Kids Too Amped Up? Heed The Sleep Concierge

by  Paul Eisenberg | Oct 19, 2010
The Benjamin
The Benjamin / Photo courtesy of the property

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The idea of a sleep concierge is nothing new, at least to New York City midtown hotel The Benjamin, who originated the job about a decade ago to pamper restless out-of-towners. Recognizing that one of a parent’s more irritating issues is a child who’s either fighting sleep or claims she’s too excited to attempt it, the hotel is introducing a new program geared toward getting your young ones to bed.

The program, known as the Winks' Kidzzz Club, is geared toward kids 2-12 and makes thoughtful amenities available, such as kid-sized bathrobes, bedtime books, and pillows tricked out with lullaby-playing iPods. But perhaps the biggest club perk is knowing that Benjamin sleep concierge Anya Orlanska is on duty to dole out tips geared toward vacationing kids.

“Being in a new environment or the excitement of traveling sometimes makes it challenging for kids to fall asleep,” Orlanska suggests, which is why I have to chuckle at her tip to “stick to your bedtime and napping routine if possible," because speaking for my own vacationing kids, it’s never possible.

However, three of Orlanska’s tips are quite actionable on a family vacation and could be put to use at home, too: “Allow time between sightseeing and bedtime for kids to wind down from the day’s excitement; encourage kids to avoid caffeinated drinks, like soda, after lunchtime so it doesn’t keep them up; [and] don’t engage in any very stimulating activity an hour before bed, like watching a scary movie.”

Even with those tips as take-away, the Benjamin would like to remind you that it’s got an optimal sleep environment, including double-glazed windows and one of a dozen different specialty pillows for picky kids and parents channeling their inner Eloises.

By way of introducing the “kidzzz” club, the Benjamin is offering a two-night minimum “Good Night, Sleep Tight" package through the end of the year that includes a one-bedroom suite, beginning at rates upwards of $459 per night, not including tax. The deal includes two adult and two kiddie passes to the Central Park Zoo (a $38 value), an activity that by turns may tire your kids out or get them so riled up you may need some additional on-site advice from your sleep concierge.

For general trip-planning information, see our New York City Travel Guide, and search for upcoming New York City Family Events in our new events search section. Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on hotels, airfare, packages, and more.

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