Is There A Hotel That Is Within Walking Distance To The Pier In Santa Monica?

Looking to try the world’s only solar powered Ferris wheel? Look no further than Santa Monica Pier, a carnival strip on the ocean perfect for joggers and bikers. This is also home to the famous Venice Beach strip where you can catch bodybuilders working out and bikini-wearers on roller-skates. Most of the area is high cost if you want something within walking range, but we can knock the price down on a great room within walking distance of the pier.

Hotel Shangri La

Hotel Shangri La

This art-deco inspired hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is within easy walking distance of the Santa Monica pier. The modern style of the hotel gives off classic Hollywood vibe and offers similar glamour. There is a 24-hour concierge on call, rooftop lounge, first class restaurant, full-service spa, and fitness center.

The fitness center is particularly upscale with HD viewing screens on all the machines, MP3 player support, and custom programming with working out. The Sybaris Spa is all about relaxation and rejuvenation, and is overseen by Maria Aparis – health food chef and yoga instructor.

With the hotel perched over the ocean and hidden from view, it makes for a fantastic romantic getaway or wedding location. Even if you aren’t looking for a romantic experience, you can customize a meeting or party with your choice of catering menus and music.

Hotel Shangri-La is an upscale option with standard rates starting around $300 per night, but we can knock the price down.

Click here to book a room at Hotel Shangri La

Viceroy – Santa Monica Hotel

Viceroy – Santa Monica Hotel

This modern classic hotel has won countless awards from the likes of Travel+Leisure, and has been featured in Oprah magazine and the Los Angeles Times. Viceroy Hotel has a strong focus on eco-friendly amenities and green sustainability, with low flow water fixtures, a drip-irrigation system, refillable bath soaps, and a HEPA filter in every room. You can also ask the concierge for eco-friendly places to do business, whether eating or shopping.

The Fitness center offers 1-on-1 personalized training in anything from circuit training to ballistic training. Within walking distance from the hotel are several yoga and Pilates spots which offer regular classes.

Also within walking distance is Third Street Promenade which features fantastic shopping, live music, and a wider array of eateries.

Click here to book a room at Viceroy Hotel

Sheraton Delfina Hotel

Sheraton Delfina Hotel

Relaxed yet contemporary upscale style is the focus of this stylish hotel. This hotel provides every guest with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and easy access to the Pier.

You can jump in the heated pool anytime of the year, though you will probably want to put on some sandals and walk over to Venice Beach to people-watch. If you don’t feel like walking, the Sheraton Delfina offers bicycle rentals so you can comfortably ride down the beachside.

Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, 10,000 sq. ft. of event space, and several dining options including a poolside restaurant.

Click here to book a room at Sheraton Delfina

Best Discount

Looking for the best hotel prices on your trip to Santa Monica? At HotelReservations.com, we’ve got you covered. Click here and book a room today, or give us a call at 1(800)741-5072.

San Diego skyline on a clear day. By JDrewes

It’s hard to argue there is a bad time of year to visit San Diego given the year-round 70 degree weather, miles of beach, and glut of cultural offerings. This high-class destination includes some high class hotels for guests wanting a more luxurious trip to sunny California. Be sure to book a room early during the high season, or risk losing out on some of the best hotels San Diego has to offer.

Omni San Diego Hotel

Non-smokers will be in heaven at this 100% smoke-free four star hotel. There are 511 rooms total including deluxe and premier rooms with 360 sq. ft., and larger suites. Guests have access to views of the San Diego Bay, downtown, and the Ocean.

Rooms include 40-inch HDTVs, down or feather pillows, pillow-top mattresses, and wireless internet.

The Omni is ideally located next to the Gaslamp quarter, a historic district full of restaurants, clubs, and shopping. Guests don’t have to venture far for a good meal though; McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant offers fresh seafood, steaks, and wine  and is located inside the Omni hotel. A pedestrian sidewalk also connects the hotel to PETCO Park, home of major league baseball’s Padres.

Click here to find the best prices at the Omni Hotel

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Winner of a 2012 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, the Manchester Grand Hyatt was also named one of the “Best Meeting and Conference Hotels” in the United States according to Groups International.

