ALONG COMES MARY

Have you been home bound and it’s time for a getaway? I feel you. I’ve been thinking about my goal I nearly completed in 2019 to take a trip each month in the year. I was on my way to achieving it in 2020 but, then well, we know what happened. 2021 has been incredible as I got used to being a mommy, and I’m setting my sights on 2022 to get back out into the world more. Hopefully, and safely. 

5 California Hotels to Check Out (and In)

I managed to squeeze in many adventures with Mabel, and am fortunate so many California hotels are within a few hours from me. As 2021 comes to a close, why not enjoy it. Or, start 2022 off with the open road. Here are five favorite hotels of mine that are easy to reach (within six hours) from Southern California. Enjoy!

Stables Inn, Paso Robles

The Stables Inn had just opened when I pulled up in the Summer of 2020. I was very pregnant, yet committed to not slowing down despite not feeling my best. The best solution to that is a solo road trip up to a California hotel on the coast, no? Stables Inn is an ideal boutique hotel that’s well priced and close to Paso Robles Wine Country. The suites are cozy, but with so much to do in minutes away in town, you’ll only need a place to rest your head and recharge. 

Each morning there’s fresh coffee, pastries, teas, and water in their adorable “Tack Room.” The veranda is perfect for watching the sunset as you sip a glass of vino. 

The atmosphere is great for a 21 and over visit to Paso. The Double Bed Suite is suitable should you have kids in tow although there’s no pool on site. 

Andaz, San Diego

When I lived in Long Beach, I rarely went to San Diego. Now when I visit, I always wonder, why didn’t I drive here more? San Diego is an incredible, diverse county with every type of neighborhood you would want in a city. I’ve even taken Mabel already. 

Take in the city sights and nightlife and check into Andaz. A concept California hotel by Hyatt, I’d never stayed in the heart of San Diego. I loved having the Gaslamp Quarter outside my door. My favorite part was the Rooftop Bar. I envisioned sleeping in but the morning allure of sipping my tea as I watched the skylines wake up got me. 

Andaz is ideal for a couple’s getaway or even traveling solo. Since there’s no on-site parking and the atmosphere caters to the big kids, I’d recommend leaving the littles at home. 

Los Arboles Hotel, Palm Springs

Mabel’s very first road trip was to Los Arboles Hotel in Palm Springs. She was just shy of two months old and proved to be a great roommate. The boutique hotels of Palm Springs cater to everyone. Whether visitors fall under the LGBTQA category or are on a family road trip, Palm Springs has an experience for all. 

We loved our Extended Express Suite tucked in the back of the hotel. Los Arboles has their award-winning restaurant, El Mirasol, on-site. This was especially helpful when we needed to be close for bedtime but also needed a margarita! 

The grounds are gorgeous and bring to mind a Spanish hacienda among the desert mountains. Los Arboles is in the center of town so it’s easy to leave your car and stroll the streets. The hotel is a good choice for all ages but especially those looking to chill-lax, lounge at the pool, and enjoy “laying low” in Palm Springs. 

The Clement Hotel, Palo Alto

No joke: we feel like royalty when we stay at the Clement. They’re located just down the street from Stanford in vibrant Palo Alto. It’s under an hour to San Francisco but honestly hard to pull away from the California hotel. 

For the price of a stay, guests get an all-inclusive experience. All meals, alcohol, snacks, you name it. Parking is also included and staff does not accept gratuity. When we travel, especially now with a baby, costs add up fast. Knowing your meals are at the ready and can even be delivered to your room is the best relief. The seasonal menus offer gourmet plates and if there’s something not listed, the chef can often prepare it. 

The suites feel like a penthouse. On our last stay, we had the dogs with us and even they got the Royal Treatment. As mom and dad enjoyed our favorite margaritas (seriously. We’ve tried to replicate them at home.), the pups devoured steak and eggs. 

The Clement is an incredible choice for a California hotel whether it’s a family vacation, romantic getaway, business, or just to de-stress. 

Hofsas House, Carmel-by-the-Sea

If you’ve read my website for a while now, what can I say? The Hofsas House in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like a second home. I first went when Mike and I had only been together a few months. It’s become our “place.” 

The Hofsas House is in the heart of the fairytale-like village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Once we arrive, we seldom use our car and opt to walk the cobble stone streets and to the best place: the beach. Views of Pebble House surround you and the sunrises and sunsets are second to none. 

As the Hofsas House has shown us, it’s perfect for a couples trip, wine tasting, a weekend of biking, eating, or doing a lot of nothing. We cannot wait to introduce Mabel to the Hofsas in a few weeks. Psst, they even have baby cribs! xo