February 2009 In the Family Way The best of our first 3 years Courtesy, Scott Ableman Wow! Since launching WeJustGotBack.com three years ago, we’ve reviewed dozens of wonderful places to bring the kids. Our correspondents have been to theme parks and waterparks, city hotels and country farms. We’ve been on cruises and ski trips. We’ve been to luxurious grand hotels and rustic family camps. Some have missed by a mile, but a few have gotten it very, very right. In all, we gave out only six A+ grades in three years—though many more excellent properties received an A or A-. The problem with these lists, of course, is that they are terribly subjective. What works for a family with grade-school kids might be a disaster for a couple with a toddler or a teen. Some folks love all-inclusives, other people hate ’em. Ditto for cruises, dude ranches, city breaks, and river-rafting trips. Indeed, no one type of vacation or resort is going to please every family. And yet, there’s no arguing that some vacations have wider family appeal than others. To receive an A+ from us means that the vacation has met some key criteria. First, it must have a very strong orientation toward families. In most cases, families will be its primary market. We recognize that it’s possible for properties to attract a wide array of guests—business folk, couples, singles, seniors—and still be family-friendly. And, indeed, some of these places have received an A grade from us. But it’s extremely hard for a hotel, resort, or cruise line to be all things to all people. So, most often, A+ properties are those that go after the family market with a single-mindedness. These properties have made the decision to make families their number one priority. And, most crucially, they deliver on their promises to meet the special needs of families. We also consider what a family could reasonably expect from their stay—and whether these expectations are realized. We look at the property’s marketing spin. Does the hotel sell itself as the best thing for families since Velcro shoe fasteners? If a property’s web site promises superior family services and a bevy of kid-friendly amenities, travelers will nautrally have higher expectations. We’ll find out if the property delivers on its word. Also, we consider whether the property makes a genuine effort to deliver benefits that are meaningful to families. Even if a property does not cater exclusively to families, it should recognize that families have a different set of requirements than its other guests. Do its services make a family’s stay less stressful and more fun? And finally, we look at value. What do you get for the price? Has the resort, hotel, or cruise line put together a family package that bundles in some kid-friendly perks? Do you feel ripped off by add-ons and service surcharges? Must you pay extra fees for what families would consider basic amenities? It’s possible for a property to be expensive but still deliver great value if the level of accommodation, service and family-oriented amenities merit a high cost. Naturally, we judge a $500-a-night luxury property with more scrutiny than we do one charging five times less. Here is the WeJustGotBack.com A+ List.