When I travel, I like to spend the majority of my day outside discovering new things At night, I want to soak up the best things a city has to offer. In the early evening, I always head back to my hotel for some much-needed R&R so that I can master both the light and the dark. My room needs to be clean and have a full-length mirror, a bathroom with good lighting, and a mini-fridge (preferably stocked with wine or bubbly, but I’ll take what I can get). I also make sure to get the best deal for my stay, so I can live it up in style. For those doing the “fake-it-til-you-make-it” hokey-pokey, you will definitely be able to turn yourself around in some of California’s top destinations with these Hipmunk Hotels.
A trip to the OC requires fun in the sun, but would not be complete without some Orange County orange juice! I prefer mine with a little more champagne than the above image, so saving a buck or two by staying atWyndham Irvine Orange County Airport at $147 a night is a no-brainer. This hotel boasts an indoor pool, Paradise Restaurant (for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a fitness center, and a multi-use court. There are plenty of amusement parks nearby, which is perfect for me as I’m a total roller-coaster junkie!
I’m a total sucker for the lifestyles of the rich and famous, but convenience is key too. Newport Beach may have been where the kids in the OC lived, but when I’m California dreaming, all I want is a pool the minute I get off the plane! The Atrium Hotel at Orange County Airport has a beautiful pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. The rooms themselves offer luxury bedding, free Wi-Fi, full-length mirrors, blow-dryers, and even recliners. Rooms start at $139 per night for a room with either a king or two double beds. With that kind of value, I can’t feel bad splurging while shopping at the nearby South Coast Plaza or while waltzing through Laguna Beach.
For an adventure vacation, I hardly spend any time in my room. When I’m solo-traveling, it’s pretty essential to stay in a hostel to meet people. When traveling with friends, however, a private room is where it’s at. Down on skid row, you’ve got options. Stay on Main is stylish and super budget-friendly, with dorm rooms starting at $50/ night and private rooms starting at $100/ night. In LA, that’s unheard of! Close to the Grammy Museum, STAPLES Center, and downtown, you probably won’t be spending too much time in the room. If you do choose to hang out at this hotel and hostel hybrid, they offer free Wi-Fi, DVD player rentals, Wii console rentals, and a games room with ping-pong and a movie lounge in the lobby. Free food includes breakfast and afternoon snack. They also have a coffee shop on site. If you’re looking to meet people, but aren’t interested in the down and dirty hostel experience, Stay on Main!
Back to those pool vibes, The Dixie Hollywood Hotel offers a stunning outdoor pool. The hotel has old-school Hollywood glamour showcased in a modern, beachy hotel. No wonder it’s been used in hundreds of movie and TV shows! Free parking is tough to find in Hollywood, so if you’re road-tripping, then this is definitely the spot for you.
Do you prefer the convenience of being by the airport or the excitement of the city? Have you visited Orange County or LA recently? Let us know in the comments!