Andre Balazs is the President and CEO of Andre Balazs Properties that includes a portfolio of hotels across the United States and residences in New York, especially in New York City.

I love the fact that in addition to his role as a Hotelier that he is currently revitalizing “The Locusts” a historical private Estate and retreat in Staatsburg, NY….not far from my country house.

My favorite Hotel from his collection is Chateau Marmont. The feeling is old Hollywood glamour and dotted around the Hotel are also 9 Spanish cottages, 2 luxurious poolside bungalows and 2 hillside bungalows designed by mid-century architect Craig Ellwood.

The Hotel is located in West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard and was modeled loosely after Chateau d’ Amboise, a royal retreat in France’s Loire Valley.

This great castle on the hill is deliciously fun! I enjoyed myself immensely on my last sojourn there, running into old friends and making new ones along the way. There is a home away from home quality here that satisfies the heart making the transition from plane to Hotel so comforting.

The restaurant at the Chateau Marmont features an intimate indoor dining area as well as an idyllic garden terrace. Guests can enjoy traditional American meals prepared by Chef Carolynn Spence.

The cocktails are divine and I adore the Blackberry Teaser. It consists of vodka, illet blanc, blackberry liqueur, cherry bitters and champagne!

By Melissa Levis – Family Inn Keeper

The Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont is a majestic 30-acre hilltop estate that is a fabulous four-season destination for families. My family has run the inn for nearly 30 years and as we sing in our Wilburton Inn theme song we didn’t buy it to run it like a Hyatt. The Wilburton is an extension our family’s genuine passion for hospitality, creativity, beauty, healthy living and the gift of time to unwind with family and friends in the mountains.

Wilburton Inn

My mother was the inspiration for Madeline Kahn’s Tony Award winning role, Gorgeous in The Sisters Rosensweig that was written by her sister, Wendy Wasserstein. When mom suddenly passed away last year, my brother and I came home to run the inn with our father. With our Downton Abbey Parties farm to table dinners destination weddings and huge family celebrations the inn shines brighter than ever as a tribute to her. Our Cavalier King Charles puppy, Jetson, who was named for mom loves to welcome children and other dogs to our inn too!

Farm to Table Dinners at The Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton is a private 30-acre resort that features two historic mansions, eight large vacation villas, a farm, museum, pool, tennis court, sculpture garden and restaurant. We can accommodate up to 125 overnight guests in a range of accommodations from individual guest rooms to our five, six, seven and eight bedroom homes to our fourteen-bedroom Battenkill Valley Mansion that sleeps 34 guests under one room! With the perks of an inn and the privacy of a home, the Wilburton is the perfect place to host girl’s weekends, 40th birthdays, 50th anniversaries, and all the big milestones of life. Guests truly feel like the king and queen of the castle when they rent out our homes and mansions as their private country getaway.

The Grand Living Room at The Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton Inn is located in Manchester, Vermont which is only 4 hours from Manhattan and 3 and a half hours from Boston. It is such a charming, quintessential New England town that it was profiled in the New York Times Summer is the perfect time to visit because there is zip lining at Bromley Mountain for the kids, fly fishing at Orvis, hiking, golf and antique car shows for the dads, antiquing, theatre, concerts, farmers markets, and designer outlet shopping for the ladies, and the six-week long Vermont Summer Horse Festival that is fun for the whole family. The Inn is also a wonderful base for day trips to Williamstown, Massachusetts, Saratoga and Lake George, New York and Shelburne, Vermont.

Lovely Fireplace at The Wilburton Inn

Guests can also enjoy the unique talents of my family. Families can enjoy planting, harvesting, and baking workshops with my brother Oliver at his nearby Earth Sky Time organic farm and bakery. My sister who is currently writing the musical adaptation of Green Acres for Broadway, hosts Murder Mystery Weekends each year. Guests have so much fun dressing up and figuring out who-done-it as they traipse through the mansion. My Harvard scholar brother Max and my psychiatrist father Albert offer workshops on the nexus between creativity, psychology, religion and wellness at our Museum of the Creative Process. And I lead Moey’s Music Party concerts and family sing-alongs during the holidays. The Wilburton is truly a magical setting for the vacation of a lifetime.

Spring break is perfect for family getaways. Whether looking for a break from the snow or from the busy work and school schedule, get away this spring while you can. Here are some of the best places you can take your family for a wholesome, yet fun, spring break getaway in 2015.
See Family Spring Break Spots at familyvacationcritic.com

Amelia Island, FL

Situated in the northeastern-most part of Florida, Amelia Island is not only beautiful, but also peaceful. It has managed to escape much of the commercialization that plagues other parts of Florida, and as a result, doesn’t attract the typical college spring-breaker. The island is rich in history and has been under the rule of eight different flags — the most of any place in the United States.

The Palm Beaches, FL

With miles of coastline, water sports, a water park and a zoo, an escape to the Palm Beaches in Florida this spring break will be filled with fun for the entire family. Plus, the Palm Beaches offer luxurious shopping and award-winning dining options, for those parents who also want to make the most of their own break from the daily routine.

