Babymoon ideas in Continental US?
Sep 8, 2016, 12:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 45
Babymoon ideas in Continental US?
Hi all,
in FEB my wife and I will welcome our first child and we want to take a weekend prior to delivery to ensure we can have a little vacation, or, "babymoon". We live in Southern California and have been looking at the JW and Ritz in Palm Springs, but would like to consider other options, too.
For those who have done similar or would suggest regardless. What other properties would be good for a mother to be for some well deserved R&R?
Thank you!!
in FEB my wife and I will welcome our first child and we want to take a weekend prior to delivery to ensure we can have a little vacation, or, "babymoon". We live in Southern California and have been looking at the JW and Ritz in Palm Springs, but would like to consider other options, too.
For those who have done similar or would suggest regardless. What other properties would be good for a mother to be for some well deserved R&R?
Thank you!!
Feb 10, 2019, 8:08 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 222
Top SPG/Marriott Resorts in the Continental United States (Read 119 times)
Looking for a nice babymoon destination in the unite states for June. Any suggestions for the best beach resort Marriott/SPG has to offer here in the unite states? (Excluding Hawaii)
Feb 11, 2019, 9:31 am
#4
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
If the "beach" is more important than being in a top-end resort property, you might check out the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...-ms-al-fl.html thread.
Feb 12, 2019, 12:10 am
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 1,394
Those all seem like high end on the water options. I've only been to the RC Laguna Niguel, the RC Half Moon Bay, and the JW Santa Monica. If you want to go all out, then the RC Half Moon Bay is the nicest hotel on the list. However, it is not a "sit on the beach" kind of hotel. It can get quite chilly outside at any time of year. But it is relaxing and the outdoor spaces are great. If you literally want to lay out on lounge chairs on the beach, then RC Laguna Niguel is probably your best bet. I found the property overall not nearly as nice as half moon bay, but it will deliver better on "beach" expectations.
Feb 12, 2019, 4:42 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 222
Those all seem like high end on the water options. I've only been to the RC Laguna Niguel, the RC Half Moon Bay, and the JW Santa Monica. If you want to go all out, then the RC Half Moon Bay is the nicest hotel on the list. However, it is not a "sit on the beach" kind of hotel. It can get quite chilly outside at any time of year. But it is relaxing and the outdoor spaces are great. If you literally want to lay out on lounge chairs on the beach, then RC Laguna Niguel is probably your best bet. I found the property overall not nearly as nice as half moon bay, but it will deliver better on "beach" expectations.
Thanks for this.
Your saying that the RC Half moon bay does not have setup chairs on the beach? Will it not be beach weather in June there?
Yes I am looking for the best beach experience at the nicest hotel possible
Feb 12, 2019, 6:15 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
If the "beach" is more important than being in a top-end resort property, you might check out the https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...-ms-al-fl.html thread.
Feb 12, 2019, 6:48 am
#12
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
A suggestion, if you like watching jet flying shows and can wait until the middle of July, the Blue Angels will usually have a show in Pensacola. There is a SHS, while not a high-end resort, is a very nice SHS and on one of the best stretch of beaches in the US. There are quite a few restaurants and shopping all within easy walking distance. My wife and I have gone there a number of times just to relax and get away from the hustle/bustle of our daily routines. And the Naval Air Museum is in Pensacola as well. It is very large, free, and has a ton of Navy history and aircraft to look through. I can't say how many times I've visited, but I still love to spend an afternoon just walking through, reading the history and looking in all the various aircraft they have there (and there is a lot.)
Feb 12, 2019, 7:58 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 1,394
But if you're looking for beach HMB is not an option. Sounds like you're looking for a hawaii-esque beach hotel while not going all the way to hawaii. I'd re-iterate laguna niguel is a good solution. I just wasn't a fan of the room style.
Feb 12, 2019, 8:40 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Grew up in the area, spent several decades there (every day, not just visiting), and am simply saying I would not suggest someone go there for a summer vacation while expecting. Not just the temperatures, but summer storm patterns, insects, just not my recommended place to send people. I wouldn't suggest Phoenix in June either. CA or New England would be good.
Feb 12, 2019, 12:06 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
I spend time every week in Laguna Beach (my kids and grandkids live there) and agree with the recommendations for the Ritz in Dana Point. Just be aware of a few things—SoCal experiences what we term “May Gray” and “June Gloom”. Mornings are frequently cloudy and overcast- although the clouds often burn off by mid day. But visitors are often very disappointed by the weather during those months, expecting bright and sunny days. Also- while the Ritz has a lot of potential they are not (IMHO) up to par with the service or experience of the (sadly departed) St REgis Monarch Bay. That was a true “Hawaiiesque” hotel that we often used for staycations. The last time we stayed at the Ritz we were disappointed with the Elite recognition, although we are looking forward to trying again after the new tiers are in place.
One other hotel to consider that is rarely mentioned here is the Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa | Dana Point Resorts | Laguna Beach Resort
We had a really wonderful stay there recently using a Free night certificate and they upgraded us to a beautiful ocean view suite. The rooms were just remodeled and they are gorgeous- they did a great job. The service was super friendly and welcoming.
We are also fans of the Newport Coast Villas- but more for family getaways than a romantic trip. The villas are conveniently located to a lot of really good restaurants.
We haven’t tried Lido House yet but my son is a big fan.
https://www.lidohousehotel.com/
If cloudy mornings aren’t a deterrent- the Dana Point/Laguna/Newport Coast has a lot to offer for a romantic getaway- stunning beaches (Thousand Steps is my personal favorite) excellent restaurants, art galleries, boat excursions, fun shops and gorgeous views.
One other hotel to consider that is rarely mentioned here is the Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa | Dana Point Resorts | Laguna Beach Resort
We had a really wonderful stay there recently using a Free night certificate and they upgraded us to a beautiful ocean view suite. The rooms were just remodeled and they are gorgeous- they did a great job. The service was super friendly and welcoming.
We are also fans of the Newport Coast Villas- but more for family getaways than a romantic trip. The villas are conveniently located to a lot of really good restaurants.
We haven’t tried Lido House yet but my son is a big fan.
https://www.lidohousehotel.com/
If cloudy mornings aren’t a deterrent- the Dana Point/Laguna/Newport Coast has a lot to offer for a romantic getaway- stunning beaches (Thousand Steps is my personal favorite) excellent restaurants, art galleries, boat excursions, fun shops and gorgeous views.