Sesame Place, located just 30 minutes from Philadelphia in Langhorne, Pa., is the only theme park of its kind, and one that shouldn’t be missed by any family with young kids.

Plenty of area hotels offer discounted packages and complimentary shuttles to the park, but if you’re looking for one of the closest (just across the street) — with some of the most amusing views of the amusement park — look to the Sheraton Bucks County Hotel. In addition to packages (and reasonable rates all around) and shuttles, the hotel offers comfortable (though slightly shabby) accommodations, an onsite restaurant and an indoor swimming pool — the essentials for short-lived retreats between forays at the park.

The Sheraton Bucks County Hotel offers 186 rooms in three variations: Traditional Guest Room, Accessible Guest Room and Sheraton Club Room. Plain, simple furnishings appear slightly worn, but you'll hardly notice from your spot in a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, which is just the ticket after a busy day at Sesame Place. All units offer about 380 square feet of space, along with mini-fridges, microwaves, 42-inch, flat-screen TV's and free Wi-Fi. Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request, and at no additional cost. Connecting units are available, though they can't be guaranteed; request in plenty of advance.

Traditional Guest Room
These units offer one king or two double Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds, along with shower-in-tub configurations in bathrooms.

Accessible Guest Room
Accessible Guest Rooms offer small living areas and a king Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. Roll-in showers are available, too.

Sheraton Club Guest Room
Sheraton Club Guest Rooms are similar to Traditional Guest Rooms, except they offer access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, where breakfast, all-day snacks and evening appetizers are served. Club Rooms also include bottled water and upgraded bath amenities.

Tip: Request a room with a view of Sesame Place; rooms on upper-level floors (many of which are Sheraton Club Guest Rooms) offer great views of the park, in particular. Alternatively, you might want to request a room with a view of Philadelphia -- on a clear day, you can see the city's skyline in the distance.

Indoor Pool and Whirlpool
If you're planning a stay at Sheraton Bucks County Hotel, you're also planning a visit (or multiple visits) to Sesame Place, just across the street. When your brood needs a break, however, you can relax in the hotel's indoor, heated pool, which reaches five feet in depth; it is not supervised by lifeguards. Adjacent to the pool is a whirlpool, available to guests who are at least 16 years old.

The pool facilities are open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Game Room
The hotel has a game room, though it doesn't appear to be open or used by guests. If interested in using it, inquire with a staff member.

Nearby Activities
In the event of a rainy day, you can head to the Oxford Valley Mall, also across the street from the hotel, where you'll find a bungee jump to keep youngsters entertained. For indoor fun further afield, drive to the Please Touch Children's Museum and Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia, just 30 minutes away.

University Grille
There's a bevy of chain restaurants near the hotel, including T.G.I. Fridays, Bertucci's and Burger King, though you don't have to leave for a meal. University Grille, located next to the lobby, serves standard American fare for breakfast (the restaurant's most popular meal), lunch and dinner, along with separate menus for kids. It also offers an adjacent bar, and is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Room Service
The University Grille also provides room service from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends.

All About the Extras
Fitness Center
The fitness center, open 24 hours, is one of the nicest (and biggest) we've seen at a hotel; in fact, it's so big that if offers memberships to local residents! In addition to cardio and weight machines, yoga and aerobics classes are offered. Locker rooms and a sauna are available, too.

Business Center
The hotel's business center offers several computers and printers, and doubles as a lounge, complete with a few sofas and a large, flat-screen TV.

Gift Shop
An onsite convenience store sells snacks, drinks and essentials you may have forgotten, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Sesame Place Packages
The hotel provides several Sesame Place Packages, many of which include free breakfast, free nights at the hotel and discounted admission to the park.

Pet-Friendly Policy
Pets under 40 pounds are welcome to stay at the hotel; the hotel houses guests with pets on separate floors.

The Art of Smart Timing
Sheraton Bucks County Hotel's busiest time corresponds with that of Sesame Place; expect big crowds and higher rates in July and August. If you can, visit in May or September to beat the crowds and prices, yet still enjoy pleasant weather (bonus points for those who can visit on a weekday).

Getting There
Fly into Philadelphia International Airport and rent a car; from the airport, it's a 40-minute, direct shot to Sesame Place via I-95. You can also order a taxi, though it'll cost you upwards of $80.

The hotel provides a complimentary, underground parking garage, with more, uncovered spaces available near the front entrance.

Getting Around
Sheraton Bucks County Hotel provides complimentary shuttles to (as needed) and from (every half hour) Sesame Place. If you plan to visit other parts of Bucks County or Philadelphia (the latter of which is just 30 minutes away), you'll want to have a car though.

For Mom and Dad
Grab a drink at the hotel bar, or, if you have a babysitter in tow, head to Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. One of the best Japanese restaurants we've visited, it's just 5 minutes from the hotel.

If you have several hours to spare, head to nearby New Hope for dinner and a romantic stroll along the Delaware River.