Would you trust???

mysweetpeasWil&Wes wrote: A babysitter service at a hotel you're staying at?? DH's company Xmas party is at a really extravagant local hotel and we decided we were going to get a room this year (his company gets an awesome rate for that night). You guys know we don't have family in town, and our typical sitter works with DH, so we were planning on taking Wil and hiring someone through the hotel's babysitter service. They don't work for the hotel, but I would think somewhat screened by them. We've done this before in CA for MIL's wedding and the sitter was great!! Gave us a chance to enjoy dinner, dancing, etc. Anyway, I'm still a little freaked out about it though. I suppose I should call and get more information from the hotel...but what would you ask?? They say they know CPR on their website, but that's about it. This is a very reputable hotel. Typically starting at $395 a night, but we got a room for like $150...I know that doesn't really matter, but it's no Motel 6 if you know what I mean!

Am I nuts?? It's okay if you say you would never leave your kids with a hotel sitter...but I need to know what to ask for when I call the hotel??

MM'sMama replied: We have with both really nice hotels and not as nice ones. I would say if its ncie yes it its not no! I would think they do screening. But I would ask and if you having any doubts then I wouldn't. Sorry I'm know more help

TeagansMom609 replied: Where do they watch them? Is their a room in the hotel where they have babysitting or do they watch them in your room? I would have to ask them to wear ankle bracelets that would electrocute them if they tried to leave the designated room. LOL! I would be a little weary I guess.

Our Lil' Family replied: I would leave him, but go up once or twice to check on him. I'm assuming they keep him in your room?

TANNER'S MOM replied: I think I would call the Motel and just ask to at least have a phone conversation with the sitter before you get there? I would ask how much experience they have, how much training.. and how often to they babysit?

I think if you could hear there voice, you could decide if it was someone who could at least carry on a converesation (sp?) with and then you can sometimes get an instant like or dislike for a person. If you didn't like her phone attitude, you could call and request to talk to another sitter.

Then of course met in person when you first arrive, so you will know that you feel comfortable. You know.. maybe actually take her for an appietzer (sp again) in the restruant.. with Wil, you can tell alot about how someone handles a child in a busy restruant.



Oh and I would feel free to ask them lots of questions, I am sure that every mother who has used this service felt the same way.. I am sure some alot worse than you..

Oh I would ask if they did background checks, TB and HP too... Just to make sure.

Mommy2BAK replied: Ya, I say just check it out for your peace of mind, but I think it should be okay. I think everyone has already given you some good questions to ask.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: I don't know what I would do to be honest with you. If it is a reputable hotel, yes...I probably would in your situation. I'll put it that way.

six_kids_at_28 replied:

3_call_me_mama replied: We are going to attempt it for thevery first time this December when We go t toDisney. We are hoping to get a dinner alone or amybe a few hours in the park, but the hotel is a disney resprt adn they have sitters on staff (or at least that's how it was explained) but if not then we won't be going out.

Now speaking form the sitters POV. I babysat several times while in college at a fancy hotel near us, for 6 kids!! I had a ton of experience and worked as a summer nanny at a resort and was hired by the hotel as a sitter btu paid by the families (kwim) The familes were totally ok with it adn it seemed to be the norm for them. But make sure you are clear on expectations and pay extra if you are late (i know it sounds silly but some people don't appreciate their sitters enough)

ave fun:)

mom21kid2dogs replied: Sorry, not me. No one is alone with my child whom I don't personally know. But then again, I worked at children services for WAY too many years so I am over the top on that kind of stuff.

A&A'smommy replied: I doubt I would I would be too scared of what could happen... IF you are going to do this I say make sure YOU interview a couple of sitters first! Do you go to church or could you maybe ask one of the other moms your friends with to baby sit him? I just don't think I could trust someone I don't know!!

JAYMESMOM replied: I would call the hotel and ask how they go about procuring babysitters. Ask to speak with the sitter before you even go. Also ask about reference checking, etc.

Then ask the sitter to come early before you and DH have to go to the party. Stop and check in 1 or 2 times during the night. You can also call up to the room and make sure they are there. That is if they stay with them in your room. IF it is a childcare facilty on the premisses I wouldnt be as worried sicne they would probably have to be state licensed .

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:
This is a resort hotel and the sitters do watch the kids in your room. When I did it for MIL's wedding, we shared the sitter with DH's little cousin. So I'm hoping we can share with someone he works with this time. Also, I checked in a couple times, so I will do that again. I highly doubt that the sitter will meet with me a day or so early, but maybe at least thirty minutes or so. And I'll try to see if I can speak with them on the phone first.

I still haven't called the hotel, so I'll let you all know how it goes. THANKS!