Destination Sitters

[nicolispicoli]

I just wanted to write a little post about my experience with Destination Sitters this last weekend. I was a little nervous to use them as I couldn't find a lot of information about them online aside from on here. I felt better when a few of you mentioned you had great experiences with using them, specifically one girl who I requested.

We needed a sitter for a few hours both Friday and Saturday nights for my dd4 at the Grand Californian where we were staying. I had requested Andrea Zapata (I asked her if it was okay to use her name to recommend her on here) since I had heard others on here were happy with her. My daughter has never had a stranger babysit her before so I was very nervous. Andrea (Andy) was AMAZING!! I cannot tell you how comfortable I felt leaving my daughter with her. Immediately she came in the room, went right to my dd and pulled out her bag of toys and games to play with her. I checked in via text while I was away and she immediately responded, also letting me know when she went to bed. My dd was super excited she was coming back the next night and when Andy came in, she said "Andy's here, you can leave now Mom" It made me feel better that she was also very comfortable. She left me a written report every night to let me know what they did and also a thank you note when she was done.

The cost is reasonable, about $22/hour (more if you use them after midnight, we didn't) and I had to pay $20 each night for her travel since she's out of college now and has to travel about an hour. It's a couple dollars more an hour based on the number of kids you add. It was completely worth it and I would use her again in a heartbeat. Hope this helps someone who needs a sitter!

 

[luulu1999]

does the age of the kids matter in the price? My kids will be 7&8 and I was thinking we would maybe like to go out for a nice no kids dinner one night and have a sitter for us for a couple hours one evening

 

[Xenorye]

does the age of the kids matter in the price? My kids will be 7&8 and I was thinking we would maybe like to go out for a nice no kids dinner one night and have a sitter for us for a couple hours one evening

For that age, for a little bit less $, you could try Pinocchio's Workshop at the Grand. Only for onsite guests, though, and they do fill up.

 

[luulu1999]

For that age, for a little bit less $, you could try Pinocchio's Workshop at the Grand. Only for onsite guests, though, and they do fill up.

Unfortunately we do not stay onsite

 

[nicolispicoli]

does the age of the kids matter in the price? My kids will be 7&8 and I was thinking we would maybe like to go out for a nice no kids dinner one night and have a sitter for us for a couple hours one evening

Nope, ages do not matter, just the number of kids, I'll list the rates below. I did read on their website that there is a 4-hour minimum.

For 1 child: $22.00 per hour
For 2 children: $24.00 per hour
For 3 children: $26.00 per hour
For 4 children: $28.00 per hour
Hours between midnight and 8am: +$2.00 per hour
Hours in excess of 8 total hours: +$2.00 per hour

Time & Half Rate:
Easter Day, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.
Double Rate:
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day to Jan. 2 until 6 a.m.

 

[whoever]

We are going to be using them again two-three times during our trip I think. I think they even have some which will take your kids to the pool or at least that's what Amy said.

 

[Mrs. Whoever]

I've got a call into Destination Sitters to confirm they will do pool time. It was listed in their other services that they can provide swim instruction at a hotel, so hopefully we can arrange for a swim lesson for the kiddos while we take a tour. Fingers crossed!

 

[Mrs. Whoever]

We've just confirmed two days of sitters during our October trip. The same sitter will be with our girls for a grown-up dinner and evening out to start off our trip and a sleep in lazy morning for the kids while Mom and Dad enjoy an adults-only tour towards the end of the trip. Destination Sitters is such a dream to work with. Not only did they manage to get the same sitter for both days, but she is also a mom of three girls. Perfect!

Even though I'm thinking our girls won't make it to the pool that morning, that is definitely possible with Destination Sitters. You just request a sitter that is comfortable with taking the kids to the pool and sign a swim waiver. Good to know! I'm sure we'll be making use of this on future trips as the kids get a little older.