DISNEY'S GRAND CALIFORNIAN HOTEL & SPA

Prior to booking our trip to Disneyland in California, we got most of our advice about where to stay from co-workers and friends.  There are three Disneyland hotels on the property to choose from; Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.  Most people we spoke to said the nicest Disneyland property hotel to stay at is the Grand California Hotel & Spa.  In terms of price, it was the most expensive, so we figured it probably was the nicest.  I have to say when you enter the main lobby, you are almost blown away by the grandeur and how nice it looks.  (We peeked into the lobby of the Disneyland Hotel which looks like it is in major need of an update, and we never got a chance to see the Paradise Pier Hotel so I can't comment on it.)

But, my impression of the hotel and how "grand" it is quickly changed upon entering the room.  It's OLD and looks like it hasn't been updated in years.  Everything was clean, but the bathroom and the room itself had old fixtures and furniture.  After coming from the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa in San Diego which was so new and modern, needless to say, I was very disappointed.  

Fortunately, most of our time was spent at the parks so we were hardly in the room, but it was not the place I was looking forward to lay my head on the pillow at the end of an exhausting day.  Now this review about the hotel isn't all bad.  Again, the lobby is nice, the hotel has three outdoor pools, a beautiful spa, and it also has an incredible restaurant, Napa Rose, which has won all sort of awards.  The service was excellent, and we also enjoyed a fun character breakfast one morning at Storyteller's Cafe.  But, I'm not sure I would stay there again because my three biggest disappointments were (1) the old room (2) all the pools are outdoor so if it's raining (like it was for part of the time we were three) you cannot enjoy them, and (3) the hotel doesn't plan enough activities for the kids in the event of inclement weather (as I mentioned in a previous post). 

 For the most part Disney does everything great, I just think they are a little behind on the hotels.  

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa would only get a 3.5 out of 5 rating from me.

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH- DAY 3

Our last day at the parks was probably our best day!  Yes, part of us was sad this would be it at Disney, but really we weren't even supposed to be at the parks for a third day, so it was special.  The story is that we only bought a 2-day park hopper pass, figuring the first day we would be checking into our hotel and enjoying the pools and Downtown Disney, and then doing the parks for two days.  However, while we were out there, the forecast kept on predicting all of these crazy storms for the two days we were going to be at the parks and not for our first day checking in, so we figured we might as well use the park pass for the first two days, and just play the third day by ear.  Well, the first two days were bright and sunny (it only rained overnight on the second day), so we used the park pass then.  The third day we woke up to a rainy and cloudy day and figured we would hang out at the hotel and do whatever activities they had planned for inclement weather.  Well, they didn't have any!  Yes, Disneyland which is considered one of the "Happiest Places on Earth," and a Disneyland property hotel, apparently hasn't yet figured out what to do in the event of rain.  The Grand Californian Hotel has three magnificent pools (all outside), and their one thing planned for a rainy day was some hour-long Pinocchio activity...what were we to do?  I decided to speak to a Hotel Manager who at first offered to send free dvd's up to our room.  When I explained my kids were three and one, and that that probably wouldn't work, he offered us a free park hopper pass for the day for all of us (I'm talking four adults and one child- Brody was free)!!!  I thought they might do something nice for us, but I truly never expected that sort of kindness and generosity.  But, the other thing I haven't mentioned yet is that a lot of the major rides were closed for renovation during our visit, which no one told us when we booked our trip, so that was also part of their consideration into giving us the free passes.  Either way, it was really nice and we had an amazing time.  Rich and I even went back late night, just the two of us, and rode some fun rides we couldn't do with the kids like Indiana Jones and Space Mountain.  I will tell you, our experience really made us feel like we did visit the "Happiest Place on Earth!"  We can't wait to go again!

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH- DAY 2

Our second day at Disney, we had breakfast with the characters which was so much fun!  We bought a little autograph book and tried to get as many signatures and pictures with them as we could (although Richie was not into taking the pictures, so usually it was just us posing with them).  From there we spent the day checking out California Adventure and all of the rides.  The park is really amazing with so much to see and do!  We capped off the day with dinner at the park and watching their water light show which was so cool.  After such a great first day, we didn't think it was possible to have such an incredible second day, but we did.  We now know why it's called the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH- DAY 1

No matter how old or young you are, there is nothing not to love about Disneyland in California.  We had an amazing three days visiting both Disneyland Park and California Adventure Theme Park.  I will tell you more about our hotel stay at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa (coming soon!), but in the meantime, I think these pictures can tell you more about the fun we had in a way my words couldn't do!

