The View from the Park Hyatt Aviara Lobby

San Diego, CA is one of my favorite places in the world, and I could easily spend weeks there, just enjoying the views, taking in the sights, and relaxing at all of the luxurious, beautiful hotels.  The weather is always perfect – warm, but never too hot or uncomfortable.  It’s very different from my home city of Boston, where I rarely experience perfect weather.

This past week, I had the opportunity to stay two nights at the Park Hyatt Aviara Hotel in Carlsbad, CA (a suburb of San Diego).  This hotel, a former Four Seasons,  is the epitome of luxurious relaxation.

Park Hyatt is Hyatt’s upscale, contemporary brand, and this was the first Park Hyatt on the West Coast.  The feeling of luxurious just surrounds you as soon as you enter the front door.  There is plenty of staff on hand to assist you, and in my experience, there’s rarely a line in the lobby.

Rooms at the Park Hyatt Aviara are spacious and comfortable.  Most rooms have balconies or patios with gorgeous views, and offer such amenities as WiFi, whirlpool tubs, comfy beds, couches, a large desk, and flat-screen televisions.  The hotel also offers two pools (including a relaxation, over-18 pool), a spa, and several shops.

Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
7100 Aviara Resort Drive
Carlsbad, California 92011
760 448 1234

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: My stay was at no cost, and all opinions are my own.

The View from My Room at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina

Earlier this week, after a short trip to the San Diego area, I was ready to head home.  Unfortunately, due to the snow storm on the East Coast, I had my flight to Boston cancelled.  The next option was the red eye – taking off nine hours after my original flight.

With over 7 hours to kill, I was looking for something to do.  I wanted to catch some more of that gorgeous San Diego sun since I was headed into a snow storm.  So, a day stay at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina sounded like the perfect option.

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is located on Harbor Island, right across the street from the airport.  The free shuttle will take you to the hotel where you can head right to the front desk to book your day stay.

With the day stay, you’ll get a room for the afternoon and access to amenities including the three pools, fitness center, and spa.  My room, in the Marina Tower, had this beautiful view.  I left the balcony door open while I worked for a while, then I sat by the pool, snapped some photos, and took a pre red-eye nap.  It was really the perfect way to spend the afternoon!

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
1380 Harbor Island Drive
San Diego, California 92101
(619) 291-2900

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Relax in style at the El Tovar Hotel

The Grand Canyon is a sight so amazing that the best way to appreciate it fully is to travel there. And if you’d rather have a comfortable bed thank a sleeping bag at the end of the day, check into the El Tovar Hotel, perched right on the south rim of the canyon.

The hotel dates to 1905, and has hosted Albert Einstein, Theodore Roosevelt, Zane Grey, and others. The El Tovar was recently renovated in 2005, so while all the historical touches remain, the modern conveniences make it an extremely comfortable option for Grand Canyon lodging.

The hotel’s 78 rooms include cable TV, telephone, air conditioning and a full bathroom. Deluxe rooms have either two queens or one king bed. Suites have a bedroom with either two queens or one king bed, as well as a sitting room. Want to live large? Some of the suites also include a porch or balcony. Rates start at $178 for a standard double, and suite rates begin at $335.

The El Tovar Dining Room offers breakfast, lunch and dinner—and menus are extensive. Reservations are recommended for dinner. If you’d prefer a light meal, try out the rustic El Tovar Lounge, with its canyon views and cool beverages.

Even though the El Tovar Hotel will have you living the high live at the Grand Canyon, remember to step outside for the views. That’s why you’re there in the first place.

El Tovar Hotel, (888) 297-2757
Xanterra South Rim, 10 Albright Street, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Photo courtesy of El Tovar Hotel

Related information:
Yavapai Lodge, Grand Canyon, an affordable option in the park

The Exterior of the Hotel Monaco Alexandria

Do you believe guest and staff rumors that ghosts haunt the sixth floor of the historic Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, Virginia?  Want to add a little spookiness to your family vacation this October/November?  Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco, in Alexandria, Virginia, is the location where two martyrs, Union Colonel Elmer Ellsworth and secessionist innkeeper James Jackson were killed in a battle that is often considered the unofficial beginning to the Civil War.

This October and November, the Hotel Monaco Alexandria is offering a Ghosts of Alexandria Family Package, which includes the following:

• Deluxe accommodations in a King or Double Room on the “haunted” sixth floor
• Two tickets to the “Ghosts and Graveyards” tour of Old Town Alexandria, where you’ll follow an 18th century costumed guide by lantern light through Alexandria’s historic district – with ghost stories and tales of the Civil War
• Complimentary valet parking at the Hotel Monaco
• A “Key to the City” Pass featuring special discounts on historic sites throughout Alexandria

The Ghosts of Alexandria package starts at $150 and is based upon availability through November 20, 2011.  To book the package, call (703) 549-6080 locally or (800) 368-5047 toll free.   You can also book online using the rate code GHOST.

Hotel Monaco Alexandria
480 King Street, Alexandria 22314
(800) 368-5047

Photo credit: David Phelps