Are you seeking a family-friendly fall retreat that includes a visit with Mickey? Or how about a more grown-up-geared getaway with a rock ’n’ roll past? Whatever your pleasure, here are three distinct stays in California to consider before hitting the road.
Disney Dreaming
After a $25 million remodel, Hyatt Regency Orange County is one of Anaheim’s premier hotels for those wanting close proximity to Disneyland as well as a few bells and whistles that are sure to keep Mom and Dad—and the kiddos—grinning from ear to ear. Upon arrival, guests check into one of 654 rooms or 241 suites (87 of which are kids’ suites). Each suite boasts cool, contemporary design and plenty of space for rest and relaxation between park visits. The popular kids’ suites include a conjoined bedroom that is made specifically for the little ones to enjoy, with a bunk bed that can fit up to three tykes, and a kid-size table, perfect for coloring or mealtime.
Apart from the kid-friendly accommodations, dining is a huge draw to the Hyatt Regency Orange County. The hotel is home to OC Brewhouse, which offers ice-cold local beers and pre-game eats. Angels of Anaheim fans are even invited to the hot spot prior to baseball games for dining specials and a $10 shuttle ride to the park. TusCA dishes up California-meets-Tuscany cuisine in a welcoming, light-drenched atmosphere. (Both restaurants are part of the resort’s open-air atrium/lobby.) The seasonal gnocchi is a must-try while the breakfast buffet is sure to cure just about any craving.
During warmer months, a spot to see and be seen at Hyatt Regency Orange County is at one of its pools—one that is surrounded by palm trees for shade-filled family fun and another that is a bit more private that grown-ups are sure to enjoy for some peace and quiet. If that’s not enough to keep you busy on hotel grounds, it is also home to a 24-hour fitness center and tennis and basketball courts (equipment can be borrowed from the hotel).
While getting to hang out on bunk beds in the kids’ suites and playing by the pool are enough to get any parent a No. 1 Mom or Dad prize, the O.C. retreat is less than one mile away from the land of It’s a Small World and Splash Mountain. To make things even more convenient, the resort has a Disney concierge to assist in guests’ theme park pursuits as well as a complimentary shuttle that brings visitors to and from Disney every half hour. Happiest Place on Earth, indeed.
Celebrity Sanctuary
Los Angeles’s Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is located on Avenue of the Stars—and that couldn’t be more accurate. Presidents and celebrities galore have checked into the hotel, and sitcom stars regularly work out at the on-premises Equinox Fitness Club + Spa. Popular television shows (like Emmy-winning “Modern Family”) have filmed on the hotel’s property while Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes shopped for hours at the within-walking-distance Westfield Century City Shopping Center. If there wasn’t already enough A-list allure in these parts, the towering resort is neighboring Fox Studios and Creative Artists Agency. Who hasn’t heard CAA mentioned during Oscar speeches?
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza has to be pretty plush to accommodate so much star power. The hotel houses more than 700 rooms and suites, including the regal Regency Club room. The Regency Club, located on the first floor of the hotel, offers complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day, while the room is decked with a clean, warm palette and top-notch touches (some suites have multiple bathrooms, private lanais and more). Throughout the hallways, artwork-adorned walls make the walk to the room most enjoyable.
If you can bear leaving your world-class accommodations, Breeze, the signature restaurant, dishes out fresh California cuisine. During the lunch hour, executives from the surrounding buildings can be seen having power lunches. At this time, Breeze also offers a sushi bar. X bar is a busy, people-watching spot come nighttime and dishes out great cocktails and small
plates in an urban-inspired atmosphere.
For a little r-n-r, the Equinox Spa offers tempting treatments from expert therapists. Plus, the resort has a breathtaking pool area surrounded by lounge chairs and private cabanas. For a little greenery, near the pool area is a large patch of grass where little ones can play catch while moms and dads soak up some sun.
To work on that bikini bod, Equinox’s fitness center has top-of-the-line exercise equipment. Just don’t get star-struck while stepping off the treadmill—you might spot a famous face or two at this exclusive club.
Hip in Hollywood
Located on West Hollywood’s famed Sunset Strip, Andaz West Hollywood was once a playground for music’s wild children. In the 70’s, the hotel, which was Continental Hyatt House at the time, was nicknamed “Riot House” as the likes of Axl Rose, Keith Richards and Jim Morrison were known to toss TV’s off balconies and hang from windows. To further its rockin’ reputation, “Almost Famous” and “This is Spinal Tap” were both filmed at the hotel.
Nowadays, Andaz West Hollywood celebrates its past with music-inspired décor (like framed albums on the walls), which suit the minimalist, modern rooms. Design standouts include the showers lined with gorgeous Calcutta marble mosaics and the dining area that is crowned by a glam dripping-crystal light fixture. Thanks to the hard-partying rock stars, the once-balconies have been transformed into sunrooms, a darling nook surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, a few cozy seats and a TV.
In addition to its cool, modern aesthetic, the Tinsel Town getaway sets itself apart with its unique check-in/check-out system. Instead of having a traditional reception desk, Andaz guests are greeted at the door by one of several hosts. Guests are invited to sit down and have a drink while the hosts check them in and answer any questions. The host then takes the guests
to their room, with their luggage, and gives them a tour of the room and nearby attractions to see during their stay.
When it comes to mealtime, Andaz’s RH has become a celebrity and hipster hot spot. The exhibition-style kitchen dishes out an open-face ravioli and farm-fresh appetizer salads that are bursting with flavor. The list of cocktails is ready to impress, as well.
Even though Andaz has dining and accommodations down, the hotel’s rooftop pool is a favorite guest feature. The pool is lined with lounge chairs and cabanas, ready to be nestled into with a good book, and swimmers include everyone from local 20-somethings to out-of-town families. Plus, there is a rooftop bar to ensure that pool-goers don’t go thirsty. Views on one end of the pool include the Hollywood cityscape while the other side has a panorama of gorgeous hilltop homes. Now, if only you could decide which view to take in.
To Learn More:
Andaz West Hollywood
www.westhollywood.andaz.hyatt.com.
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
www.centuryplaza.hyatt.com.
Hyatt Regency Orange County
www.orangecounty.hyatt.com.