Article and photographs by Greg Aragon
I love it when a new hotel enters the Southern California hospitality scene — especially when it comes to an emerging destination city like Rancho Cucamonga. Such is the case with Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina & Rooftop Bar (https://www.sanctityhotel.com/), which opened this past April.
As part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the 68-room boutique hotel brings new luxury to Rancho Cucamonga with amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, sauna, and the ultra-modern Thriv Studio, which offers advanced wellness therapies.
“Bringing Sanctity Hotel and Durango Cocina to life has been a dream come true. Every detail tells a story, inviting guests to experience something truly unique to the area,” says Sachin Bhakta, Vice President of Development at Globiwest Hospitality. “Rancho Cucamonga is an incredible community, and we wanted to create a space that feels like a true retreat—where guests can unwind, experience exceptional hospitality, and enjoy amazing food and drink at Durango Cocina.”
The family and I recently snuck away to Sanctity for a memorable day and night of comfort and culinary delight. Our getaway began when we checked into a spacious new suite with two queen beds, topped with high-quality linens with plush pillows, and accented by intricately gorgeous, hand-carved wooden head boards imported from Mexico.
The room also came with a 65-inch flat screen HDTV, a work desk with ergonomic chair, wireless internet, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a bright and luxurious bathroom with extra storage space and beautiful tile.
Once acquainted with our room, we explored the property. The white, mission-style design of the exterior compliments the hotel’s modern interior, where guests will be enchanted by a unique interpretation of the five fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space. Inspired by the palaces of India and brought to life with natural materials, the interiors are grounded in earth through the use of hand-carved Parota wood sourced from Mexico.
Air and space are reflected in the open layouts and expansive flow of the property, including Rancho Cucamonga’s first rooftop bar. Perched above the Sanctity Hotel, the rooftop location boasts sweeping views of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, and the vibrant Rancho Cucamonga cityscape.
We had appetizers at the rooftop and were amazed by the ambiance and flavors. Our meal began with fresh and delicious Ceviche Classico De Camaron, made with shrimp marinated with cucumber, onion, tomato, avocado, and house-made salsa marisquera, served with crispy tostadas. The tasty guacamole was blended with grilled onion, cilantro, and serrano. Served with crispy house-made tostadas.
After the appetizers we were ready for the main course at Durango Cocina (https://www.durangococina.com/), the hotel’s signature restaurant. Led by Chef Alex Carrasco, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Durango Cocina’s menu pays tribute to the culinary heritage of Durango, Mexico, while integrating locally sourced ingredients and modern cooking techniques.
Our dinner at Durango began with spinach salad, with garlic-sautéed spinach, quesillo cheese, crispy onions, and lime-infused spinach chips. For the main course I experienced the carne asada plate, with dry-aged ribeye with guajillo potato purée, roasted vegetables, and chipotle demi-glace. This succulent masterpiece came to the table with a tiny grill so I could keep roasting the steak or heat my tortillas and veggies.
For dessert, we sampled two delectable types of churros. The first was Chocalete Caliente Churros, filled with chocolate, hazelnut sauce, rose petals, and served with hot cocoa. The second was Churros Con Crema De Cacahuate, with peanut butter cream and dulce de leche ice cream. The churros were crunchy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside, and the sauces complimented the dish nicely.
After dinner I worked out at the state-of-the-art fitness center, where I walked a few miles on a treadmill with interactive world locations on the screen. Walking along a tropical beach with waves crashing at my feet made the workout enjoyable and before I knew it, I had walked three miles.
The next morning, we were back at Durango Cocina for a great breakfast. I devoured Huevos rancheros, a traditional Mexican breakfast with fried eggs and beans on top of lightly fried corn tortillas and smothered in a salsa. The kids split pancakes with ice cream and fruit on top.
After breakfast we drove a couple miles to Victoria Gardens, an outdoor shopping mall, with tons of shopping, dining, and entertainment options including The Apple Store, Macy’s, JCPenney, AMC Theatres, the Victoria Gardens Cultural Art Center, the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library, and over 150 retailers and eateries. The mall is also home to one of my family’s favorite stores: Bass Pro Shops.
At Bass Pro Shops (https://www.basspro.com/), aka Outdoor World, we love the giant aquarium with live fish, and all of the stuffed animals such as bears, hogs, deer and wolves. The humungous store also has incredible sections for camping, fishing, hunting, boating and outdoor clothes. There is even a restaurant and activities for kids on select days.
Back at Sanctity Hotel, I experienced Thriv Studio (https://thriv-studio.com/), which offers “groundbreaking therapies that reduce stress, enhance circulation, and accelerate healing. Our scientifically backed approach is tailored to restore balance, improve vitality, and elevate your life.”
Thriv offers treatments such as the HOCATT Infrared Ozone Sauna, an advanced wellness system designed for individuals seeking optimal health and those managing chronic conditions; and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy—a powerful treatment that saturates your body with pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber.
My treatment was the Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, a gentle, rhythmic technique designed to encourage lymph flow, reduce swelling, and boost immunity. Paired with BrainTap for enhanced relaxation and mental clarity, each 40-minute session leaves you feeling lighter, clearer, and more balanced. For this 40-minute treatment, I was wrapped in something like a space suit with a bunch of wires that transmitted heat and pressure throughout my body and limbs. I then put on a helmet and fell into deep relaxation for the next 40 minutes.
Sanctity Hotel is located in the heart of Rancho Cucamonga, near shopping malls, parks, museums and Ontario Intl Airport. It is located at 12255 Base Line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739. For more information, call 909.710.3070 or visit www.sanctityhotel.com
