Hotel loyalty programs are nothing new, but it’s not often that a hotel offers a rewards program for kids. Portola Hotel & Spa is leading the way by launching a loyalty program for children—the Portola Pirates Program.

Portola Pirates is a complimentary program providing kids with a fun and educational experience. Children are greeted upon check-in with a pirate themed goodie bag that is complete with pirate-inspired toys and a scavenger hunt map to a hidden treasure. Portola Pirates was created to introduce children to Monterey’s historically-rich culture and the program is inspired by Gaspar de Portola, the late 1700s Spanish explorer after which the hotel’s surrounding area was named.

The Portola Pirates loyalty program offers additional rewards for returning guests. After children experience the Portola Pirates scavenger hunt during their first visit, families will receive complimentary tickets for two children to visit My Museum, a hands-on museum offering a variety of exhibits and activities for young children to explore. During a third visit, families receive a complimentary Portola Pirate t-shirt or sweatshirt. On a fourth visit, Portola Pirate sleeping bags are provided at check-in for children to use throughout their stay and bring home. After a fifth visit, the last leg of the adventure, children win the All-Nighter Pirate Party. Kids can invite up to 10 of their friends under the age of 12 to enjoy this “suite” sleepover (parent supervision required). This experience includes a pirate-themed kids snack buffet, Wii game and other fun amenities. Two connecting guest rooms are available for chaperones.

Portola’s Jacks Restaurant and Peter B’s Brewpub offer an exciting Portola Pirates Kid’s Menu with pirate-inspired items such as MacAAAARRRoni and Cheese, Captain Jack’s Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Black Beard Pasta and Portola Barnacle Burger. All items are served with a choice of Scallywag Fries or a Jolly Roger Fruit Cup and a Landlubber Root Beer Float or Matey Scoop of Ice Cream. Each item on the Portola Pirates menu costs $4.99 and includes a beverage choice of lemonade, milk, juice, or soda.

Portola Pirates is offered year-round to any and all children up to age 12. For local parents, schools and educational organizations interested in the Portola Pirates children’s program for birthday parties, educational groups, or field trips, please call (831) 649-4511 and ask for Sales or visit the hotel website, http://www.portolahotel.com/.