Category Archives: Hotels

Pacific Edge Hotel Debuts Renovated Bungalows on The Beach

One of my favorite places to take out of town guests to is Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach. It’s located right on the beach and has this low key, relaxed vibe, which to me, says to my guests – “You’re in SoCal now, babyyy!” Last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Surf Cabanas – it’s like having all the hotel amenities without actually having to stay overnight. It’s essentially a living room with a bathroom just steps from the sand, where you can spend the day with your family or a group of friends (up to 10 people, I believe).

Recently, the Surf Cabanas have been remodeled and renamed the Bungalows! And guess what? They rock even more now. Basically, the Bungalows are five rooms, reserved for day use from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., allowing guests a base of operations for fun in the sun and letting them make the most of their time at the Pacific Edge Hotel. What’s interesting about the renovation is the involvement of the community and friends of the hotel. The five Bungalows were given to local companies and groups to sponsor, and then each of those sponsors was given free reign to completely redecorate their Bungalow in their company’s own sense of style.

Take a look:

I think, the Billabong Bungalow is surf shack chic.

The Fox Head Bungalow feels like a sophisticated man cave.

Gorjana and Griffin, an online accessories brand, adds the feminine touch, in my opinion.

See what happens when surf brand Hobie collaborates with Laguna Beach home furnishing store Tuvalu – a cozy beach retreat.

Last but not least, the Sleepy Hollow Group’s bungalow has a fresh and clean feel.

To book a Bungalow, call 949.281.5720 or email cabanas@pacificedgehotel.com.

Somewhere Beyond the Sea – Carmel-by-the-Sea

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The six hour road trip, from Huntington Beach in Orange County to Carmel by the Sea in Monterey County, California takes you down a scenic route. And it can really be a relaxing drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, except when you are traveling with kids in tow. Driving for so many hours with no DVD to keep time can be challenging. Even with their Nintendo DS and iPhone devices, there was always that nagging question of:”Are we there yet?”

After taking in the breathtaking coastal views and stopping for lunch at San Luis Obispo, we finally enter Carmel. The first thing that hits you is the scent of pine. Trees tower overhead as you make your way down small streets. It is like discovering a secret town in the forest.

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, streets are lined with art galleries and small Zagat-rated eateries. Everything is within walking distance, even the beach! There is a small town feel with added charm. Dutch doors and wooden signs give a distinctively Euro feel to this California town, that once had the actor Clint Eastwood as its mayor.

We stayed at the Hofsas House Hotel, one of the larger inns in the area, with 38 spacious rooms. The independent family-owned boutique hotel made us feel right at home. From the hot apple cider that greeted us at the lobby to the wine and cheese platter in our bedroom. Owner Carrie Theis was a gracious host, with Cajun, the canine concierge by her side. Everyone on staff was excellent too.

The weekend we visited, the weather wasn’t as sunny but still there were plenty of things to do. Just being able to go on foot around the charming town was a treat! We stopped at galleries and grabbed treats at Carmel Bakery en route to Carmel Beach. We also visited the Carmel Mission for a step back in time.

Take a look at this little book I created with Britely entitled Weekend In Carmel.

If you’re looking for a chill weekend getaway, consider Carmel by the Sea.

Carmel on Dwellable

A Weekend In San Diego

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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

Read “Weekend in San Diego by Marcie Taylor” by Marcie Taylor at Britely!

Downtown on Dwellable

Weekend Getaway Bliss at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

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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.

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.

Dana Point on Dwellable

Hyatt Hotels Introduce New Healthy Organic Kids Menu

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Forget the typical fried chicken nuggets and high fat mac n’ cheese, and French fries that dominate most children’s menus. This summer, the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts introduced a new, innovative and responsible children’s menu called “For Kids By Kids” in all of its full service hotels in North America. The menu is designed to make the healthier choice, the easier choice by providing more nutritious and healthy offerings for their youngest guests. Hyatt’s food and beverage philosophy, after all, is “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.”

Recently, my sons and I were invited to attend a preview of the kids menu at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa. Executive Chef Chris Savage did a cooking demo with the children. Together they prepared a healthy salad and waffles. The tasting buffet featured whole grain pastas with a choice of 2 sauces: tomato and cheese; a build your own taco bar, and waffle dipping sticks. All the items are part of the “For Kids by Kids” flavor journey menu tasted, tested and approved by a team of children led by 11 year old cooking enthusiast Haile Thomas.

One of the best things about the new menu is that it appeals to both kids and parents. The ingredients are fresh not frozen. But perhaps the biggest draw for kids is that they have a hand in making their food – sort of – because it all starts with making good choices. They can build their own whole wheat sub sandwich, for example, and create their own pasta by choosing the pasta (penne, spaghetti, gluten-free), sauce (tomato or cheese), protein (turkey meatballs, chicken breast), vegetable (peas, broccoli, carrots, spinach, zucchini).

Another wonderful aspect of this new menu is that world renowned food revolution pioneer and edible educator Alice Waters is a part of it. She has lent her inspiration and support to the new kids menu. According to Waters, “All children deserve to eat real food – fresh, seasonal, organic, and delicious.” She adds: “I wanted to do a small, three course meal, within the context of Hyatt’s initiative, that could be sourced exclusively from organic farms across the country. Of course it’s about taste and ripeness and seasonality-but it’s bigger than that, too: it’s about supporting the people who are taking care of the land for our future generations.”

Now that’s definitely something to chew on.

For more inspiration, watch Haile Thomas TEDx Kids talk. And here’s a video of Alice Waters talking about the new Hyatt Kids Menu. View more photos from the event via my Flickr stream.

Summer Staycation Roundup: St. Regis Monarch Beach

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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

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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.

Rancho Las Palmas on Dwellable

Summer Staycation Roundup: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa

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I consider myself lucky. I live in a place with year-round sunshine, the ocean at my feet and amazing people all around. That’s why I think it would be great if you could come visit! This summer, we have tons of surfing action and action sports events and so if that’s your thing, you must schedule a trip. My neighbor, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa, is offering the “5 Best Days of Summer” package.

The package, which represents an approximate 30% savings includes:

Overnight accommodations for 5 days/4 nights
2 day Disneyland Park Hopper passes for two adults and two children
Daily breakfast for up to four people
Two half day bicycle rentals
Complimentary valet parking
One bonfire S’Mores kit to use at one of our five outdoor fire pits
Full access to all the resort’s amenities including Slyders Water Playground with a complimentary poolside Cabana for one day of package stay (advance reservation required).

Please mention offer code BEST5 at time of reservation. Offer ends September 11, 2012. Reserve by September 6, 2012. Rates starting at $500 per night. For more information, please visit http://huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-huntingtonbeach/index.jsp?null

Summer Staycation Roundup: Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach

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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

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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.