Best SoCal Hotels For A Girls Getaway
Girlfriend getaways are a time to recharge, renew and celebrate a few days with no one to worry about except you. In Southern California, we're fortunate to have many beach, mountain and desert getaways within a three-hour drive of Orange County and Los Angeles. Begin your planning by finding the perfect hotel where you can do everything or nothing at all but relax.
Best Adult Pool
The Grand Del Mar
5299 Meadows Del Mar
San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-1988
www.thegranddelmar.com
The Grand Del Mar radiates the Mediterranean with its architecture and statues positioned around the perfectly manicured grounds. No detail goes unnoticed here from the extra pillow delivered on a silver tray to the chocolate-covered treats delivered at turndown. However, the star for a girlfriend getaway is the adult pool and Jacuzzi area. It's so thoughtfully positioned far, far away from the family pool that no screams of Marco Polo will drift your way. The only sound you'll hear as you float in peace is the underwater music.
Best Desert Hideaway
La Quinta Resort & Club
49-499 Eisenhower Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253
(800) 598-3828
www.laquintaresort.com
Celebrities have been coming to La Quinta since 1926 for a casual yet elegant retreat in the desert. The single-story, Spanish-style rooms, or casitas as they are called, have traditional red roof tiles and are spread out over 45 fruit tree-filled acres. Each group of casitas has its own pool and Jacuzzi; there are an astonishing 41 pools on-property. With multiple dining options, live entertainment on the weekends and a good sized spa there's no reason to get in your car until it's time to go home.
Best Ocean Views and Beach
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92618
(949) 240-2000
www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel
Arguably the best views in Orange County are at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, which sits on a cliff high above the ocean hugged by two beaches. The silhouette of Catalina Island at sunset with surfers and dolphins playing in the waves is a Southern California vision. Whether you work out in the ocean view- gym, take yoga on the front lawn or walk the beach and connecting canyon paths, the natural beauty of the area is all around. Don't miss a dinner or sit-down, three-course brunch at Raya the main restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, ocean views, impeccable service and interesting dishes.
Best Amenities and Activities
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
905 Country Club Rd
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-1111
www.ojairesort.com
Ojai is a laid back, artsy town surrounded by several mountain ranges. It's slightly off-the-beaten-track location about 90 minutes north of Los Angeles attracts Angelenos and celebrities. The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has beautiful grounds for meandering and more activities than anyone could do in a weekend, including Mind & Body classes which are included with the resort fee. If you want less activity and more relaxing, visit The Artist Cottage and Apothecary which has art classes and a custom scent blending.
Best Budget Hotel
Hadsten House
1450 Mission Drive
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-3210
www.hadstenhouse.com
Hadsten House in the Danish-influenced town of Solvang, 35 miles north of Santa Barbara, is a convenient base for exploring the Santa Ynez Valley wineries and the upscale cowboy town of Los Olivos. Hadsten House is a renovated motor lodge with boutique interiors, a large indoor pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi lounging area with two fireplaces. There are often room specials for under $100 per night with full breakfast. If you go, don't miss Demetria Estate Winery, which has appointment-only wine tasting at a Tuscan-inspired villa reached by a narrow winding vineyard road – wine tasting is on the patio with a view of the hills and is a beautiful choice for a picnic.
Kristi Marcelle is a travel writer and regular contributor at Ciao Bambino and CBS Los Angeles. She loves planning travel adventures with her family, a good glass of wine at the whining hour and the
Green Bay Packers. Follow her on Twitter @kristimarcelle.
