Tag: travel Tuesday

Travel Tuesday: I left my heart in San Francisco at Hotel Zephyr to be exact

We had less than a day and one night to spend in San Francisco, so we wanted it to count! The best decision we made was to book a room at what is possibly the coolest hotel on Fisherman’s Wharf. Just one night at Hotel Zephyr not only provided a great home base from which to explore the city but it was also a destination in itself. You’ll have to watch the Periscope videos I made below to get a taste of what I mean.

Our room was not large but the interior design was so hip. There was even a magnetic dart board, which my kids loved.

My room with a view.
Taken with my iPhone 6.

Hotel Zephyr used to be the Radisson Fisherman’s Wharf and it spans over the entire block bound by Jefferson, Powell and Beach St. It has this totally hipster vibe with it’s maritime theme, one-of-a-king upcycled art pieces and the use of recycled corrugated metal and cargo containers as furniture. And yet, it was also super family-friendly, with a game room and a back patio with unique and welcoming fire pits and more.

Here’s the Periscope video I shot not long after we arrived. Thanks to Katch.me I was able to save the live stream.

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco features 361 guest rooms and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and it’s right next to Pier 39! The decor is playful and quirky and the staff is so warm and friendly. The common spaces have such a “community” feel that makes it easy to relax and even make new friends!

And speaking of new friends, I met Kevin “KT” Thomas, Senior Sales Manager of Hotel Zephyr San Francisco, the next morning for a tour of the hotel. I live streamed the hotel tour using Periscope and it was so entertaining to have Kevin there with me. He was a hilarious guest, we felt like we were on a live TV show.

And as live programming goes, we did hit some snags (like the hotel key not working) but it made the video even more delightful.

Kevin shared that there would be even more cool things coming up at the funky pet-friendly hotel. We cannot wait to return. You can check out some special hotel deals from Hotel Zephyr here. Be sure to follow them on social too @hotelzephyrsf on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

February 9, 2016
Staycation Destination: Carlsbad

There’s more to Carlsbad than Legoland. Don’t get me wrong, Legoland is definitely a family favorite, but for this little weekend getaway, we wanted something else. Something low key and relaxing. Only an hour away from Huntington Beach, Carlsbad is an ideal staycation destination. Though it is a beach town like our Surf City, it has a different vibe.

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa was an ideal place to spend the night. It has comfy accommodations and is conveniently located to many points of interest, yes, including Legoland. But as I mentioned, we didn’t even visit the amusement park.

Before checking into the Sheraton, we had lunch at a hip new restaurant in Oceanside, Boulevard Chinese Kitchen.

Then we headed to Carlsbad Lagoon for an afternoon spent kayaking. We always see the lagoon from the freeway but it was our first time there and it was splendid. The Carlsbad Lagoon is a privately owned watersports center, offering rentals for boats, wave runners, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and aqua cycles. There are decks available for picnics and parties. And they also have a wakeboard and water ski shop. Did I mention that the rates are quite affordable? Kayak rentals range from $15/hour (single) to$25/hour (double); wave runners range from $70/half an hour to $175/2 hours.

Next stop: our hotel!

The Sheraton Carlsbad Resort is located on Grand Pacific Drive off of Cannon Road in Carlsbad. Yup, it’s the same exit you’d take if you were headed to Legoland.

In our room, we were surprised to find cookies and oranges by our bedside. It’s the little things like this that make a difference in hospitality.

We had dinner at Twenty/20 Restaurant and the food was delicious. It was Happy Hour too, which they have 7 days a week!

The next day, we hit the gym as a family. This is a rare treat since back home we all have different schedules and my younger son is not allowed at the gym yet. I was told that all Starwood hotels are on a health kick. Let me tell ya, this Sheraton was at the top of its game. The equipment was state-of-the-art and there were even practical guides for exercise for travelers, vacationers, business people etc. My husband and sons then proceeded to the pool, while I went to the Ocean Pearl Spa.

The Ocean Pearl Spa was heavenly. I do not give compliments lightly. You see, I am kind of a spa junkie and I didn’t expect to experience what could be the best massage I’ve had to date at Ocean Pearl! I had the signature massage therapy, featuring a heated herbal poultice that is applied to the body. My massage therapist Mary has magic hands. It was like a relaxing massage and chiropractic adjustment in one session. I cannot wait to go back.

In the end, our weekend in Carlsbad, just an hour away from home, was exactly what we needed. We unplugged, unwound and spent time together as a family.

March 10, 2015
Travel Tuesday: Making Friends on Your Trip

“I sit at the Seaview Terrace at Kauai’s Grand Hyatt hotel, Kauai coffee in hand, waiting for the sun to rise. The sounds of birds and nearby waves create the symphony of the morning. I think about the previous day, where whale spouts dotted the horizon, as breaching whales delighted me and the other guests with a show. I may be leaving soon – I’m on the island for a mere three days – but that does not affect today’s enjoyment.

It is quiet times like these that I enjoy. Ah, the solitude of solo travel.” Continue reading the article in OC EXECUTIVE, in which I write a travel piece on Kauai, the food, the hotels, things to do.

What I wanted to share with you this Travel Tuesday, however, was about something else. Sure travel allows you to see sights you’ve never seen, experience things you’ve never done before. But one of the things I value most about travel is meeting new people.

Travel is magical — there’s the food, and the exotic locales. But usually, for me, it’s the people you meet that add the magic.

On the Kauai junket I wrote about I met some really amazing journalists, fellow life-travelers, including the beautiful Arizona-based radio personality La Eidson, the sweet Hawaiian author Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi, and the witty food and television writer Jason Kessler.

Over the years, I’ve met many interesting people. There was Annika, the Dutch girl I met in a Malaysian hostel, and Yuki, a Japanese girl I had coffee with at Death by Chocolate in Vancouver, Canada and so many others. Some I kept in touch with, others I kept in touch with but only briefly. And there are those that remain a part of your travel stories but you lose touch with after the trip. You don’t connect on Facebook or Instagram or any other social network. And that’s just fine too.

May 28, 2013
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.

May 14, 2013