Looking for recommendations Dec 24-25
#1
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Looking for recommendations Dec 24-25
We're going to be flying into LAX around 2PM on Dec 24 and returning around noon on Dec 26. (We usually fly into and stay in Santa Barbara, but the flights were ridiculously expensive this year, so we decided to fly into LAX and drive up.) We'll be in Santa Barbara on the afternoon of the 25th, but have no other plans. Where would you suggest staying somewhere between LAX and SBA on those nights?
I know it's hard to figure out what will be open on the 24th (we had hoped to hit the Getty Museum in Malibu, but it was already fully booked that day), which is why we're turning to FT for advice. Maybe a nice bed & breakfast, or just somewhere nice to stay.
Thanks.
I know it's hard to figure out what will be open on the 24th (we had hoped to hit the Getty Museum in Malibu, but it was already fully booked that day), which is why we're turning to FT for advice. Maybe a nice bed & breakfast, or just somewhere nice to stay.
Thanks.
#2
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If it's within yout budget, how about a night at the newly-opened Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village?
One advantage to staying here for one of your nights is that, due to its locartion on US 101, it's "on the way" to (or from) Santa Barbara:
http://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/
One advantage to staying here for one of your nights is that, due to its locartion on US 101, it's "on the way" to (or from) Santa Barbara:
http://www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage/
#3
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#4

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The Griffith Park observatory recently finished a long shutdown for refurbishing. It's now available for visits -- you can find info and website on any search engine. need tickets in advance to ride the shuttle from some remote lots.
After that... you can drive through the festival of lights in Griffith Park (after sundown) -- it's a bit cheesey, but good cheesey.
Once that wonderment is finished -- head up to Ventura. It's a cute little town on the coast, although most people just pass it on the 101 without knowing what's beyond the freeway exit. Spend the night there, grab some dinner.
Just a thought.
p.s. planetarium tickets sold separate on 1st come basis once you get up to the observatory.
After that... you can drive through the festival of lights in Griffith Park (after sundown) -- it's a bit cheesey, but good cheesey.
Once that wonderment is finished -- head up to Ventura. It's a cute little town on the coast, although most people just pass it on the 101 without knowing what's beyond the freeway exit. Spend the night there, grab some dinner.
Just a thought.
p.s. planetarium tickets sold separate on 1st come basis once you get up to the observatory.
#5
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We decided on something close to Ventura - Ojai. It's supposed to be a nice area and we'll be able to drive up PCH most of the way for the scenery.
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#8
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I stayed at the Ventura Beach Marriott couple months ago while traveling down the coast from SF. It's a nice hotel and is showing a rate of $119/nt. for the dates you mention. Don't upgrade to the Concierge rate, as it's not open over the weekend. Conveniently located about 20 mins from SB and 1-hr from LA. There's a great steak/seafood joint down the road to the left as you leave the hotel. Don't recall the name, but the front desk would know.

