Welcome to Hotel Dad!

Do you want to do something really special for your dad for Father’s Day? Here’s a great idea. Turn your house into a grand hotel. We called ours “Hotel Dad”.

We wanted our gift to be a surprise, so we built it on the Friday before Father’s Day. Then, when Dad came home from work, he was escorted to the front door and inside Hotel Dad. Our five kids really loved playing their numerous rolls as hotel employees. That’s what made the night (and morning) a real hit. They donned classy costumes and made it very fun for themselves and their dad.

Here are the rooms and amenities our hotel offered:

Lobby

When Dad first arrived, he checked in at the front desk in our living room and received the key to his room. The kids played the parts of hotel clerk and porters. The porters had luggage (already packed with Dad’s pajamas and toothbrush) waiting at the front desk.

Restaurant

We turned our kitchen into the hotel restaurant. We named it Mama’s Bistro and served one of dad’s favorite meals by candlelight. The kids served as waiters and busboys for the meal. The kids also helped by setting the table, preparing some of the food, and making the menu.

Spa & Wellness Center

Later in the evening, the living room was transformed into a spa. The kids were the spa employees. Our dad’s spa experience started with a foot soak (in a bucket of warm water), followed by a foot rub, back massage, and head scratch (all performed simultaneously by our enthusiastic employees.)

Guest Rooms

We put paper numbers on all of the bedroom doors so Dad could find his room. In the room, we put a chocolate on his pillow, a card with the room service menu, and a bucket of ice with a bottle of sparkling cider.

Bathroom

We didn’t change the bathroom much. We just added a little travel-sized bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion to the shower.

Room Service

We left a card on Dad’s pillow with the Room Service menu. He could order whatever he wanted any time during the evening.  Our room service options included, ice cream, root beer floats, popcorn, and licorice.

Concierge Desk

Our concierge offered a few pamphlets with optional activities. (Our teenage son made the list and served as the concierge.) He had three movie options and information about nearby tennis courts, hikes, museums, and theaters. Our dad opted for the movie but you could add whatever your dad might like most.

Breakfast

Our kids think a hotel is second-rate if it doesn’t serve waffles for breakfast. –So that was the grand finale for Hotel Dad… waffles!

Happy Fathers Day!