Babymoon ideas in Continental US?
Feb 12, 2019, 12:59 pm
#16
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: USA
Programs: MYOB
Posts: 1,292
zagguru, What region of the country do you reside in?
Feb 12, 2019, 12:59 pm
#17
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 222
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.
Also, i would rather not have the clouds, but i could not think of any other place to go on for a baby moon thats not too far from the east coast. Do you have any other destination suggestions?
Feb 12, 2019, 1:02 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 222
Feb 12, 2019, 2:02 pm
#19
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Of the hotels you mentioned, which one do you recommend that will give the best 'lie on the beach' feeling?
Also, i would rather not have the clouds, but i could not think of any other place to go on for a baby moon thats not too far from the east coast. Do you have any other destination suggestions?
Also, i would rather not have the clouds, but i could not think of any other place to go on for a baby moon thats not too far from the east coast. Do you have any other destination suggestions?
Laguna Cliffs Pool
Ritz Pool
Doheny Beach
Ritz Beach
Regarding the "June Gloom" it typically clears by noon. Mornings are cool- but afternoons are much warmer. The month starts with skies cloudy 19% of the time and ends at 11%
so the later in June the better. Hope that helps!
The month of June in Dana Point experiences decreasing cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy decreasing from 19% to 11%.
Last edited by damon88; Feb 12, 2019 at 2:07 pm
Feb 12, 2019, 2:29 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
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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, 3:06 pm
#22
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 1,394
One option for you to consider is going to one of the marriott properties in the Grand Cayman. They are officially off the CDC Zika list (which is why i assume you are focused on California instead of the caribbean).
Feb 12, 2019, 3:09 pm
#23
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: SPG Plat, SWA Companion Pass, United Silver
Posts: 186
I'd suggest the Bacara (now Ritz Santa Barbara) over the RC Laguna. Much better pool setup, and you can walk down to a truly secluded beach (mind the little bit of tar though). The hotel grounds and building layouts are much, much nicer, and it doesn't feel like a resort factory like the RC Laguna. SB is much less frenetic than the Newport area, while still having a ton of awesome dining and other stuff to do for someone late in a pregnancy. Also, the spa/fitness facilities at the Bacara are pretty incredible. FWIW, I'd suggest flying into LAX, spending a night or two up at the Ojai Valley Inn, and then heading to the RC SB (Bacara) for a night or three. Don't bother with Orange County at all, its a zoo in the summer.
The RC Half Moon is probably the nicest out of all the hotels, but like others have said, it isn't a great place to soak up sun by the pool.
The RC Half Moon is probably the nicest out of all the hotels, but like others have said, it isn't a great place to soak up sun by the pool.
Feb 12, 2019, 3:23 pm
#25
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 222
If you are looking to laze at the pool there won't be much difference between the hotels. If you want to be on the sand the Ritz is the clear winner. There is a shuttle to the beach from the Ritz while the Laguna Cliffs is a 5 minute walk to Doheny Beach. At the Ritz there are Beach Butlers who provide personalized services including setting up beach chairs, umbrellas and towels, offering and assisting with food and beverage service and providing transportation to and from the beach on the complimentary beach shuttle. Beach butlers are also fully equipped with sun screen, tanning lotion, and bottled water.
Laguna Cliffs Pool
Ritz Pool
Doheny Beach
Ritz Beach
Regarding the "June Gloom" it typically clears by noon. Mornings are cool- but afternoons are much warmer. The month starts with skies cloudy 19% of the time and ends at 11%
so the later in June the better. Hope that helps!
The month of June in Dana Point experiences decreasing cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy decreasing from 19% to 11%.
Laguna Cliffs Pool
Ritz Pool
Doheny Beach
Ritz Beach
Regarding the "June Gloom" it typically clears by noon. Mornings are cool- but afternoons are much warmer. The month starts with skies cloudy 19% of the time and ends at 11%
so the later in June the better. Hope that helps!
The month of June in Dana Point experiences decreasing cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy decreasing from 19% to 11%.
Feb 12, 2019, 3:25 pm
#27
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 222
I'd suggest the Bacara (now Ritz Santa Barbara) over the RC Laguna. Much better pool setup, and you can walk down to a truly secluded beach (mind the little bit of tar though). The hotel grounds and building layouts are much, much nicer, and it doesn't feel like a resort factory like the RC Laguna. SB is much less frenetic than the Newport area, while still having a ton of awesome dining and other stuff to do for someone late in a pregnancy. Also, the spa/fitness facilities at the Bacara are pretty incredible. FWIW, I'd suggest flying into LAX, spending a night or two up at the Ojai Valley Inn, and then heading to the RC SB (Bacara) for a night or three. Don't bother with Orange County at all, its a zoo in the summer.
The RC Half Moon is probably the nicest out of all the hotels, but like others have said, it isn't a great place to soak up sun by the pool.
The RC Half Moon is probably the nicest out of all the hotels, but like others have said, it isn't a great place to soak up sun by the pool.
Looking into it now. Thanks!
Are the pools heated? And do the have beach service?
Have you stayed at both RC SB and RC LN?.
Feb 12, 2019, 3:26 pm
#28
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
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Feb 12, 2019, 3:32 pm
#30
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: SPG Plat, SWA Companion Pass, United Silver
Posts: 186
Unfortunately (like all hotels in California) the beach directly behind the Bacara is a public beach so the hotel can't put out its own chairs/umbrellas. That being said, Haskells (the beach) is isolated even by Santa Barbara standards, and is never, ever crowded. If you wander down to the beach, you'll likely have it all to yourself. The hotel is bounded by a really nice golf course and a nature preserve, so it's hard to actually get to the beach behind the hotel. Cabanas can be rented all around the pool(s), however, and are really, really nice. Below is a pic (from the RC website) so you can get a sense of how close the hotel is to the water. No need to take a shuttle here (unlike the RC Laguna).
