Since moving to Los Angeles eight years ago, I have yet to stay in a local hotel. I mean, why would I? I live here, right?
But with the economy being what it is -- sucky, but not as sucky as last year -- people are looking for bargains, and local hotels are looking for travelers, be they from abroad or just around the corner.
This weekend, Doubletree Guest Suites in Santa Monica invited CC and me to get a little taste of how that can work right in our own backyard. (In fact, they're calling it a Backyard Vacation, instead of the ubiquitous "staycation.")
While we didn't spend a night at the hotel, we did enjoy breakfast, a peek at one of their guest suites and a complimentary afternoon with other blogger and journo families at Pacific Park (right) on the Santa Monica Pier.
The suite we saw was definitely roomy and the accommodations generous, but the best part -- at least for CC -- was riding up the glass elevator while looking down on the hotel lobby. Forget amusement park rides, kids could entertain themselves without even leaving the premises.
Spending an afternoon at the pier with other families reminded me that there are so many amazing places in this city that are great for multiple families. The other kids were all about 8 years old and watched over CC so well. They were all hopelessly adorable and included her in everything. It was great to see.
In fact, at breakfast at the hotel, CC and some of the older kids walked over to a coffee kiosk and came back with a small bottle of Sprite.
She held it up for me so proudly, and when I asked where it came from, a little boy looked at me and said, "She got it with her cuteness."
Sounds like my little girl.
While it still seems a little foreign to me to pay for a hotel 20 minutes from where you live, I guess I should consider where we do, in fact, live.
Near the ocean -- with lots of great restaurants and a million amazing things to do.
4 comments:
How fun! She is a doll! Caryn
Thanks so much, Caryn! Hope to see you soon!
My daughter and I are visiting her mom for a week in New york. We are currently staying in a convenient short term furnished rentals. NYC has a number of hotels that are offering great accommodations for visitors. We are fortunate that we are able to checked in this very chic hotel.
I came across your blog and I think CC looks like she's having a blast inside the giant acorn! My daughter also love to play and pretend that she's a squirrel! She even mimic their sounds, too! Kids really know how to entertain themselves! I agree.
Ian, thanks for checking out my blog! CC really is having a blast. You should definitely check out the "Exploring Trees" exhibit if you're in the neighborhood. And, you're so right. Kids really do know how to entertain themselves.
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