Recommendations for December/Christmas around LA
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2013
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Recommendations for December/Christmas around LA
Hi everyone,
Once again I reach out for some suggestions where to stay. This time we are travelling to L.A. around Christmas to visit my in laws. We have been to the city several times but always stayed with them. Really want to spend 3-4 days by ourselves before that (incorporating Christmas day). I do not mind driving 2-3 hours out from L.A or staying in the city limits itself (will obviously go straight from the airport - don't want to even let in-laws know we are there ).
Any suggestions where we can stay are appreciated. We will be travelling with our daughter and really looking for a place to relax, get pampered. Golf not a requirement, spa is fine, beach/ocean views are a plus,but food, service and scenery is most important. Again, really open to suggestions. Thank you.
Once again I reach out for some suggestions where to stay. This time we are travelling to L.A. around Christmas to visit my in laws. We have been to the city several times but always stayed with them. Really want to spend 3-4 days by ourselves before that (incorporating Christmas day). I do not mind driving 2-3 hours out from L.A or staying in the city limits itself (will obviously go straight from the airport - don't want to even let in-laws know we are there ).
Any suggestions where we can stay are appreciated. We will be travelling with our daughter and really looking for a place to relax, get pampered. Golf not a requirement, spa is fine, beach/ocean views are a plus,but food, service and scenery is most important. Again, really open to suggestions. Thank you.
#4
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
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#5
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Boise, ID
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Posts: 617
I love Pelican Hill and it checks off most of your list. My issue with them, and I tell the sales team regularly, is they have spotty service at time. For instance, I was staying at the property (and they know who I am and my affiliation), had a driver pick me up that was arranged by the property, the driver had to be buzzed through the gate, yet when I walked up to the desk (it was late, no other guests around), they didn't know it was me. However, I have had my travelers stay and it was a flawless experience. Everything else is great though.
Montage Laguna is fantastic. It is typically double the cost of PH, so it depends on budget.
Montage Laguna is fantastic. It is typically double the cost of PH, so it depends on budget.
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2013
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Thanks for the feedback of PH...I was looking at it and it seems very nice. Yes, the cost of ML is quite high (it may be just me, but, I usually like paying that pricing when going somewhere exotic/far from home, lol! Also, I would not be going for any of the regular rooms. Need a suite likely).
RichardInSF, definitely open to Santa Barbara, been looking at the places there too. Any suggestions?
RichardInSF, definitely open to Santa Barbara, been looking at the places there too. Any suggestions?
#8
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Location: Juneau, Alaska.
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Thanks for the feedback of PH...I was looking at it and it seems very nice. Yes, the cost of ML is quite high (it may be just me, but, I usually like paying that pricing when going somewhere exotic/far from home, lol! Also, I would not be going for any of the regular rooms. Need a suite likely).
RichardInSF, definitely open to Santa Barbara, been looking at the places there too. Any suggestions?
RichardInSF, definitely open to Santa Barbara, been looking at the places there too. Any suggestions?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...arbara-ca.html
Also see:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...francisco.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...opening-3.html
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: USA
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Posts: 218
Jerry, great threads...there are lot of suggestions. I am very interested in the Belmont in Santa Barb among others...Thanks!
#11
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
Jerry, thanks for finding the appropriate threads. The Santa Barbara area offers pleasant, not hot, temperatures, in am attractive setting. It would be a very nice place to spend a few days.
As to the PH, if you're referring to the Park Hyatt Aviara, on my only stay 2-3 years ago, I spent two nights in a large-ish suite, maybe their presidential. Aviara is a good hotel and can be a fine value (but bear in mind at least $70 a night is added to all room rates for resort fee and mandatory valet parking). I do not feel the service is really at the luxury level.
As to the PH, if you're referring to the Park Hyatt Aviara, on my only stay 2-3 years ago, I spent two nights in a large-ish suite, maybe their presidential. Aviara is a good hotel and can be a fine value (but bear in mind at least $70 a night is added to all room rates for resort fee and mandatory valet parking). I do not feel the service is really at the luxury level.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: USA
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Posts: 218
...As to the PH, if you're referring to the Park Hyatt Aviara, on my only stay 2-3 years ago, I spent two nights in a large-ish suite, maybe their presidential. Aviara is a good hotel and can be a fine value (but bear in mind at least $70 a night is added to all room rates for resort fee and mandatory valet parking). I do not feel the service is really at the luxury level.
#14
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
I have stayed multiple times at FS at Westlake Village. It is one of those hotels that we have categorized on this forum as "FS lite." Definitely not up to the standards of the chain in general. Continue on to Santa Barbara!
I've never stayed at RC Laguna Hotel but have dined there several times. It could be a good choice if well priced although now older than most of its competition.
I've never stayed at RC Laguna Hotel but have dined there several times. It could be a good choice if well priced although now older than most of its competition.