Seeking a Valentine's Day getaway, here are five destinations that offer a romantic ambiance in Southern California.
SANTA BARBARA
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Santa Barbara is owned by ABC's The Bachelor reality star Andrew Firestone and Jess Parker, co-founders of StonePark Capital. This Santa Barbara-based hospitality development company turned an aging hotel into the first Courtyard by Marriott to debut in downtown Santa Barbara. "As Santa Barbara natives, Jess and I are thrilled to re-introduce this classic downtown hotel with timeless mid-century architecture and style,” said Firestone. “We are also proud to partner with Azul Hospitality to bring to life the first Marriott branded hotel to the city of Santa Barbara."
Romantic features include a heated pool and hot whirlpool among swaying palm trees and flickering fire pit lounge area. The onsite Saint Remy restaurant offers local coffee and a variety of sweet and savory breakfast fare, plus salads, a fig, bacon and melted cheese burger during lunch and dinner. Local beers on draught, and wines from vintners in some of the best local and international regions are featured on the beverage menu. There is a pocket window that opens from the pool to the bar for guests to enjoy a cocktail at sunset.
Rooms are spacious and the top floors have views of the Santa Ynez Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Guests are within walking distance to the picturesque and historic Santa Barbara Mission and Rose Garden. A few blocks away is also lively downtown Santa Barbara for shopping, exploring museums and a variety of restaurants. Beyond is the Santa Barbara Wharf, harbor and beaches.
WEST HOLLYWOOD/BEVERLY HILLS
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills is offering a variety of romantic specials in February. There is an option to book an engagement 'Romance' package that includes an engagement ring fitting by the fine jewelry brand VRIA with a consultation, cocktail surprise and suite luxuries.
This is an ideal opportunity for those looking to propose on Valentine's Day. The VRAI Engagement package is an experience on the private rooftop of the Penthouse Suite. Guests receive a private consultation before arrival with a VRAI gemologist to select and fit their engagement ring or meet with a VRAI consultant in private after checking into the hotel. Guests can enjoy a celebratory VRAI diamond at the bottom of the glass.
This package also includes an overnight stay in one of the premier suites, plus a bottle of Champagne and desserts in the shape of VRAI diamond jewelry.
The hotel is also offering a special 'Romance' package that includes an overnight stay in a spacious suite, plus $100 Food and Beverage credit. A bottle of Moet Brut and chocolate treat await upon arrival to your room. Both of these specials are available from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28.
PALM SPRINGS
The newly refreshed Hotel ZOSO Palm Springs is offering a 'Get Buzzed and Fall in Love' Package throughout the month of February.
Guests will receive two Buzzbox cocktails - one Paloma and one Cosmo, plus a bag of Brandini Toffee almond toffee bites, and a late 2 p.m. check-out.
Visit the new Lotus Spa, and experience the new food and beverage offering. There is also a new Pretty Faces nightclub to dance the night away.
Just blocks from lively downtown Palm Springs. Take a stroll during the day to visit the shops, see a bigger than life Marilyn Monroe statue while walking up to the Palm Springs Art Museum, and take a ride to the top of the mountain to see snow on the Palm Springs Aerial Tram.
DEL MAR
After a multi-million dollar renovation, Del Mar Beach Hotel invites couples seeking a romantic getaway to take a deep breath of the salty air, and listen to the gentle roar of the waves. At sunset the beach terrace offers a kaleidoscope of colors that stretch for miles.
Since this boutique hotel is located right on the sand, the beach theme light-filled rooms offer thoughtful amenities. From comfortable bedding and Frette robes, plus a sweeping oceanfront deck, guests immediately fall into a vacation vibe.
Sip coffee from Poseidon Restaurant before you walk along the water's edge or grab a boogie board and ride some waves. Take a walk along the gardens and parks up to Del Mar Village for some shopping, lunch or dinner.
During February, the Romance Package includes luxury accommodation; a dozen roses; a bottle of Champagne; rose petal turndown; and a special dessert set up in the room. Pricing is an additional $125 to the reservation. This special package is available for guests booking from February 10 through February 17, 2023.
