Tag Archives: staycation

A Weekend In San Diego

You can always rely on a warm cookie to greet you at any Hilton property. So the night we arrived at the Doubletree Hilton Mission Valley in San Diego, my kids asked for one thing: yes, the cookie. As frequent Hilton hotel-goers, the cookie has become old reliable. There are other things of course like great service and sweet hotel amenities like in this case, a 24 hour indoor pool. Not that we used it when we got there, but still, good to have it. I can imagine this is great for international travelers whose body clocks are out of sync.

The best part about staying at the DoubleTree Hilton Mission Valley is that not only is it family-friendly but it is also centrally located to numerous San Diego tourist destinations. It is also steps away from the Hazard Station of the San Diego Trolley. For only $5 per day, you can go to various destinations in San Diego. What’s more, kids ride free all weekend! SCORE!

Take a look at our fun weekend in San Diego, where we spent an entire day at the San Diego Zoo; dined and strolled one evening in Little Italy, and visited Historic Old Town. Incidentally, for the whole month of October, kids get to eat, stay and play free in various San Diego destinations, including the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. Visit www.sandiego.org to see the full list of deal’s for October’s Kidvasion.

Visit the DoubleTree Mission Valley website for more information. Here is the link to their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/doubletreesandiegomissionvalley

Weekend Getaway Bliss at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

I’m sitting on our balcony looking out to Dana Point Harbor. It is an especially quiet morning, not because the world is asleep, but because we’ve come here without our children. A rare weekend getaway thanks to the kindness of friends returning a favor, who watched our kids overnight. The ironic thing is, we are reminded of our children at every turn. Laguna Cliffs Marriott is very family friendly, so we vow to return with our kids next time.

But sometimes you just need time alone, time for two, unplugged and relaxed. Except for typing this article on my computer, we’ve been unplugged and off the grid. It is refreshing.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is nestled high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, not directly the Pacific Ocean but across the State Park and into Dana Point Harbor actually.

With 378 guest rooms and suites set amidst lush gardens and sweeping lawns of astroturf, it is remarkable, that despite its size, the hotel staff and the interiors still make the place feel cozy and intimate. It is also very laid back.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

For a chill weekend getaway, a couple can take in music and drinks at OverVue lounge; go whale watching, or engage in a water sport at the harbor; or do what we did — which was to bliss out at the Spa at Laguna Cliffs. The Spa, which by the way, is open to non-hotel guests, boasts a couples treatment room like no other. It is bright and spacious instead of dark and cavernous as most massage rooms for two are. And it opens up to a private courtyard, where one can chill, have a spa meal delivered and just decompress.

This year, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is turning 25. But there is no quarter life crisis for this hotel. Instead, she is blooming and remains one of the doyennes of hospitality in Southern California.

LagunaCliffs_collage_Marcie_Taylor

Summer Staycation Roundup: St. Regis Monarch Beach

Sometimes a 40 minute drive can take you a world away. And that’s what it’s like for me when I drive down to the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Right now until December 31st, 2012, the 5-Star, AAA rated, Five-Diamond awarded hotel is offering what it calls a “Sunsational Savings’ Package.”  The offer is for a fourth night free when you stay at the resort for 3 nights.

Reserve now for stays through December 30th, 2012 and receive the following:

  • Complimentary 4th Night
  • $100 food and beverage credit
  • Complimentary upgrade at check-in, subject to availability

Reserve your stay online, call 866 716 8135, or contact your preferred travel professional. Please mention promotion code ZS4.

Photo courtesy of St. Regis Monarch Beach

*Complimentary night is applied at check out. Four night minimum stay is required.

For daytime guests, there are dining establishments Stonehill Tavern for dinner or Motif Restaurant, where I hear they have an excellent Sunday Brunch. And then of course, there are the luxury spa and salon services at Spa Gaucin.

Summer Staycation Roundup: Rancho Las Palmas

One of my absolute favorite family staycation getaways is Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage, California. It’s a classic resort set amidst the Palm Springs Desert with something for everyone – golf and tennis, a luxurious spa and of course, for the kids, Splashtopia Water Park with its Lazy River and awesome water slides!

What’s more, Rancho Las Palmas offers special promotions and value-savings packages year round that take advantage of the desert’s unsettling beauty and natural wonders. They can be found here: http://www.rancholaspalmas.com/Specials-Packages

You can read all about the first time my family and I visited Rancho Las Palmas here.

Summer Staycation Roundup: Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach

When you think of Laguna Beach, you think of the laid back artsy vibe. So if this is the kind of staycation that appeals to you, then you’ll love the packages offered by the Pacific Edge Hotel.

Consider these options.

The “Occupation Vacation” Package is for those who need a mental health day. It includes a surf inspired indoor/outdoore cabana, a cozy hotel room to crazh in, bottomless Bloody Mary’s (from 12pm-2pm, and all drinks are doubles during this time), a copy of the movie Office Space for inspiration, and an actual list of the best excuses to give your boss concerning why you need to take the day off. Stay Thursday night and take Friday off to chill in the cabana OR stay Sunday night and develop a serious case of “The Mondays” and spend the day in your cabana remedying them. Rates start at $299. Package runs now through end of September, 2012. Contact our Sales and Events Team: 949-281-5704, PacificEdgeEvents@PacificEdgeHotel.com

The following Sawdust Packages prominently feature the popular Laguna Beach annual summer art festival and are good through end of September.

