Hotel Guide: Where to Get Away in Southern California This Summer

By Chelsea Martin, FTT Travel Advisor

I hope everyone has been enjoying their armchair vacations from home, but for those who feel comfortable with and are ready to travel – I am beginning a series just for you!

I am going to begin posting hotel & destination guides geared towards domestic or close-to-home travel … perfect for road trips or shorter, direct flights.

This week I am starting off with Southern California. I grew up in San Diego, went to college at San Diego State University, and I am currently quarantined in San Diego, so it is safe to say I am well-acquainted with Southern California (and am personally itching to leave the confines of my parents’ home to retreat to one of these!)

Not all of these hotels are currently open for business, but I have included updates regarding their current status (and will be constantly updating!) I also have tried to include a variety of options for different types of travelers (more secluded, better for families, hip & modern).

For more information, or to make a booking, email me at chelsea@fttadvisor.com

This expansive resort in the Rancho Santa Fe area of San Diego offers 49 guest casitas, an award-winning spa, and numerous activities & restaurants over 45-acres of land. It is nearly completed with its final phase of renovation which has helped the resort win multiple awards such as the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award, AAA Five Diamond Award, was included in Travel + Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best Awards, Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, and many more.

See my Rancho Valencia hotel spotlight here!

Perks:

• Daily breakfast credit for two guests per bedroom
• $100 resort credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• 4 night free for Olive Grove category room and higher (through September 3rd)
• 3rd night free for Olive Grove category room and higher (after September 7th)

Current status & updates:

• What Will Be Open:
  • Pony Room and expanded patio (reservations only)
  • In-room dining
  • Fitness Classes and fitness center will be utilized on a reservations basis only (limited class sizes)
  • Golf courses are also open, practicing full social distancing protocol
• What Will Be Closed:
  • Veladora will not reopen soon
  • Spa will reopen at a later date

Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, is set on 400-acres in a stunning coastal canyon just five miles from the ocean. The Mediterranean-inspired estate offers private Tom Fazio designed golf course, a Five-Star spa, four pools, tennis courts, yoga and fitness classes, Explorer’s Club for kids, nightlife and exquisite dining.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 activity credit (valid for golf play, golf instruction, the Spa services, and/or Explorer’s Club)
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• 3rd night free (through end of 2020)

Current status & updates:

• More information to come on when certain amenities will be open
• Grand Golf is currently open

The iconic beachfront Hotel Del Coronado is situated on one of the nation’s best beaches and has welcomed travelers for more than 130 years. Guests can choose from a selection of seaside accommodations in the historic Victorian Building, the contemporary Ocean Towers and California Cabanas, or in the exclusive oceanfront cottages and villas at Beach Village. Beach Village at The Del offers luxury beachfront accommodations and highly personalized service. This private enclave of residential-style cottages and villas is set within the iconic Hotel del Coronado.

Other highlights of Hotel Del are the 17 unique shops under its roof, varied dining outlets & experiences, and a walkable location to all that Coronado has to offer.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 resort credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• 25 % off room rate (through June 30, 2020)

The Pendry San Diego is #designgoals and an Instagram dream. Not only is it gorgeous, but it also has the bones to match. With 317 guest rooms, 6 restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool, full-service spa, on-site nightclub, and more (including being pet friendly), you never even have to leave the hotel!

Another bonus? You’re close to everything with being located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter just two blocks from Petco Park, 4 blocks from the San Diego Convention Center, and walking distance to a plethora of the best restaurants and bars.

See my Pendry San Diego hotel spotlight here!

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 hotel credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• Upgrade at time of booking based upon availability and additional $50 food & beverage credit on suites (through December 31, 2020)

Perched on an oceanfront bluff on 30 aces of land with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Montage Laguna Beach makes for an ideal seaside getaway. The 257-room hotel has a plethora of accommodations including 60 suites, ranging in size from 500 – 2,800 square-feet, 4 villas and 37 beach bungalow-style rooms/suites, and each guestroom has a private oceanfront balcony and a spectacular view of the Laguna Beach coastline. During your stay enjoy the beautiful beach, three pristine pools, a 20,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor oceanfront spa, and exquisite dining.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast credit for two guests per bedroom
• $100 spa services credit
• Complimentary VIP Access to South Coast Plaza
• Room upgrade & early check-in, subject to availability
• Guaranteed 4pm late check-out

Promotions:

• Reserve three consecutive nights in a suite and receive a $500 resort credit (through 2020)

Current status & updates:

• Main pool is open but all restaurants and spa are closed with no reopen date at this time.

Overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific, AAA Five-Diamond-rated Monarch Beach Resort embodies Southern California’s serene coastal lifestyle.  Key highlights include the private Monarch Bay Beach Club, oceanfront golfing at the Monarch Beach Golf Links, a Miraval Life in Balance Spa, water sports with Ocean Adventure Programs and seven dining concepts. Book a Fireside Terrace room to enjoy your own private patio & cozy fire pit.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 resort credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• Every 3rd Night Free + Upgrade At Time of Booking + an additional $200 Resort Credit for Standard Rooms or an additional $300 Resort Credit for Suites (through December 31, 2020)
• For 1 or 2 night stays – upgrade at time of booking + waived resort fee (through December 31, 2020)

Current status & updates:

• See all real-time updates here.

Located on 504 acres of chic Newport Coast, this Italian-inspired resort village features 204 expansive bungalows and 128 multi-bedroom villas, boasting private terraces and expansive coastal views. The Resort at Pelican Hill is also home to a Forbes-Five-Star Spa, two 18-hole golf courses designed by Tom Fazio, an impressive 136-foot Coliseum Pool, five restaurants, a beach program and kids club.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast credit for two guests
• $100 golf or spa credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• 3rd night complimentary (through December 27, 2020)
• Waived resort fee (through September 30, 2020)

Current status & updates:

• In-Room Dining is available to guests, and the Cafe is open for take out orders.
• Golf is also available to resort guests.
• While the pools are closed as of today, they do have plans to reopen them in the coming weeks.
• The spa, restaurants and fitness center remain closed at this time.

Set on a 150-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 396-room The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel features a luxury resort experience and direct access to two miles of sandy beach. Enjoy an abundance of water activities, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, two pools, an eco-adventure center, and a number of dining options (including my favorite – the oceanfront rooftop lounge 180blu!)

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 resort credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• 3rd night complimentary (through September 30, 2020)

current status & updates:

• Services Currently Available: 
  • Pool and hot-tub, Tennis and basketball courts, Beach access
  • In-room dining & Raya To-Go available (can take takeout to a table or anywhere on property)
• Services Currently Unavilable:
  • Spa (including the sauna and steam room), Salon, Fitness center, Daily yoga and pilates, enoSTEAK, 180 Blũ, The Marketplace, Concierge, Eco-Adventure Center, Beach Butler service, Club Level, Turndown service

I refer to Terranea as my favorite hidden gem of Los Angeles County. Tucked away in its own cliffside haven, you’re not far from the hustle and bustle of LA yet you feel lightyears away. Sweeping views of the California coastline, the Mediterranean-inspired design, and tranquil yet luxurious ambience are amongst what delights me the most about this resort. The resort itself is spectacular and huge. With 102 acres of property, 582 guest rooms and suites, 3 pools, 8 casual and fine dining options, spa & fitness center, numerous activities, you could stay on property for days yet never get bored.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast credit for two guests per bedroom
• $100 resort credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• Save up to 25% off 2 nights or more (through December 30, 2020)
• Receive an additional $100 resort credit for bookings in suites, casitas, bungalows and villas (through September 30, 2020)

Need a wellness refresh after quarantine?  The Ranch Malibu is set on a historic working ranch 3 miles above the Pacific Ocean across 200 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains and provides the perfect setting to calm the mind, return to nature and focus on health and wellness goals. The Ranch offers three fitness and wellness programs ranging from 4 to 10 days long, each designed to improve the mind and body through a structured fitness and wellness regimen paired with a plant-based nutritional diet. Settled in nature with no distractions, you have no access to televisions, cell and limited wi-fi service to further aid in a mental detoxification. Guests stay in one of 18 private cottages, for enhanced privacy and rejuvenation.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast included in the rates
• An additional 50 minute massage, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture or 3 cryotherapy sessions
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Current status & updates:

• When they do reopen, their full program will be in operation and nothing will be unavailable.

