Southern California may be best known for red carpets and movie stars, but there’s more to see than celebrities, especially if you’re traveling with kids who aren’t unlikely to dazzled by the sight of fame in over-sized sunglasses and a trucker hat. Take advantage of a spring special from a beach-side hotel in Redondo Beach and take in larger-than-life sights of the sea.

Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach & Marina Hotel is a business class hotel in the small beach town of Redondo Beach west of Los Angeles. You’re unlikely to run into anyone famous in the lobby, but the clown fish in the aquarium by registration bears a striking resemblance to Nemo.

The Crowne Plaza doesn’t quite live up to its advertised “resort” title, but it is a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms and balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Better still, access to that ocean requires just a short walk across the street and down the pier, making the hotel a perfect home base for a Pacific vacation.

Activities within walking distance include:

• Whale watching tours
• Paddle boat rentals
• Surfing
• Shopping on the pier
• Eating fresh caught seafood
• Swimming in a unique sea lagoon

Guests at Crowne Plaza can receive a discount on whale watching tours, as well as bike rentals and day passes to the Gold’s Gym next door. On site, enjoy a heated pool and Jacuzzi tub, perfect for cool spring nights.

Rooms at the Crowne Plaza in Redondo Beach start at $99 a night.

The Omni San Diego Hotel

I fell in love with San Diego last August when I visited during BlogHer 2011.  Not only is the waterfront absolutely gorgeous, but the weather is completely perfect.  Since we are about to experience winter weather any day now here, a trip to San Diego sounds perfect right now.  With the “Say No To The Snow” package at the Omni San Diego, you can enjoy some great family amenities and activities starting at just $139 per night!

• Overnight deluxe accommodations for two (plus kids, if applicable)
• Peppermint margaritas for two at the onsite McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant
• A bottle of sunscreen upon check-in
• Complimentary valet parking
• A 10% off Macy’s gift card for last-minute holiday shopping
• Guide to the biggest holiday happenings in San Diego
• Letters to the North Pole – a special note card and pen will be provided to children who wish to send their wish lists to Santa in the designated lobby mailbox.

The package is valid from now through January 5, 2011.

The Omni San Diego is located just steps from PETCO park, the Gaslight Quarter, and the San Diego Convention Center.  The hotel offers high-speed internet access, an outdoor terrace, an outdoor heated pool, and 511 guest rooms.

Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L Street
San Diego, California 92101
Phone: (619) 231-6664

Photo credit: The Omni San Diego Hotel

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