The Kids Club at the Family Hotel Engel
“Here it’s about giving children a wonderful holiday”
Lisa, you have been part of the Engel team since 2022. How did you come to the HappyClub?
At the time I was still working in the kindergarten where I had been employed before. A former colleague told me about the job opening here at the hotel.
The description immediately caught my attention, so I decided to introduce myself and apply. What I particularly like about working in a family hotel in the Dolomites is the variety. In a hotel the focus is less on everyday routines and more on creating beautiful holiday moments for the children.
We do crafts, play games, go outside or organise small activities together. These shared experiences are often what children remember long after their holiday.
More space for ideas and creativity
You previously worked in a kindergarten. What is different about working in a hotel?
The structure is simply different. In a kindergarten many things follow a fixed routine, while in a hotel the day can develop more freely.
Here we can adapt activities to the interests of the children. Sometimes they prefer to play outside, sometimes they want to craft or cook together.
This flexibility allows us to create many different experiences during a family holiday in the Dolomites.
A place where children feel at home
You were also involved in the redesign of the new HappyClub. What was important to you?
The most important thing was creating a space where children feel comfortable from the very beginning.
Soft pastel colours create a calm atmosphere, and many of the toys are made from natural materials such as wood.
There are also different areas for playing, crafting and relaxing. One of the most popular spots is the small play kitchen, where children love to cook and invent their own little stories.
Freedom instead of a fixed programme
What makes the HappyClub a special place for children on holiday?
I think children simply feel comfortable here very quickly. Many guests also tell us how much they like the rooms.
There is a mix of movement, creative activities and quiet moments. At the same time children can decide for themselves whether they want to join an activity or simply play freely.
It is important for us that the children feel comfortable and stay here voluntarily. If a child misses their parents, we can always contact them.
But in most cases the children feel so comfortable that they are happy to stay.
When returning guests come back
Is there a moment in the HappyClub that you remember particularly well?
It is difficult to pick out a single story because every child brings their own special moments.
What I especially love is when returning guests come back. When children recognise me after a year and greet me with a hug, it is always a very beautiful moment.
Even later, our team often remembers certain children or funny situations – these small memories simply stay with you.
Creative moments with the children
Which activities do you personally enjoy most with the children?
I particularly enjoy the quieter activities such as crafting, making pizza or baking cookies.
During these moments the children are often very focused and full of enthusiasm.
It is wonderful to see how they bring in their own ideas and how proud they are of what they have created.
Three words for the HappyClub
At the end we asked Lisa to describe the HappyClub in three words.
Safe.
Varied.
Lively.
Perhaps this combination describes best what makes this place so special for many children at the Engel.
Children’s childcare at the Family Hotel Engel
At the HappyClub children can enjoy during their holiday:
creative activities such as crafting, baking or playing together
plenty of space to explore and try new things
new friendships with children from many different countries
Many families later tell us that their children quickly discover the HappyClub as one of their favourite places during their family holiday in the Dolomites.