We are delighted that so many parents of newborns, and even many who are expecting, are anxious to know where to go, how to get there and what to bring along. Our parent company, www.FamilyTravelForum.com honored these resorts in 1999, and all are worth considering for your first (or first with a baby) family vacation.  Here's a look at The Athenaeum today.

The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments
116 Piccadilly
London, England  W1J 7BJ
44 (0) 20 7499-3464; US Toll Free 800/335-3300

Located near Buckingham Palace, Green Park and the theatre district, this recently refurbished, privately owned hotel is convenient, luxurious and family-friendly. The staff of the Athenaeum seeks to provide a comfortable atmosphere and warm, personal service in the traditional British style.

Upon arrival at one of Athenaeum's apartments, a toy chest is already set up with age and gender-appropriate toys for the children to play with during their stay.  There is also a full children's DVD library (complete with movies for every age, including Baby Einstein for newborns), iPod docks to listen to your children's favorite music, children sized robes, slippers, and hangers, and milk and cookies are available at turn-down service. For video game fanatics, Playstations and X-Box systems are available.

Complete childcare services in your family apartment, including feeding and bathing of younger children and infants, is easily arranged on an hourly basis through the Housekeeping Department.  Nannies come from Childminders, a London agency (44 020 7935 2049), whose caregivers are bonded and have CPR training. Most of their employees are either teachers or nurses with training in First Aid.

Athenaeum is now providing families with children aged newborn to 2 years with a "baby basics" package, which includes disposable diapers, bottle sterilizer, baby wipes, and organic baby food. Fully-outfitted cribs are offered by the hotel, and high chairs, potties, and even a proper British pram can be requested.  For the young ladies and gentlemen from age 5, a Nursery Tea is in the works, and it will offer finger-sized grilled cheese sandwiches, a pot of chamomile tea or hot chocolate and teatime sweets. Children 10 and under will receive breakfast 50% off at Damask, the hotel's stylish restaurant. For dining outside of the hotel, families with 10 to 14-year-olds will receive priority entry to the Hard Rock Cafe (2 blocks away). 

Perfect for families traveling in royal style are the Edwardian townhouses with 1 and 2BR apartments adjacent to the main hotel.  Each has a plasma television, a fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine, and access to hotel and grocery shopping services. Use of the modern Health Spa with gym, sauna, steamroom, spa pool and treatment room is also included.
 

1999 Top 10 Getaways for Tiny Travelers
Top Beach Resorts:
Beaches Negril, Jamaica
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa

Boscobel Beach, Jamaica
Top Family Camps:
The Tyler Place Family Resort, Vermont
Montecito Sequoia Lodge, California
Top International Getaways:
The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments, London
Club Med
Shangri-La's Fijian Resort, Fiji
Top Ski & Summer Resorts:
Smugglers' Notch, Vermont
Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Top Spa:
The Peaks Resort & Spa, Colorado