This 16-room intimate beachfront retreat pays homage to the traditional Japanese Ryokan with a modern twist, featuring teak soaking tubs, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and serene outdoor patios. Stunning ocean views, exclusivity & privacy, and dining en suite with a custom menu from Nobu Malibu are highlights of this tranquil oasis.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 hotel credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Access to Malibu Racquet Club, a private tennis club
• Complimentary parking
• Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and mini-bar snacks

Current status & updates:

• Only registered guests of the hotel are permitted on premise. No outside guests will be allowed onsite.
• The Fitness Room is available by appointment only through Concierge.
• A limited In-Room Dining menu is offered only. All Malibu restaurants, including Nobu Malibu, are offering take-out food only. Concierge can assist in placing orders.
• In-room massages, local spas, salons and 3rd party activity vendors are still closed in accordance to city orders.
• Full updates here.

Arguably the most iconic hotel in the 90210 zip code & an address on Sunset Boulevard, the “pink palace” hotel has been a Hollywood hot spot that has stood the test of time. Steeped in Hollywood history and legendary mystique, every guest who stays at The Beverly Hills Hotel is treated like a celebrity – whether you stay in one of the guestrooms or suites, or one of the 23 unique bungalow – some of which boast their own pool or jacuzzi.

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 spa services credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Tucked away in one of the world’s most exclusive neighborhoods sets on 12 lush acres, Hotel Bel-Air not only hold a legendary address but also a star-studded history that dates back to 1946. With 58 rooms and 45 suites, a relaxed yet secluded residential style is of the essence here – especially in one of their 7 one-of-a-kind signature suites. All dining is managed by famed celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, and trying a “Monroe’s Passion” cocktail at the bar is a must (Marilyn Monroe is one of their most famous past guests!)

Perks:

• Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 spa services credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Santa Monica Proper Hotel brings its high-end boutique concept to a 1920s Spanish Colonial building on Wilshire Boulevard, fusing old-world romance with new-world contemporary luxury. The Kelly Wearstler designed hotel & 271 rooms will make any design-lover swoon (each room is unique!) Highlights include three dining destinations, Surya Spa, and the only rooftop pool in Santa Monica.

Perks:

• 15% off best available rate
• $50 daily food & beverage credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Located on stunning Miramar Beach in Montecito just a stones throw away from downtown Santa Barbara, the newly opened Rosewood Miramar Beach fuses the former Miramar By The Sea Hotels’ glamorous history with Rosewood luxury. With 124 guestrooms & 37 suites spread out across 16 acres of property, the spacious accommodations (the Beach House rooms are perfect for special occasions) encompass modern beach living. Enjoy the Forbes Five-Star Sense Spa, relax by one of the two pools, or head to the beach in this idyllic vacation destination.

perks:

• Daily breakfast credit for two guests per bedroom
• One complimentary lunch for two people, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

promotions:

• 3rd night free (through January 7, 2021)

current status & updates:

• In Phase 1 of reopening (beginning May 21st), the following will be open:
  • Restaurants/Bars (following state & county regulations and guidelines)
  • In-Room Dining
  • Miramar Food Truck
  • Pools
  • Beach
  • Self-Parking
• In Phase 2 of reopening,the following will be open:
  • Spa
  • Fitness Center
  • Retail Outlets (goop, James Perse, newly-opened Miramar retail)
  • Valet Parking

Just steps from Butterfly Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara’s 207 guestrooms, suites & bungalows each encompass the resort’s 1927 Spanish Colonial style. Set amongst 20 acres of lush manicured tropical gardens, this luxurious and intimate retreat features an award-winning spa (with an ocean view!), a jungle pool, Italian-inspired California coastal cuisine at Bella Vista restaurant, and craft cocktails & Spanish tapas at Ty Lounge. Another bonus? Access to the exclusive members-only Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club!

Perks:

• Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
• $100 hotel credit
• Room upgrade & early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Promotions:

• Complimentary third night with every two consecutive paid nights in a Garden Room or higher accommodation category (through 2021)

Current status & updates:

• “We are looking forward to our opening date of June 1st, we are gearing up for this date operationally and are working through at the moment what outlets and amenities will be available at the early stages of opening. I will say the resort lends itself very well to spreading out which I’m sure may be of interests to your clients, as we’re set on 22 acres right on the Pacific, steps from the ocean. We are 2 stories high in just a few main buildings so guest rooms are spread out and even in the main buildings you’re not required to take elevators or be in narrow hallways with other guests. We also do have 38 Bungalow Rooms and 13 Bungalow Suites that each have their own private gated entrance for the most privacy and distance possible from other guests.”