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Hilton Garden Inn
Carlsbad Beach
Offers Affordable Travel Packages Story and photos (unless stated otherwise) by Mary McGrath
Whether you're looking for an easy family vacation, a quick business trip, or just a kickback beachside experience, The Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach affordably fits the bill. Overlooking the Pacific, respite from the day-to-day drudgery is easily accomplished at this cute beachside property. I was pleasantly surprised with this cute place. We were lucky to arrive on the day that they were replacing all the mattresses and boy did it make a difference.
It was hard to abandon the fluffy bed as Caribbean tunes wafted through the window in the late afternoon. Total relaxation ensued while we watched the tropical foliage dance in rhythm to the music.
The hotel has recently undergone a modest facelift, and the homey modern vibe added to its charm. The service at the hotel is impeccable. From detailed directions to the local pharmacy, to the personal touch extended by General Manager Regie Brown, all pistons were firing at this cute place. They clearly aim to please. Even the menu in the restaurant has been revamped, thanks to the expertise of Ricardo Vargas who adds a progressive flair to his menu items. With twenty years of experience at such positions as the Executive Chef at Feast On This Catering in San Diego, the Stoneridge Country Club in Poway and the Doubletree Golf Resort Hotel in San Diego, his lineage in the culinary industry will be well received. The menu is a well-rounded one with popular favorites like pork sliders, rib-eye steak, pasta, salads, and a variety of appetizers. Of those we sampled, The Shrimp Cocktail is a must, along with the Crab Cakes.
Carlsbad is an old village dating back to the 1880s. Carlsbad started as a whistle stop on the new California Southern Railroad. In the 1880s, John Frazier, a former ship's captain, dug a fresh-water well that was utilized used for thirsty locomotives. The stop became known as Frazier's Station. Frazier dug another well that produced mineral water. The water was analyzed and found equal in mineral content to one of Europe's most popular health spas, Karlsbad, Bohemia (now Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic). Later, Carlsbad was renamed Carl for a time because of confusion with Carlsbad, New Mexico. Popular demand restored the former name. There's a lot to do in Carlsbad, and the Hilton offers many packages to enhance your travel experience. If beer is your thing, take advantage of the craft brew scene and the cute Carlsbad coastline adjacent to the hotel with the Board and Brew Package. Starting at $169, the package includes overnight accommodations, two bottles of premium San Diego craft beer and a 20 percent discount for surf and paddleboard rentals and lessons at Raw Skin Surf Shack. Situated so close to Legoland, Hilton's Family Discount Package is jam-packed with many offerings made for fun in the sun. How about a 15 percent off regular admission to LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park? Also included is a 15 percent discount for those who want to jet ski, rent kayaks or or try paddle boarding at the lagoon. Also available are bicycle rentals and golf at the renowned Crossings course. For those who want to park the car, the Hilton offers a complimentary shuttle service that is available within five miles from the property. Head to downtown Carlsbad for a myriad of tasty restaurants, or for those who are into sightseeing, check out the historical Magee House, Carlsbad Flower Fields or other points of interest.
Summer is almost here. Why not book your getaway, before the swell of the crowds beats you too the incredible offerings of the Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach. Hilton
Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach Other points of interest:
Related Articles: |
've traveled to many Southern California beach cities over the past
few years. It's always a pleasure to discover another gem adjacent to
the Pacific. I found another one in Carlsbad this past weekend.
FEEDBACK FOR PATTI I enjoy your newsletters -and particularly Patti Nickell's article
about the 'Pudding Club' in the Cotswold's. An old friend of mine is taking
a holiday there this year and plans to try their Jam Roly Poly and Spotted Dick
- amongst many!
