The Clinton Inn Hotel in Tenafly, New Jersey has devoted a suite to a group of special guests: autistic children and their families. Hotel manager Tony Morreale tells The Record that he got the idea for the dedicated room, known as the Alpine Suite, after realizing the difficulties of travel with his own 7-year-old autistic son. The special guestroom focuses on safety. All the glassware is unbreakable. The furniture features rounded corners with soft bumpers. Accessories such as flower vases are glued down. The TV is fixed securely to the wall, while the windows are locked. The lock on the door is positioned high up, though the door has an alarm just in case the child finds a way to exit the room.
At check-in, the families receive a welcome box filled with puzzles, crayons, coloring books, a nightlight, and a temporary hand tattoo to identify lost children. There’s even a reserved table at Palmer’s Crossing Restaurant & Lounge for families with special needs kids.
For more information on the Alpine Suite, visit NorthJersey.com.