HILTON CARLSBAD OCEANFRONT RESORT & SPA

Since I've been telling you about the things we did while visiting San Diego and where we ate, I figured I might as well tell you about where we laid our heads.  We stayed at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort & Spa in Carlsbad.  Driving by on the main rode, you may not notice it or appreciate it, but once inside you realize how great this resort is.

Everything here is pretty much brand new.  The lobby is modern and the space is very inviting.  There's a restaurant, Chandler's, in the lobby which we never had a chance to eat at, but from what I've heard, the food is very good.  

The rooms are also new and simple in design, but with nice details like a fridge and microwave (a big plus when you are traveling with kids).  The beds are ridiculously comfortable, and the bathrooms don't have tubs, but huge standing showers with glass doors.  It feels clean and very modern- all the things I look for in a hotel.

The other thing I loved was our terrace off of our room which overlooked the beautiful pool area and the Pacific Ocean.  Not all rooms come with this feature or this view, but when visiting California, I want to wake up facing the ocean!

Some of their other great amenities include a fitness room, complimentary coffee in the morning, the pool which is heated to 85* (a perk when visiting in February), a hot tub by the pool, fire pits, and a free shuttle to anywhere within 10 miles of the resort. 

If you are looking for a nice getaway at not a crazy expensive price point, the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa is the right choice!  There isn't too much going on in Carlsbad, but nothing is too far a drive away, and if you are going to visit Legoland, well it's pretty much in this resorts backyard!

GREAT FOOD SPOTS AROUND SAN DIEGO

One of our favorite things to do on vacation is to try great local cuisine.  Basically, we love good food, and so when we travel and find good spots, we want to be able to pass it along to you so you know the "must-try" eateries.  These are some of the places we went to that I would definitely check out if you are in the San Diego area.  For breakfast head to The Daily News Cafe in Carlsbad.  They have amazing coffee, breakfast burritos, and their "world famous" sticky buns are to die for!

Another great breakfast spot in Carlsbad is Don's Country Kitchen.  This place is much smaller than The Daily News Cafe, but it is oh so good!  I also tried their breakfast burrito and their homemade crumb cake, and would have had seconds of both if I wasn't so full.  Amazing breakfast!!!

While we're talking about breakfast spots, another place that I noticed was always packed on the weekends is Pannikin Coffee & Tea.  We decided to give it a shot, and while I wouldn't recommend going there for a hot breakfast meal (sort of disappointing), I would definitely go there for coffee, tea, bagels and pastries.  They have a huge patio and you can just order inside and grab it to sit outside.

While we're on the subject of breakfast, one thing we did notice is there are so many donut spots in and around San Diego...they must love their donuts!  Leucadia Donut Shoppe in Encinitas is supposedly owned by a local surfer who makes a certain number of donuts for the day, and when they sell out, the place closes and he hits up the beach...gotta love that lifestyle!  By the way, the jumbo-sized donuts (especially the jelly...mmm, my fav), were light, fluffy and delicious.  

A great, casual brunch/lunch spot that I highly recommend is Claire's on Cedros in Solana Beach.   The food is delicious, fresh, full of flavor, and the menu offers a big variety, breakfast or brunch.  Basically everything is good, and you won't go wrong with your menu choice.  Since I was in California, I wanted to opt for a healthy option and order something I don't have all the time, so I went with a quinoa and lentil salad and had a chai tea latte.  The salad was fantastic, and the latte was one of the best ever!

After we had lunch, the family took the kids for a bit and Rich and I got to go on a "day date" (something hard to come by with two little ones).  We jumped at the opportunity, and walked around the shops in Solana Beach.  After some shopping, we wanted to have a drink and stumbled upon Carruth Cellars Winery on Cedros.  It was a cute, little winery tucked away off the main street.  We both had a glass of California Chardonnay and it was delicious and refreshing, plus we got to enjoy it sitting outside next to a palm tree...totally California, and absolutely a perfect little date spot.

Solace and The Moonlight Lounge in Encinitas is a terrific restaurant for dinner.  We went there with one of my best friends, and what a great time we had!  The food is farm-to-table and everything is amazing. I had the Farro sauté with local veggies, smoked tomatoes, parmesan cheese and chicken and it was mouthwatering...all I can say is I want more!!!  Bottom line, Solace is about rich food and creative drinks in a sexy atmosphere.  It was the perfect place for us to go for date night with another couple.  

 We got to try a few other great places to, and I have to say every restaurant we visited in San Diego served excellent food.  Californians definitely know their food, and we can't wait to go back and eat our way through this great city again some time very soon!