three more pools and a slide, playground, beach...

View from the hotel

We requested a crib for Miss M.  They brought a full size crib with an actual crib sheet (not an adult sheet wrapped around as is usually the case in my experience) and an awesome Melissa & Doug crab toy for Miss M to keep and enjoy in bed (how lovely!!). 

I also had a 50-minute massage in their upscale spa - highly recommend. 

On our way out, the bellman said to look him up next time we come and he'll be sure to have milk and cookies and a bottle of wine waiting in our room.

Can we please go back NOW?

Review: PB & Jack Play Space (and More!)

4 out of 5 Ants Rating!  Preliminary Review -- Just Opened, Need to Get Back for More!

PB & Jack (Get Directions Here) is an awesome new play space (and so much more) for kids and their adult companions.  Miss M and I only stopped in for a short time after their opening and most classes weren't up and running yet, but this place holds a LOT of promise as the new hot spot to take your child.  

PB & Jack is a combination of play area and cafe for adults.  The play area is supervised by professional staff and enclosed; it includes a number of toys and climbing activities (and a cool trampoline my daughter loved).  There is also a small, separated area for lego-building.  It can get a bit hectic when it is crowded as the space is on the average to small-ish side; a mix of ages might pose a problem (at least require parental supervision) for the youngest tikes, but all-in-all, it's very cool.  

The cafe is well stocked with yummy treats and beverages and has ample seating for working on your laptop, reading the latest US Weekly or just zoning out as moms often wish they could do!  The cafe is still within earshot of the play area, which enables you to know if something is going on with your child.  

PB & Jack is nicely done - clean, fun, well-staffed, secure.  It is evident they are new and still working out the kinks in a few ways, but we are REALLY looking forward to being back (and most likely, taking this review up to a 5/5 ants rating once we can partake in all that PB & Jack has to offer!).