[Inanna]

I am hoping to be traveling very soon and I'm wondering if any of you veterans would mind recommending an airline and hotel. I was told that some are very accommodating to adopting parents with the whole uncertain return date and buying another ticket for your child on the return trip. What hotels are closest, most accommodating, etc. Thanks!

[Daphne]

My husband stayed at the Marriott and enjoyed it very much. There were lots of adopting families there and almost everyone at the front desk spoke English well. There are restaurants in the hotel if you aren't able to leave easily, and the best McDonald's my husband has ever been to on the corner down the block

He travelled on Continental and we ended up having to change their tickets 4-5 times. They were very accommodating and provide adoption discounts if you ask (and the person knows what you are talking about!).

Good luck and I hope you get to travel quickly!

[becky]

I have heard wonderful things about the Marriott and the Clarion. I stayed at the Clarion both times, and they were great.

Airlines...Continental does have an adoption fare, but you have to give them the code to get it. This is the information for that:

Continental Airlines is now providing discount adoption fares to Guatemala. The discounted fares are effective for travel originating on May 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003. Tickets should be purchased through the Continental Denver Office. 1-800-573-0393. The families should ask for Lynn or Charlotte. When making the reservation, please give the following reference number to the agent: U4E87X. You do not need to be affiliated with any adoption agency to get these fares.

I traveled American Airlines which had several flights throughout the day...that worked best for my schedule.

Good Luck and have a great trip!!

Becky

[crathke]

Becky--you made my day! We live in Minneapolis, where Northwest is based, and have heard all about their "special delivery" program for adoptive parents. Of course, they don't serve Guatemala! They suggested I contact Continental as NW partners with them on some routes, but the Cust Service folks I talked to seemed (to me) to be giving me the runaround. Knowing Continental has reduced fares is just the boost I needed today! Thanks for the info!

[Laura7542]

Congrats on traveling soon!! We flew American and stayed at the Clarion. Both were very accomodating for adoptive parents. The Clarion even has an adoptive parent floor with a free happy hour and buffet breakfast. There are a lot of shops and a mall within walking distance.
Laura