Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

Once You’re at the Ritz-Carlton, Why Leave?

Before this experience I would never imagine staying at a Ritz-Carlton voluntarily.  The prices are outrageous, right?  And there are  countless other places to stay at a fraction of the cost that are perfectly fine.  I never spend that much time in my hotel room when I’m traveling anyway, especially when I’m with my family.  So what difference does it make if I have the finest trappings around me if I’m just going to put the kids to bed there and pass out shortly afterward?

The answer is that I wouldn’t stay at the Ritz if I was visiting an area for other activities, like going to theme parks or seeing friends or touring a new city.  No, I would stay at the Ritz to stay at the Ritz. For other people with big wallets, it may be just the hotel for them no matter what they’re doing, but for me and my family, it’s an opulent escape destination that we hated to leave, and one that we’d consider splurging on for a much-needed relaxing getaway.

Location, Location, Location

The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel (adjacent to the more famous Laguna Beach) sprawls atop the cliffs of insanity that face Salt Creek Beach.    There is a long clifftop path that stretches north through the neighboring community, and it can be crowded at times but in the early morning it’s the perfect place to get the lay of the land. The hotel itself has many vantage points for just sitting and staring, including 180Blu, the outdoor bar with fresh sushi, live music, and after dark, fire!  The views are killer – you watch the surfers, the dolphins, and the occasional whale, and then the sun sets:

Laguna Niguel Sunset

For more real-life review and photos, read on:

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From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

My husband and I just celebrated our anniversary last month. Fifteen years ago we said our vows in front of family and friends in Santa Barbara, so you can understand why I consider this city the most romantic of destinations. Sure, I’m partial, but I’m sure if you check out these hotels you’ll agree that Santa Barbara is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be there with the man of your dreams like I was fifteen years ago.

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