Good question, Sara. Wish I knew the answer, but I don't. Hopefully someone who's attended another ANA Symposium will have an answer for you.
I have two children - age 13 - but I'm local so I'm leaving them at home with my mom while I stay downtown and attend the symposium. And, yes, get to have a nice hotel room all to myself
Life IS good sometimes!
Although I do confess to feeling a bit guilty about the whole arrangement since I'll just be returning home the day before from a 8 day business trip to San Diego. Where, once again, I'll have had a nice hotel room all to myself! (Can you tell I don't get a lot of "me" time?
)
How old is the "said adopted stepchild"? Are we talking old enough to entertain him/herself in a large, strange city? Or are we talking "entertain me constantly, please"?
Also, The Drake is a very "froo-froo" type of hotel - not very kid friendly at all IMO - as in no pool! GASP!!! My kids were there when they were about 8 or 9 and didn't like the place at all - mainly because they weren't born with silver spoons in their mouth, if you know what I mean
In addition, my ex and I lived in constant fear that they would break something in the room. Let's just say that one of the things The Drake is famous for is "Tea at The Drake", mum. My kids are basically the Nickelodeon hotel type
There are other great hotels in the city though - even some with pools - so if you do bring your stepchild you might want to think about a different hotel.
Jan