Beaver Creek, CO

Colorado’s Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a 190-room, chateau-style property that is, literally, a stone’s throw from Beaver Creek Mountain and its stellar ski slopes. The sophisticated resort is also steps away from Beaver Creek Village’s pedestrian plaza and its myriad restaurants, shops, and 9,750-square-foot ice rink — open in the winter and summer! With its Camp Hyatt, free afternoon S’mores and convenient ski-in/ski-out access, the Park Hyatt appeals to families.

The resort is about a two-hour drive west into the Rocky Mountains from Denver, or 25 miles east of the Vail-Eagle airport.

Rooms at the Park Hyatt are spacious, with ultra-comfy bedding, a mini-refrigerator and Wi-Fi access (included in your nightly resort fee). Other amenities include spa toiletries (Ginger Peach scent from the Allegria Spa), robe and slippers for mom and dad, and a morning newspaper.

The Park Hyatt has just seven uniquely named suites, so families of five or more are better off reserving two adjoining rooms. While connecting rooms are not guaranteed (they are doled out based on availability), many of the king rooms do connect to rooms with two double beds. The most coveted (and expensive) rooms have slopeside balconies with stellar views of Beaver Creek mountain, terrace dining and the pool/Jacuzzi area.

Camp Hyatt Beaver Creek is available during the ski season, as well as in July and August. Supervised child care for ages 3 to 12 (kids must be potty trained) takes place in a dedicated room filled with toys, games and arts & crafts. But the kids don't stay inside all day long: outdoor winter activities include making snowmen and ice skating, while summer brings hiking and swimming. Sessions run at various time four-hour time slots throughout the day and there is a fee. Lunch or dinner is available for an extra fee per child.

The four-foot-deep pool at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is open year round. Children can use all but one of the five outdoor hot tubs. There is no lifeguard on duty.

In the summer months, the base of Beaver Creek Mountain -- just outside the Park Hyatt -- is a hotbed of activity for families. Kids love the bungee trampoline, 18-hole miniature golf and climbing wall. Another fun activity for families: the ride up the Centennial Express chairlift (kids under 12 ride for free). You can even rent mountain bikes and load them up the chairlift and ride down the mountain. Want to avoid spending extra cash? An onsite jungle gym is totally free!

Every day during ski season and the peak summer months, from 4 until 5 p.m., is S'mores happy hour at the Park Hyatt. Kids (and grownups) have a ball roasting homemade marshmallows over the outdoor fire pits and making their own gooey desserts with the graham crackers and chocolate squares that the resort provides. (If you're visiting during the off-season in late spring or fall, just ask the 8100 Bar & Grill bartender for a make-your-own S'mores kit.)

Every Friday in the peak summer season from 5 until 7:30 p.m., families enjoy "Fridays in the Park," with live music, giveaways, the above-mentioned gourmet "S'moregasbord" and free gondola rides on the kids' lift, the Buckaroo Express Gondola.

Of course winter brings ski lessons for children as young as age 3 on the nearby mountain. The "magic carpet" surface lift that brings the youngest skiers up a tiny learning hill is right next to the Park Hyatt. Watch your kids learn to ski from your hotel-room balcony.

The Park Hyatt's 30,000-square-foot Allegria Spa beckons adults with its soothing water sanctuaries and topnotch treatments. But girls ages 8 to 16 can get into the act with "Prima Donna" packages, which might include Bejeweled Nail Art, a Bubbling Foot Bath, or Sweet Cheeks Makeup.

8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill debuted at the Park Hyatt in December 2008. The menu changes seasonally, and features organic and local products. The restaurant's showpiece is a wood-fired grill (no gas assist) that enhances the flavors of halibut, lamb chops, elk and trout grilled over mesquite and oak.

Children are welcomed at 8100 (so named because the resort is at 8,100 feet above sea level) with crayons and an activity-filled paper menu. While stand-bys like buttered pasta and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches are offered, young guests might also consider more sophisticated options such as Homemade Crispy Chicken Tenders, Grilled Filet of Beef with mashed potatoes and broccoli, and Wildflower Cheddar Grilled Cheese.

8100 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the winter months, you can also eat at a more casual, take-out cafe with a salad bar and deli-style sandwiches, as well as breakfast goodies and gourmet coffee.