A-LISTS travel by joel martens
HEAVEN IS A COMFY B & B
Who doesn’t love being pampered? Ah to wake up and have the coffee brewed,
warm pastries and breakfast at the ready—such a lovely treat and very romantic. I love hotels, but they can be a little impersonal and there is nothing cozy about most of them. Sure they can be very posh and mod, but there is something not so fun about sharing the space with several thousand other guests. The answer my friend is to forgo the typical stay and look to the myriad of
choices out there in the bed and breakfast world. It is an understatement to say that there are hundreds of choices in every city and every scenic site in this state, in fact in researching this I was so overwhelmed at first it was hard to narrow it down—I could literally write a book. I’ve decided to work my way up the coast, much like a drive that you would take
if you were a tourist on a vacation along the gorgeous California coast. I have driven from San Diego all the way up to Washington state following highway 101 and it is an amazing trip—yes it’s long, but so worth the effort. I recommend it, I know that it’s not cheap or environmentally correct to drive, but the coastline is beyond description.
I’m starting in San Diego with the southern most option:
Next destination—Laguna Beach: Casa Laguna Inn, 2510 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California Expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, gorgeous tropical gardens, and
towering palms surround this 1920s Mission-style historic beauty. Luxurious rooms with antique furniture, subtle colors and fireplaces to curl up by and numerous secluded patios for whiling away an afternoon. Expansive views abound from their ocean-view pool deck and they even have a bell tower for the most romantic sunset view you will find or walk the lovely Victoria Beach, just 10 minutes away. Sleep should come easily in their tastefully appointed rooms, with their signature 10-layer bedding (hello princess!) and every amenity you could need. If you can’t find relaxation on your own, they have an on-site spa to pamper you; choose from numerous massage techniques (they even do couple sessions), have a therapeutic soak in their specialty tubs, a salt polish or a hot rock treatment and peel away life’s stresses. They serve an award winning gourmet breakfasts every day and have a wine and cheese social in the evenings. Take a trip back in time and enjoy a place where time stands still. For reservations or more information call 949.494.2996, or toll free 800.233.0449 or online at
innkeeper@casalaguna.com
The Britt Scripps Inn, 406 Maple Street, San Diego, California This is a Victorian jewel beyond compare. This landmark property is meticu-
lously restored, with incredible attention paid to its historic roots, while bring- ing it in to the modern era with the luxuries you have come to expect. Period antiques, rugs and fixtures adorn the lobby, parlor, dining room and private guest rooms. A stunning original hand-carved oak staircase with restored woodwork, a two-story original stained-glass window wall, claw-foot bath- tubs, a covered wrap-around front porch, beautiful bay windows and seven roof gables. Modern luxuries include flat screen LCD televisions, high speed Internet, heated towel racks, 1,000 thread count sheets – and velvety soft bathrobes and towels. Complimentary full breakfast is served each morning and wine and artisan cheese welcomes you back from your day’s journey. Ideal for anyone looking for an alternative to typical hotel stays. For reservations call toll free at 888.881.1991, or go online
toinfo@brittscripps.com
On we go to LA-LA Land: Sowden House, 5121 Franklin Avenue, (Los Feliz Neighbor- hood) Los Angeles, California Okay I’m going off the cliff on this one, probably the most expensive stay
you will have on this trip, but you will never forget this place nor have a more unique, one-of-a-kind experience. Built in 1926 by architect Lloyd Wright (son of Frank) for John Sowden, this Meso-American masterpiece is unlike anything that you will ever see. Built of ornamental concrete blocks, it truly looks like a Mayan temple rising out of the Hollywood hill that it sits upon. Beautiful views, stunning interiors, with all rooms facing a central courtyard with it’s pool and Jacuzzi. Artfully renovated in 2000 and used often as a Hollywood set, the house is truly (and I mean it) one of the masterpieces of American home de- sign. Conveniently located next to the best of Los Angeles shopping, nightlife, and dining, once inside this unique 6,000 square foot house, you will feel as though you’ve entered a different world. For reservations and information call 323.522.3492 or 818.636.3820 or go online
atsowdenhouse.com
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RAGE monthly | OCTOBER 2011
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