FEEDBACK FOR JULIO The way I read this article, you stayed at the "Breeze
and Waves". Do you have any pictures of the cottages, and would you recommend
to some first time visitors to Caramoan? Hi Richard, Breeze and Waves was still under construction when I stayed
there in Feb. 2010. It should be finished by now. You
can see pictures of the resort on this page. We got to stay in one of the
small cottages in the picture. I'll recommend it to budget travelers but you
might want to look at other options. We chose it because of its location right
by the beach. You can try other resorts in the Caramoan town proper (you have
to get a ride to get to the beach and the jump-off point to go island-hopping
but it's a relatively short distance). There are also two higher end resorts
located on a cove and very near the islands: Gota Village Resort (unfortunately
there is something wrong with their website right now) and its twin resort Hunongan
Cove. Caramoan is a relatively new tourism development so resorts are just now
being built. I should add that it might be good to go to Caramoan (and almost anywhere in the Philippines) during the dry season from December to May. June to November are the typhoon months and sometimes typhoons will still come during early December. Julio * * * * * Hi, I'm planning to go to Caramoan this coming May. Would you
know the number of Breeze and Waves Cottages? Thanks! Hi Ann, Breeze and Waves' phone number is 0908-2911072. Look for Freddie. Hope you have a grand time at Caramoan! Julio
FEEDBACK FOR WENDY For Nature's Playground: The South Island of New Zealand Hi Wendy, In winter, Heritage Heights Apts. now offers free shuttle service to and from Queenstown 24/7 to guests without cars. We own a 7-passenger 4-wd Toyota Highlander used specifically to taxi guests up and down the hill during winter months. We also run advance purchase winter promotions which include a 4-wd rental. If any of your readers head over this direction, I will enjoy extending Heritage Heights hospitality!! Cheers --- Ailey, Owner, Queenstown, NZ * * * * * New Zealand text and pix top drawer! Almost as good as making the trip. ( but one still wants to. . . ) Full of useful detail. Only trouble with the website: It's tough figuring out which feedback goes with which article, and the more there are, the tougher it gets! --- Ken W., Camarillo CA Thanks Ken..."álmost" is right, you really have to experience the South Island firsthand. Granted this piece is long, but still all I can think about is how much I left out! I agree abut the relevancy factor re the feedback--it can be confusing...sometimes I have a "Wait a minute...what?" moment myself. Thanks for writing, Wendy * * * * * Okay Wendy, from now on whenever you book your travel, please reserve space for me. I will carry your luggage, bring you cold drinks, massage your shoulders, and change the film in your camera (oops, I guess you don't have to do that anymore). Wonderful ideas and recommendations. Can you get to New Zealand from Boston in less than a week? --- Carl A., South Easton, MA Ha ha ha Carl, you're quite the comedian! But you'd be surprised how short that flight feels. I suspect Qantas isn't the only airline who's figured out that 3 movies, 2 full meals, lots of snacks and a complimentary travel pack (eye mask, warm socks and neck pillow) equals a quiet, well-behaved cabin. It really isn't bad. Just fly direct--pick the shortest flight w/ no lengthy layovers and you'll be fine. Re: signing on as my Super Sherpa...why not? I think you know I seldom travel in anything less than Party mode. There's just that pesky background check... Thanks for writing, Wendy For Excellence Riviera Cancun: Wendy, I truly enjoyed your info especially since we leave in a week to celebrate my 50th Birthday. Was it necessary to make reservations at the restaurants? Was there a dress code for the restaurants? What would you recommend not missing while there? Was the spa experience worth it? Did you travel away from the resort while there? Thanks, --- Kim P. Fuquay, Varina, NC Hi Kim. Sorry for the delay in responding...you had heavy competition with the holidays. Reservations at Excellence restaurants are not necessary and you will not find a wait. The dress code is basically no bathing suits and flip-flops...with a decided a mix of atmospheres. Mostly the open-air beachside spots are super casual, the rest slightly more formal. Truly, as long as you are clothed, I don't think you'd be turned away anywhere, though most people seemed to enjoy dressing up at night...I suspect more for their own pleasure than any sense of decorum. The spa experience was worth it, though my favorite part wasn't the actual massage. The precursor was a 45 min. or so rotation from sauna to a series of (kind of wild) water jets which was very different and very cool, not just for women. In its' entirety, and with the serenity of the beach/champagne/strawberries, it was memorable. We did not travel away from the hotel this trip, but the hotel is very helpful in arranging day excursions to fit your desires and you do not have to book these until you arrive. Have a great time! --- Wendy
FEEDBACK FOR NINO I enjoyed Nino's contribution, since we all read about the frightening
terrorist attack. Having travelled somewhat through India years ago, I am continually
impressed with this country and the gentle spiritual aspects of this nation.
Some day I look forward to going back. Nino has encouraged me. Thank you!
FEEDBACK FOR RUSH & CHUCK Dear Mr.s/counselors Brown and Koro, Thank you for a very informed and succinct article on motorcycle accidents and the law. It inspired me to think about getting a motorcycle, but not have an accident. But, if I do I am now well informed with the basics of what to do providing I do not perish in the accident. Any tips about that too? --- Unnamed
Dear Rush and Chuck, I wish I had read your article before our camping trip the Friday prior to President's Day. My wife and I were in a car accident on our way to a camp ground. We were "rear-ended" and the impact caused our car to crash into the car in front of us. The contents of the truck that we were riding scattered onto several lanes. It's a miracle our two dogs decided to stay inside the car. My wife and I were shaken up badly but despite the mess, I was still able to walk out of the car. I got the license plate of the driver in front of me but, to my surprise, after reviewing the little damage on his car, he then sped off. I didn't know you could do that! The driver who hit me from behind gave me his information and then he too left the scene without saying good 'bye. When the police arrived all I had to go by was the little information I had jotted down which I hope was truthful. What if it was bogus? What if I had written the plate number incorrectly? How would that affect my insurance? What if we were unconscious, who would have written down all that information? I do have one suggestion if you are injured in an accident. The police asked if my wife wanted an ambulance to bring her to the hospital but we declined the offer. I remembered when I rode an ambulance years ago that it was not a comfortable ride. I was strapped to the stretcher and there were all sorts of medical equipment dangling noisily above me. As long as you are able, it is a more relaxful ride inside a car. Besides, isn't there a fee for ambulance service? --- Dave S. of Pasadena, CA
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