We gathered together that most incredible combination of human: a Tablet employee who’s also a mom. For Mother’s Day, they told us which hotels they’d pick for a quick getaway, and why.
When we had our hotel essay contest recently, we received a few wonderful submissions that addressed the joys and pains of traveling as a mom. We published those stories right around Mother’s Day in the UK. For Mother’s Day in the US, where Tablet is based, we went to some moms on our own staff to find out which hotels they’d visit for a quick getaway, either with or without their progeny in tow. Those picks, and explanations from the moms themselves, are below.
The Bowery Hotel
New York City, NY, USA
For a quick getaway, I’d go with a staycation at The Bowery Hotel in the East Village. I’d bring my best friend, who’s also a mom, for a night away from the kids. We’d start with drinks in the hotel’s iconic lobby, enjoy the vibe, head out for a bit, then come back for late-night room service. We might also grab a Bowery Hotel Bear and coloring book to bring home.
Tourists
North Adams, MA, USA
I’d head north from New York to Tourists in the Berkshires, and I’d bring my 3-year-old along. Not only does the hotel have great merch for me and my little one, but it’s near Mass MoCA, which is a great way for toddlers to interact with art and keep them busy for a full afternoon. While he naps, I’d browse through the boutiques in Great Barrington. And no trip to the Berkshires is complete without an ice cream from High Lawn Farm.
Captain Whidbey
Coupeville, WA, USA
As a Pacific Northwesterner, I gravitate towards places that are moody, woodsy, and/or surrounded by water. Enter Captain Whidbey — a historic but meticulously updated lodge on the Puget Sound an hour outside Seattle. Captain Whidbey works just as well for a family sojourn as it does for a friends’ or moms’ weekend. Relax on the lounge chairs overlooking Penn Cove and make up stories with your little ones about the “legend” of Captain Whidbey, or enjoy board games, cocktails, and adult conversation by the roaring fire in the lobby. And don’t forget your binoculars for Orca-spotting!
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
My quick getaway from New York City would involve a dash down to the Caribbean for a stay at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman. I’d take one day to explore the incredible Cayman Turtle Center with my kid, then I’d add one more tiny attendee to the hotel’s kids club while I enjoy some “me time” at the spa.
Troutbeck
Amenia, NY, USA
Mother’s Day has been a bit of a journey for me. It started with celebrating my mom twice: both U.S. and French Mother’s Days. After she passed, it became a day I somewhat dreaded because of all the reminders. Now, after having a little boy, I find myself thinking… how do we only get one day? It’s really come full circle.
With that in mind, I would stay at Troutbeck. About two hours from New York City, it’s the perfect escape — beautiful, peaceful, and rooted in history. You can enjoy farm-to-table meals, hiking, yoga, a massage. There’s even a drive-in theater just a minute away to end the day, followed by a glass of wine by the fire pit.
Wishing a very happy Mother’s Day to all.