Kimpton La Jolla

Quick Night Stay

After a long weekend of painting the house (yes, we painted the exterior of the house, rather started is more like it) we took an hour trip down to La Jolla for some rest and relaxation.  



An hour drive down to La Jolla (minutes from San Diego) and we were ready to relax.  Getting to the Kimpton Hotel was a little confusing but, thank you google maps and my wonderful iPhone, we made it!  The hotel grounds were beautiful.  Very green and inviting.  Dropped the car off with valet and made our way in.

Hotel La Jolla, The lobby was wall to wall windows and had a very open vibe.  Roxanne helped check us in.  She was, typical Kimpton, very helpful in checking us and our Roxi in.  She made sure Roxi was taken care of-  There was a dog bed, bowls and a new toy waiting for her in our room!  We had our welcome goodies and after we got cleaned up another set of goodies arrived with a note, "No more painting!  from Roxanne"  She went out of her way to make us feel welcome and taken care of.  

We toured the area, made a stop at the 5-6 happy hour, grabbed a snack and then cleaned up for dinner at the Cusp.  

Their restaurant, Cusp, is located on the 11th floor with gorgeous panoramic views.  We arrived around 7 pm and watch the beautiful sunset from our table.  Food was great with a Mediterranean/Italian fusion.  I started with the Grilled Olive Bread and Arrabiata dipping sauce, that was so good I could have stopped there!  My entree was the Roasted Artichoke in a Tomato Ragout.  I'm hungry just thinking about it!  We also shared the Fire Roasted Cauliflower Gratin which I crave regularly now.

I wish we could have stayed longer.  I feel we'll be there once a year, it was that fantastic.

If you are headed on a trip check out the Kimpton Hotels.  They are a warm and inviting boutique hotel you have to experience at least once.  You won't be disappointed!
And if you're headed to one in July tell the desk at check-in "bicycle" for a special treat.  When reserving become an In-Touch member to get all the great perks!  You can tell them lovemaddux@hotmail.com referred you!  Some of the perks we've received have been Room Upgrades, Raid the Mini Bar, Bottle of Wine, Free WiFi, Welcome Goodies, T-Shirts, Movies...

Enjoy your stay- Melissa
(and let me know if you stay at a Kimpton and what you loved about it!)

Arizona Tour

Off to be with the desert folks for a few days...

Spending time in Arizona in the summer can be grueling.  Unless you hit up these amazing places, and stay indoors or by a pool.

A girl friend and I started our 5 hour trip to AZ about 10 am on Friday, 6/21.  Figured we avoid the morning rush and most of the evening traffic.  From the LA area it was only about 6 hours total driving.  We arrived for our first day in Scottsdale.  I really enjoy this small city, has some great food places and one of the best Kimpton Hotels for pool/lounging, the Fire and Sky Resort.  Just as the name states, it's a resort.  They have 2 pools, 1 with a sandy/pebbly beach!  The other has waterfalls and fire (Fire and Sky Resort, not just a cleaver name)!  The hotel staff was also fantastic.  We had a bottle of prosseco waiting for us!  Along with some snacks and some of the best Parmesan Cheese!  Yum!

We kept it easy and stayed at the resort for the majority of the time, but if you have time check out these great places...

• Sombreros Cafe and Cantina, Scottsdale, AZ  Great Mexican food.  The atmosphere here is authentic as the cooking.  I recommend the Corn Chowder, loaded with jalapenos, and the Potato Tacos Dorados.  Don't forget the Margaritas!  Refreshing on a hot Arizona day.
• Sugar Bowl Located in old town, this Ice Cream Parlor is part historic and part amazing.  Fun family establishment, everything a Ice Cream Parlor should be.  

On to Sedona and the Grand Canyon!  Anyone going to the Grand Canyon should take some extra time to visit Sedona.  It was slightly cooler, temperature wise, than Phoenix and much more picturesque.  Red Rocks!  One of Mother Nature's great gifts.  

We popped in to the Blue Moon Cafe for a quick lunch.  Good food, good prices, and nice people but have some time available to stop.  They are busy most of the time and they don't move as quickly as I am used to.

In total, I think we spent about 2 hours in Sedona.  A quick drive by some of the Red Rock landmarks, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.  And on our way to the Grand show...the Grand Canyon.

Cost was $25 for the entire car to enter the Grand Canyon.  It's pretty busy but you can easily see everything in 1 day trip.  

After a long day of traveling, we finally ended up at in Phoenix at the Kimpton Palomar!  We didn't have a lot of time, but we did find the time to do my favorite Arizona pizza place, CIBO!  They call themselves an Urban Pizzeria Cafe.  I call them Delicious!

We snacked on the Caprese Salad and some bread before the margarita pizza of awesomeness came.  It did not disappoint.  Such a cute house, its set in a restored 1913 bungalow with loads of outdoor seating (for those hot romantic nights).  There is always wait, so plan accordingly.  

Upgrade!  Finally some relaxing time in the hotel.  We got upgraded to the corner suite!  It was so beautiful and exactly what I want my future NYC apartment to look like...when I'm a millionaire!

One final stop on the road trip, CrackerBarrel!  Maybe it's because I'm from California but, every time I see a Cracker Barrel I have to stop.  Cheesey Hashbrown Casserole!

Enjoy your stay- Melissa