Carlsbad, CA

Located just 30 minutes from San Diego, a spring break trip to Carlsbad can include the beaches, theme parks, zoos and museums all during one vacation. Spend a morning at the Carlsbad State Beach, which is 5 miles of quiet sand, before heading to Carlsbad Village for snacks and shopping.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Snorkel, fish or just soak up the sun during your spring break at one of the islands that makes up the U.S. Virgin Islands. There are no passports needed for this Caribbean vacation and the U.S. dollar is the currency, so you’ll feel right at home.

Riviera Maya

Less densely developed than Cancun’s hotel zone that attracts college-aged spring breakers galore, Riviera Maya is just 30 minutes to the north and much more family-friendly. A number of all-inclusive family resorts make the getaway easy, as well as a number of lodging options spread over 86 green miles lining a beautiful coastline.

See more family Spring break locations at familyvacationcritic.com >>

There’s plenty of St. Patrick’s Day kid-friendly fun to be had in these cities, from festivals to parades to dancing and food — shepard’s pie, anyone?
See Family Fun Spots for St. Patrick’s Day at familyvacationcritic.com

Chicago

The Windy City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade always occurs the Saturday before the holiday (if the holiday isn’t already on a Saturday, that is). It begins at the corner of Columbus Drive and Balbo, and continues north to Monroe, entertaining families with music, floats and step dancers for three hours straight, rain or shine. The city’s biggest spectacle, however, takes place when the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers dye the Chicago River green, drawing thousands of spectators. For the best views of this annual tradition, head to the intersection of Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive and the Chicago River, or the west side of Columbus Drive Bridge.

San Francisco

One of San Francisco’s most popular events is its annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade. Hundreds of lively floats, dance troupes and marching bands begin their journey at the corner of Market and Second street and continue on to Civic Center, where a family-friendly festival awaits. Here, they get a true taste of Irish culture, including everything from food to history. Additionally, many of the city’s pubs and restaurants start the holiday festivities a few days in advance by hosting block parties, and the city hosts an Irish-American Crossroads Festival, as well.

Boston

Boston hosts not one, but two St. Patrick’s Day parades each year. Its traditional holiday parade begins in the early afternoon, and is followed by the St. Patrick’s Peace Parade, organized by the Veterans for Peace. The city also provides alcohol-free Family Zones, which are often held at The Action Center, Old Colony and The Laboure. Each venue has a theme and offers snacks and children’s activities, such as arts and crafts, plus a prime spot to watch the parade.

Washington, D.C.

For St. Patrick’s Day, Washington, D.C. hosts the National ShamrockFest with something for all ages, including carnival rides, games, food, an Irish Village and over 40 bands and DJs on nine stages. Constitution Avenue also comes to life with a two-and-a-half hour themed parade of floats, dancers, marching and pipe bands, military, police and fire departments. After the parade, take the kids to a local Irish pub where you’ll listen to Celtic music as you eat authentic favorites like Irish beef stew.

Savannah, GA

For nearly two centuries, Savannah has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with an electrifying parade, which happens to be the second largest in the United States. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations actually begin two weeks before the parade, however, with events like the Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth Park and the Celtic Cross Mass and Ceremony. On the day of the parade, mass is held at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, and the parade follows, offering the perfect mix of Irish culture and southern charm.

If you’ve hung out on a pool deck recently, it’s no secret that cruising has become hugely popular with families. The number of children onboard is growing steadily, and more than 2 million kids younger than 15 sailed on cruise lines in 2013, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Yet, despite the great strides made by cruise lines in accommodating children onboard, choosing the best cruise for your family is still complicated. Where once it was a struggle to find ships that were kid-friendly, the challenge now is wading through the bevy of activities, kids clubs, and child-themed bells and whistles many of the newer ships offer to determine which cruise ships are best for your youngsters.

See the Best Cruise Ships for Families – Best Family Cruises – from CruiseCritic.com

Bali is one of the best destinations for a family vacation. It has everything: good beaches, a rich culture, friendly people, great weather, and wonderful food.
See the 10 Best Family Resorts on Bali!

Bali Westin

Bali Intercontinental

Bali Dynasty Family Resort

Bali Nikko Resort

The BEST Places for Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Parties!

View the Top Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Parties at travelchannel.com

Family-friendly, Legoland fireworks in Carlsbad, California.

Family-friendly, beachside ball drop at Panama City Beach.

30 of the BEST Places to spend Christmas! From San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to Kaioura, New Zealand.

View the Top 30 Best Places to Spend Christmas at travelandleisure.com

I couldn’t agree more!! Our family tradition is going to Palm Beach, soaking up some sun and frolicking in the Ocean. Family traditions are so important…..and here are some wonderful warm weather places to start them in!!!

View the Top 10 Warm Weather Getaways for Thanksgiving

View 10 Best Ski Resorts for Families at Forbes.com