HOTELS FOR CHILDREN

Evening Star, Issue 22459, 2 October 1936, Page 12

HOTELS FOR CHILDREN

CATERING FOR TOURIST TRADE Ingenious Europeans, not to be done ot.l of tourist trade, have conceived a brandnew idea (says the ‘Delineator, New York). They have started baby Granff Hotels, where progeny can be stored until called for—perhaps a day, perhaps three months. Catering chiefly for foreign children. these hotels also keep local youngsters when parents are away or ill. Berlin alone, has six hotels under the care of child welfare clubs or run as kindergarten extensions. Doubtless the idea will spread all over Europe and eventually to America as first aid institution to mothers. Furthermore, children adore staying at their very own hotels. Of course, there is the bad moment of being deserted by one’s parents, but tactful supervisors'can soon put new guests at ease, and so skilfully is the situation handled that youngsters spend amazingly few minutes in woe. Here, with swings, dolls, blocks, and playmates —everything to please 13-year-olds or a babe in arms —is seventh heaven. However, under the eagle eyes of trained workers, play is guided into constructive channels. There are organised outdoor games. There are birds and goldfish to feed, marionette shows, story hours, and radios. Individual games call for imagination, and a child with a special ability is encouraged to use it. Most remarkable of all, the system of marking the child’s belongings instils orderliness into the most recalcitrant. Numbers have been discarded for infinitely more entrancing coloured designs. Cribs, clothes, toothbrush racks are individual properties. Prices are reasonable—ss a day, 25s a week, £6 a month, which includes maintenance, care, and scientific study of your child. Extras, such as special diets and sight-seeing trips, arc charged for in addition.