How to redeem your weekend when you miss your flight to Cancun

On Wednesday morning at 2:00 am Parker rolled over in bed and said, “this isn’t good” the details after that moment don’t need to be shared but I soon realized that we would not be boarding our flight to Cancun at 9:00 am that morning. Not that it was the end of the world, but we had been looking forward to the trip for the past three months…

After getting Parker some medicine for his sudden case of the stomach flu, I started the cancellation process. Talk about depressing! However, after it was all said and done I decided I couldn’t let our entire week go to waste. Grand America to the rescue! I have always loved The Grand but it is especially convenient when you need a last minute escape.  We have stayed at the hotel before but this time was special because we got to bring our little lady. Here are some insider tips we found out during our stay:

• Upon check-in, they gave us a special token for Lila to use at the Jou Jou toy store. When you enter the store and redeem your token your child gets to pick out a new toy! Lila got a little, stuffed fox and absolutely loves it, it’s pretty cute.
• Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies in the check-in area. Maybe my very favorite thing about The Grand. The cookies are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfection.
• Tell them your story. If you are staying for an anniversary or special occasion or like us – need a last minute escape, they will make it special. When we entered our room they had set out a dessert platter with an eclair, creme brulee, chocolate cake, and cheesecake because they wanted us to feel special even though we didn’t make it to Mexico.
• They have a program called Family First where they totally take care of you if you bring your littles along. They supplied us with a crib, rocking chair, and diaper genie in our room upon arrival. Talk about amazing!
• The pool and spa area are incredible. It was fun to take Lila for her first ever swim in a pool. However, if you are there for a romantic escape make sure to go to the pool between 9-10 pm when it is adults only.
• My very favorite treat at the grand is the Salted Carmel Bread Pudding. Even if you are not staying at the hotel you need to pick some up at La Bonne Vie. I took some to go and one order is plenty to share between two people. Bonus = it is only $4.50!

Now it is time to start planning a trip we can take in the next two months. All suggestions welcome and appreciated! We loved our stay at the Grand and I am so glad we were able to spend time together as a family!