Pelican Hill in Newport Beach is utterly gorgeous.
Try for room 425 which has a mind boggling ocean/golf course view - or room 149 which has a luscious newport/back bay lights at night view...
Make sure to ask for a king bed and an unobstructed view. SAY "ANYTHING LESS WOULD DISAPPOINT"
Unfortunately, they don't negotiate much on price - you may be able to ask for additional amenitites. Maybe.
They are worth $750 per night. More than that, and I'd say no, wait for a 'special' if they ever have one.
Valet parking and internet use are complimentary.
I have no clue how the food in the resturant or the hotel/housekeeping service is... But the almond croissant in the little cafe inside was delicious.
***** ***** *****
And with the 2 year closing of the Hotel Bel-Air in West L.A., as well as The Four Seasons also undegoing a renovation while still staying open (which is hard to recommend as it is usually noisy and service declines),
The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills is a good option instead.
Ask for a 5th floor grand deluxe room facing the garden (600 square feet) or with a patio, executive grand deluxue, or maybe a villa if you want a fireplace.
(avoid the smaller rooms - they are worn down, and the sound-proofing is non-existent)
(A Grand deluxe on the top floor is worth paying $600 a night for, before their 15% hotel tax, and plus the $35 it'll cost you for breakfast including tip - but more than that and it really isn't worth it to stay here given no view and it's just a typical luxury hotel in a shopping oriented city)
They left a small fresh fruit basket in the room (the cherries were outstanding), as well as lemonade with a bucket of ice, and a small bottle of water by the bed were were all complimentary.
Breakfast was superb in every way including the service.
Pretty room, beautiful china, luxurious napkins, separate plates for everything, a tea cozy to keep the teapot warm, really good eggs and bacon, typical (unfortunately) orange juice, wonderful fresh sliced melon selection, warm toast with butter and several choices of preserves.
The hotel is very willing to upgrade rooms without charging more if there is availability after check-in.
***** ***** *****
Santa Barbara Beach Club at $3,600 per night would be a fabulous 4 bedroom estate with a luscious cape cod/nantucket home and right on the ocean view, plus chef and concierge for a 3 day honeymoon weekend with friends. It's an Andrew Harper Villa.
***** ***** *****
Arterra in San Diego was once again fabulous for dinner. The went back again and it was totally mediocre.
Grand Del Mar's Amaya was excellent for dinner. Hotel rooms in this sprawling corporate retreat (try deluxe fairway room on the 3rd floor) are nicely appointed but nothing special in terms of a view.
THE BLOG IS STILL CLOSED. THESE ARE JUST NOTES TO MYSELF FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
"Genuine. Sometimes I'm a genuine sweetheart. Sometimes I'm a genuine..." (author - me)
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