Paddle in the Arts
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Ocean Front Cabana
Stand-Up Paddle with Hobie Pro
Package Price = $799

GTL – Gym, Tan, Laguna Arts
Sawdust Art Class
Beach Bootcamp
Village Room for 2 nights
Package Price = $599

Sawdust and Sun Salutations
Sawdust Art Class
Yoga on the Beach
2-Night beachfront room = $699

Art and Ocean Salutations
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Yoga on the Beach
Beachfront Room for 2 nights
Package Price = $799

Living on the Edge
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Lunch for 2 at The Deck
Beachfront Room for 2 nights
Package Price = $839

B&B…&B – Bed and Breakfast…and Beauty
Sawdust Art Class for Two
Bed and Breakfast Package for Ocean Front (2-nights, includes breakfast at Beach House)
Package Total = $839

Arts and Cramps
Sawdust Art Class
Beach Bootcamp
Package Price = $99

Sawdust and Sun Salutations
Sawdust Art Class
Yoga on the Beach
Package = $99

To book any of these activities, contact Jill at 949.281.5705 or PacificEdgeEvents@PacificEdgeHotel.com Offer valid now through September 30, 2012. Rates subject to space availability and minimum night stay requirements. Taxes and gratuities not included.

Summer Staycation Roundup: Family Moments at The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Continuing the Summer Staycation Series.

    While family travelers to SoCal may skip L.A. in favor of places closer to Disneyland and other amusement parks, this special offer from the Peninsula in Beverly Hills might change some minds. This summer, The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ is offering 50% off an additional room, complimentary kids’ dining, child-friendly activities and insider guides for kids, as part of its summer travel program called “Family Moments. ” From May 1 until December 31, 2012, guests who book the “Family Moments” program will enjoy a 50% reduction off the cost of an additional room for children 12 and under. In addition, children 12 and under eat free from the kids’ menu and are offered a range of amenities and programs tailored especially for young guests.

    At the Peninsula, a child’s adventure begins upon arrival with a customized guided treasure hunt, which takes them behind the scenes of the hotel, to enjoy special treats while they learn what makes The Peninsula Beverly Hills so special. Along the way, they will meet the hotel’s friendly staff, from the pastry chef and the spa director to the managing director.

    Also, The Peninsula Beverly Hills consulted junior experts to create the “Pen 10,” an insider’s guide to the 10 best kid-selected things to do, see and experience in the Los Angeles area – from the best park and best place to go horseback riding, to where to learn to surf like a pro — all culled from suggestions from local children.

    Here are some other experiences that families can choose to be a part of:
    Surf Malibu
    Kids will learn to surf from Rod Samper, who taught Tom Cruise, Cindy Crawford and Harrison Ford and their families to “hang ten.” The hotel will transport guests by a private luxury house car to Malibu for their private lesson, which will be followed by a picnic prepared by The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ team of chefs. Prices start at $225 per person per hour.

    Backstage at the Paley Center
    Families will enjoy a customized exploration of the Paley Center for Media, a unique museum in Beverly Hills offering a collection of nearly 150,000 US and international television, radio and new media programs from the past 80-plus years. Parents can show their children programs they watched on TV when they were young, and kids can learn behind-the-scenes information about their favorite shows. Private luxury house car transportation, lunch in The Belvedere or Afternoon Tea in the Living Room, and a gift selection from the Paley Center Gift Shop are included in the $185 per person price.

    Hollywood Piano Legend
    Children can enjoy a fun and inspiring one-on-one 90-minute piano lesson with The Peninsula’s beloved and vivacious resident pianist, Antonio Castillo de la Gala, who has been playing piano since the age of three and holds a degree from the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. Following the private piano lesson, young guests and their families will enjoy a gourmet lunch with Antonio in The Belvedere. Throughout the experience, Antonio will share not only his knowledge about music history, but also his personal reminiscences of playing for Hollywood legends. A CD by Antonio Castillo de la Gala is included. Prices start at $338 per person, per session.

    Reservations for the Peninsula Family Moments program may be made by calling +1 (800) 462 7899 or by e-mailing: reservationpbh@peninsula.com. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is located at 9882 South Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 For more information, please visit peninsula/beverlyhills/enticements.

Summer Staycation Roundup: Doubletree by Hilton San Diego – Mission Valley

Living in Southern California, we are blessed with an endless summer and endless options for nearby hotel and resort vacations. This kicks off a series of Summer Staycation ideas and packages.

Let’s start with the Doubletree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley in San Diego, CA. Talk about an ultimate summer destination. The hotel offers an array of complimentary family activities and culinary options. The brand new DoubleTree Cookie S’mores bonfires is sure to be a family favorite. Consider the classic s’more using the World-Famous DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie and melted marshmallows. The Dive-in Movie Nights feature top-rated family friendly movies. There is also warm complimentary popcorn for everyone that attends. Rafts and pool toys, perfect for floating on during the movie, are available for purchase at the gift shop.

The DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley also boasts a Kid’s Fun Zone complete with a game room and special “Kids Only” dining area! There is also a hotel-wide scavenger hunt for the chance to win an ice cream sundae! On top of all this, the DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley is offering savings of 20% off our Best Available Rates when you book your summer vacation by July 23, 2012. This Great Getaway promotion applies to stay dates through September 30, 3012 and is based upon availability.*
For more information visit www.DTMissionValley.com. Click here to check for package availability.