Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort

Nov 09, 2009

The Hilton has a program for families who want to spend some quality time around the fire.
// © Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort

What: The highlight of a family trip to Huntington Beach, Calif., was roasting s’mores on the beach after dinner. The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort offers families a s’mores kit, complete with graham crackers, chocolate bars, marshmallows, two pitchers of hot chocolate, blankets, roasting sticks, wood and, most importantly, a wagon. After we rolled the kids and our supplies to the beach, the dads started a roaring fire. With marshmallows roasted, we ate, drank hot chocolate and sang campfire songs. Our group lucked out getting a firepit just after sunset — the concierge recommended arriving earlier. In summer, this is especially important, as spots fill up fast. At the end of the night, we wheeled our tired girls back to the hotel, and they were fast asleep before we reached the lobby.

Where: The Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, located on California’s scenic Pacific Coast Highway, is about a half-hour drive from LAX or Orange County’s John Wayne Airport.

Guestrooms: Rooms range in size from a Standard King to a Deluxe Suite, as well as a Governors Suite and a Presidential Suite. Suites are ideal for families, but even a Standard King has a pull-out couch and enough space for families to spread out.
For Kids: The hotel has partnered with Toes On the Nose, a company that rents beach equipment like bicycles, sand toys and more, to offer families access to complimentary arm floaties, life jackets, kickboards and more in the pool. They also outfitted our group with chairs, umbrellas, toys and more for our day at the beach.
Apart from swimming and going to the beach, there is a kids’ area next to the pool where they can color and read books. The friendly staff were more than willing to help their young charges find what they needed and to keep kids entertained.

Rates: $209-$409 for standard guestrooms