Stepping Out in Vail

I did something in Vail I never thought I would do - EVER!  I hired a babysitter recommended from the concierge to watch my kids while we went out for dinner.  Typically when traveling with the kids we select hotels or resorts the offer Kids Clubs.  The oversight and activities provided in typical Kids Clubs are part of our vacation the kids talk about when we get home, this getaway turned out a little different.

When we decided to head to Vail for a quick fall foliage trip we selected Vail Cascade Resort for a couple of reasons but a primary one was they offered “KidVenture at Vail Cascade” which we thought would be perfect.  However, when we got there “KidVenture at Vail Cascade” was closed for the season. My contact at the hotel suggested I go to the concierge and they could recommend a sitter.  Again, I have never hired a sitter at a hotel before and didn’t know how I would ever trust leaving the kids with a sitter I didn’t know – a point my son also pointed out. 

I reluctantly went and got the babysitting brochure the concierge offered and she also told me guest staying at the property had been very pleased with this service.   The company is called Care4kids, so I went back to our room, got online and started researching them, their service, how they did their background checks, qualification’s etc. Once I was satisfied with my online research I called Ryan one of the owners from Care4kids, interviewed him and ultimately decided I was comfortable enough to hire a sitter for the evening and potentially the next evening - if things went well.   Ryan explained the process and mentioned Megan our sitter had sat several times with kids at Vail Cascade so she was very familiar with the property and they would be guaranteed a great time.   

Promptly at 5:30pm Megan arrived and was introduced to the kids, ran through her paper work with me, asked us several great questions regarding caring for the kids (which made me feel so much better.) Then off my husband and I went for an evening out with friends! The evening was great and when we got back the kids we sad to see us back so we booked Megan for the next evening.

Night two and the kids wanted a little more adventure and asked if while we were out they could go to Pazzo’s for pizza and then go for ice cream.  We agreed and everyone departed for an evening out with old and new friends.   We had a great time and Vail Village has some wonderful restaurants, but we had to call it a night early as we had to catch a transfer to the airport early the morning.  We bid farewell to our friends and went back to find our room empty and the kids still “out on the town” with Megan.   We called to let them know we were back and she informed us that they were getting on a shuttle and would be back shortly.  Once back the kids couldn’t stop chatting about all of their adventures, what they had to eat and asked if they really have to leave tomorrow…. fun was had by all!!!

I have to say I was extremely impressed with Care4Kids and the quality of sitter they provided for my children.  We will still continue to look for resorts and hotels with Kids Clubs, but if a property we ultimately decided to stay at didn’t have one I will definitly look into having a sitter come to the hotel.

Do your children like kids clubs or do you hire a sitter on property?   Do you have any tips when hiring a sitter from a property – specific questions you ask?  I would love to create a list of tips for parents traveling with children, how to have a night out without the worry.