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Tags: California Hotel Reviews / Yosemite Hotels / → All Tags

Yosemite's Wawona Doesn't Have Wow Factor But It's Not Bad

Where: PO Box 575 [map], Yosemite National Pk, CA, United States, 95389

Thinking of camping in Yosemite this summer but just can't give up the idea of a comfortable bed to sleep in? The LA Times just had a feature on accommodation in and near the park, and the Wawona Hotel was one of the places they mentioned. It's the oldest hotel in Yosemite and looks pretty grand--it's even classified as a National Historic Landmark.

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Tags: California Hotel Reviews / Anti-View / → All Tags

At Avila La Fonda, a Jacuzzi Can't Make up for the Anti-View

Where: 101 San Miguel [map], St, Avila Beach, CA, United States, 93424

After an oil leak that led to the leveling of many nearby buildings, Avila Beach has opened its arms to any new development that would come its way.

The Avila La Fonda Hotel is one of them. A 33-room space was designed to emulate the style of early Mexico and California. A mission-style lobby, an abundance of fountains, artistic stained glass, and lots and lots of color deems their efforts.

Yet the past meets the future when it comes to amenities like complimentary WiFi and laptop if you need it, 42-inch plasma TVs, DVD and CD players with a library to borrow from. The rooms also make ample use of space as L.A. Timesreporter, Susan Carpenter explains:

French doors at the far end of the space were open to the small patio, allowing the breeze to waft in. A flame flickered in the nearby electric fireplace, throwing the tiniest bit of heat toward a brown leather love seat and matching chair. There was no sign of the queen-sized bed. That was tucked into the wall opposite the TV until 6 p.m., when staff stopped by to pull it out, fluff the down pillows and turn down the 500-thread-count sheets.

We wonder how easy this bed it to get down on its own. After all isn't this a romantics retreat? But then again there is the Jacuzzi bath. The other major problem: anti-views. Carpenter was annoyed to find out that although the hotel is just one block from the beach, an ugly old parking lot separates the two causing for you know what: views of concrete. Oh well, the beach is probably still full of oil anyway.

Related Stories:
· New sand, new town, new hotel [L.A. Times]
· Avila La Fonda Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Family Friendly / California Hotel Reviews / → All Tags

Send the Kids to 'Camp' at The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Where: 905 Country Club Road [map], Ojai, CA, United States, 93023

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa was recently awarded as one of the "Top 10 Best Resorts for children" by Child Magazine.

The hotel however seems more like a romantic getaway for couples as it features the mountainous backdrop of Southern California and has fireplaces heating up the luxurious bedrooms. Add in a fancy golf course and top-notch spa and we wonder what the kids could possibly do here. Or better yet where are they?

We found out they are probably participating in the hotel's kids program for ages 5 to 12 where they learn about the Chumash Indians, who lived on California's Central Coast.

Counselors -- one for every five campers -- lead nature hikes to the Chumash Indian Hunt, where kids hear stories, sing, and create talking rain sticks and rock art. The property also boasts an 800-acre Ranch & Stables, featuring a big red barn, an active silo, a petting farm, and 36 horses....All kids come home with a photo of themselves, framed with the name of the horse they rode, a bandanna, and a horseshoe.

As for Mom and Dad, Picky Chick says, "There isn't a whole lot to do...golf, spa, eat, drink. That's basically it and that's what is so fabulous about Ojai."

But you better hope that kids program will tire your rugrats out because despite room rates of $350 and up, there's no DVD players or OnCommand movies in the rooms.

Related Stories:
· Picky Chick Getaway-Ojai [Picky-Chick Blog]
· Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Ten Best Family Friendly Resorts [Child.com]