Category Archives: Vacation

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

Leave a reply

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

Leave a reply

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

2 Replies

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

Summer Staycation Roundup: Rancho Las Palmas

3 Replies

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: Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach

Leave a reply

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.

Endless Summer at the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach

7 Replies

Staycation is not my favorite word but it is definitely one of my favorite things to do. Fortunately we live in a place that’s conducive to “staycation-ing.” Living in Huntington Beach, one would think I’d opt for a non-beach getaway but I don’t. Instead, I jump at the chance to experience a beach town apart from my own in Orange County, California. You see, each beach city has its own vibe.

Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach is the perfect weekend escape. The Joie De Vivre hotel group have done an excellent job transforming what used to be Vacationville into a chic boutique hotel.

My family and I were greeted with such warmth as if we’d traveled further than 30 minutes down the road. There were personalized goody bags that awaited us in our rooms – how thoughtful! My bag, pictured in the collage above, was a vintage hemp bag from the Sawdust Art Festival, which was filled with goodies from Laguna Beach. It was the perfect welcome present. Marketing Manager Bree Vetere later told me that they try as much as they can to personalize each guest’s experience.

Our retro-chic decorated room with a view of the ocean was amazing. With the hotel being right on the beach, it was not hard to enjoy a truly Endless Summer (and yes, it was the middle of winter!)

I truly had fun at the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the Deck. In fact, more than fun, it was almost spiritual — not just because of the Gospel music but because there was something about being so close to the ocean, hearing each wave crash onto the beach, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun in my eyes … all the while eating a delicious repast of blueberry pancakes. It certainly took brunch up a notch.

And speaking of taking things up a notch. One MUST experience the Pacific Edge Hotel Surf Cabanas, which are basically like hotel rooms for the day. They are air-conditioned rooms with flat screen TVs and private baths and showers – kinda like a home base for a day of fun in the sun. You can also order food and drink from The Deck.

With places like Pacific Edge Hotel in Laguna Beach, staycation might just become my new favorite word.

Laguna Beach on Dwellable