Babysitter at a Resort?

I was always uneasy about using those services, so I never have...a "kid camp" or "activity time" is O. thing but a O.-on-O. with a stranger? That's not for me!

We used a nanny/babysitter through a service at a ski resort this past winter. The service did complete background checks and I felt more comfortable with her than I have with some of the sitters we have used at home who were referred to us by friends. She was GREAT with the kids (a 3 year old and a 3 month old). I would do it again! The service should be able to provide references and background information.

My advice would be to try to find a way to leave dd at home. You and your husband will have a much more relaxed time if its just the two of you. Being on a honeymoon with a 17 month old does not sound too relaxing; you'll spend most of the time chasing after her and not on your honeymoon.

My company took us all to California, and when we got there, they said we had an adult dinner that night and the hotel could get us a babysitter. My husband and I didn't feel comfortable with that, and thought it was optional (yea, it wasn't, but next time I know to leave my husband behind). I just didn't feel comfortable not knowing anything about the service, or being able to interview anyone.

Is there any way you can bring a relative with you that can entertain themselves while you are doing "family stuff" (or bring them along) and then watch your daughter so you can go out to dinner, etc.? I know that my mom has done that for my sister before.

At her age I would use something like this at the very minimum.
If you must, she should become acquainted first with the person who is going to baby sit with you present.
So I would plan on having the same person every day of your stay, for example, go to the beach with you, so that she could get used to that person.
Then toward the latter part of your stay she might feel comfortable enough to be with that peraon while you are absent for a few hours.
If you cannot afford the hours I have described, then I would not do it at all.

when my son was about 18 months, we tagged along on one of my husband's business trips to a ritz carolton in miami. they, too, had a list of babysitting services that i considered for a split second. when it came down to it, there was no way in hell i'd leave my kid w/a complete stranger in a different city even if it was a respectable hotel - b/c the sitters aren't part of the hotel and they're not responsible. i agree w/the other suggestions that if you can get a relative to watch your daughter back home, you'll have a much better honeymoon.

It would really be nice for you if you could leave your daughter with someone while you take your belated honeymoon, if this is an option for you.

If not...
We used a babysitting service recommended by the hotel on vacation to have a dinner out. The women who came was older, very experienced and did a lot of babysitting for families visiting this resort. We had a good experience.

I would say to check further into the service they use. Do the sitters have background checks? Age and experience of the sitters? Were others who have used the service at that hotel happy with it? Check into those things and decide if you are comfortable with it.

I too would be very uncomfortable leaving my child in a strange place with a total stranger that I know nothing about. How reliable is the company providing the babysitter? What kind of background check do they do on the babysitters? Are they checking for a criminal background? My husband is in law enforcement and there is no way I would use this kind of service. I know what kind of sickos are out there. I would suggest bringing along another family member or leaving the child at home with family.