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Historic Charm
Meets Modern Luxury At
Fairmont Miramar Hotel And Bungalows Story and photographs by Greg Aragon
The getaway began when a friend and I pulled down a secluded, hedge-lined driveway across the street from the Santa Monica Pier. We then parked beneath a giant, 100-yr-old fig tree and stepped into pure seaside luxury.
Our first stop was a classy 8th floor guest room in the Ocean Tower. Overlooking the pool and beach, the room featured a comfy king bed, 42" LCD Flat screen TV, office desk with Internet, espresso machine, mini-bar, radio with iPod dock, a charming old-styled bathroom, and the aforementioned balcony, where we got a bird’s eye view of the historic pier and beach. Once acquainted with the room, we headed to the pool area for a swim and some rays. While sipping iced tea and relaxing on a cozy recliner beneath swaying palm trees, I read about the 300-room Miramar’s fabled history. Built as a private mansion by John P. Jones, a former U.S. Senator and founder of Santa Monica, The Fairmont Miramar Hotel has been a happening hideaway for Hollywood hipsters and guests in-the-know since 1921.
In 1924 the six-story Palisades Wing was built to provide apartments for extended-stay guests, such as actress Greta Garbo. In the 1930s, private bungalows were constructed and celebrities such as Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, Eleanor Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh became regulars. Today, the Palisades Wing is still around, and the 32 poolside bungalows have been restored to former grandeur. Another hotel landmark still standing is the humungous, 80-ft-tall fig tree that welcomes guests at the main entry. Planted more than 100 years ago, the tree is the second largest of its kind in California. The tree is so beloved that the hotel’s signature eatery was named FIG Restaurant. Headed by Chef Ray Garcia, FIG offers fresh, local and organically grown ingredients straight from Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. FIG features an intimate private dining room for romantics, and a communal table and pewter bar for more casual dining. The hotel also boasts the Lobby Lounge, where we had dinner. Overlooking a Koi fishpond and waterfall, the restaurant spills from the lobby to an outside patio, providing a memorable summer dinner experience.
Our meal began with tasty-sweet Mojitos, and a couple delicious fish tacos with avocado, mango and cabbage that were suggested to us by restaurant manager Sarah Leitner. Sarah, who works at both FIG and the Lobby Lounge, thoroughly knows her food and wine and is very charming and professional. She even helped us plan out the rest of our meal. This included homemade roasted tomato basil soup; followed by scrumptious shrimp scampi with white wine sauce and roasted garlic for me; tender bistro steak, with Hungarian sweet peppers for my friend; and of course, a couple more Mojitos for both of us.
After dinner, we walked a couple blocks to Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade, a European-styled walkway with hundreds of shops, restaurants and bars. To get there we walked along Ocean Ave and gazed at Santa Monica Pier, with its huge, colorfully-lit Ferris wheel, twinkling and twirling in the night. In the morning, I worked out in the hotel gym and walked across the street to the beach for a morning stroll. The Miramar also boasts a barber shop, and Exhale, a full-service spa with massage and therapy services and fitness programs, mind and body classes, yoga, steam room, sauna, lockers and showers.
For package people, the hotel has got that covered too. One such is the “Under the Santa Monica Sun Package.” This exciting offer includes a trendy Fiat convertible so guests can drive along the coast to Malibu’s picturesque wine country, where they will enjoy wine tasting for two at Malibu Wines, and a gourmet picnic prepared by Fig’s Executive Chef, Ray Garcia. Upon return prepare your palate for a dinner for two at FIG Restaurant.
The package includes: overnight accommodations for two, welcome amenity, one day Fiat convertible rental, picnic for two prepared by FIG Restaurant, dinner for two at FIG. Prices start at $659.00 and is based on availability. Another cool hotel offering is free BMW rentals for guests. That’s right, for a limited time, hotel guests can cruise around town in a brand new BMW 6 Series coupe or convertible – for free!
The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows are located at 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 90401. For more info and reservations, call (310) 576-7777 or visit www.fairmont.com/santamonica. Related Articles: |
awoke to a brisk sea breeze dancing on my face and the aroma of freshly
brewed espresso tickling my nose. I got out of bed, put on my fluffy
bathrobe and stepped on the balcony, where I breathed in an incredible
view of Pacific Ocean to my left and lush pool gardens below. It was
a wonderful escape to the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in
Santa Monica.
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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