The hotel boasts 1,625 large rooms all with stunning views of San Diego. Guests should open the windows to get a whiff of the clean San Diego air. Those sensitive to allergies can rest easy; the rooms are hypo-allergenic thanks to a six-step process that combines air purification and special fabric treatments to ensure you have the purest night of sleep possible.

Click here to find the best prices at the Manchester Grand Hyatt

The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

This Westin gem recently underwent a $25 million renovation to upgrade the facilities on every level imaginable. All 450 rooms and suites enjoy Weston’s signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath. There is 35,000 sq. ft. of space available for weddings and meetings with the ballroom hosting up to 900 guests.

There is a new gym with top-of-the-line exercise equipment and a heated outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy a little pampering with the in-room service spa treatments.

A brand new Tuscan-themed restaurant called Pinzimini offers casual Italian food including pizza and pasta.

Click here to find the best prices at the Westin Gaslamp

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Centrally located in the heart of San Diego, the Hilton Bayfront boasts a downtown waterfront locale within walking distance of the convention center. Each of the 1,190 rooms offers beautiful city skyline views thanks to the hotel’s huge room windows. Those interested in hosting a wedding ceremony or large business event can take advantage of the 165,000 sq. ft. of space.

Vela Restaurant treats guests with top-notch world cuisine, while the Fox Sports Grille gives guests a place to relax and watch the game.

The Bayfront also offers a spa for recharging which includes a saltwater pool and workout facilities.

Click here to find the best prices at the Hilton Bayfront.

Hotels in San Diego

Looking for the best hotel prices on your trip to San Diego? At HotelReservations.com, we’ve got you covered. Click here and book a room today, or give us a call at 1(800)741-5072.

Photos of the Mendocino Glass Beach, like the one above, captivate the imagination with thoughts like, “wow, that’s cool!” But proceed with caution. The millions of shiny color stones on the beach are actually wasted glass from old bottles and glasses. While this may change your feeling about the beach it still is a breath-taking site that truly is a diamond in the rough.

Nestled away in Mendocino Coast, CA crystal beaches stretch for miles, sparkling from millions of small pieces of eroded glass. Why is this beach is composed of glass, not to be found in the sand at most other beaches in the world? Well, beaches on the Mendocino Coast have not always been beaches. From 1950 t0 1967 the beach as a dumping ground. As a result, glass, porcelain and other waste ended up on the Pacific coast.

Recently the state of California has acquired the beach, therefore making it a protected area. Visitors are encouraged not to pick up any glass in hopes of preserving its “artificial beauty”. It has been said the shiny crystals display their color especially on sunny days, creating a striking sparkle that capture the attention of tourists instantly. While human activity is often responsible for the deconstruction or transformation of many landscapes that is not the case in Mendocino. The glass beach in Mendocino is an example of an artificial landscape that holds a mysterious beauty unique to the rest of the world.

Obey the Law!

The United States of America is known for a lot of things, baseball and apple pie come to mind, but for every great idea there are a plethora of…let’s call them strange ideas. The legal system is responsible for some of the more entertaining concepts, and because the states have a large amount of power to govern themselves some pretty hilarious laws emerged.

It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway. Nevada

Idiots may not vote. New Mexico

“Every citizen of the United States, who is over the age of twenty-one years, and has resided in New Mexico twelve months, in the county ninety days, and in the precinct in which he offers to vote thirty days, next preceding the election, except idiots, insane persons and persons convicted of a felonious or infamous crime unless restored to political rights, shall be qualified to vote at all elections for public officers. The legislature may enact laws providing for absentee voting by qualified electors. All school elections shall be held at different times from other elections.”

The legislature passed a law that states that the Arkansas River can rise no higher than to the Main Street bridge in Little Rock. Arkansas

If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle. Florida

“No female shall appear in a bathing suit on any highway within this state unless she be escorted by at least two officers or unless she be armed with a club.” Kentucky

An amendment to the above legislation: “The provisions of this statute shall not apply to females weighing less than 90 pounds nor exceeding 200 pounds, nor shall it apply to female horses.”

It is illegal to use a lasso to catch a fish. Tennessee

A person who has participated in a duel is no longer eligible to become Governor. Pennsylvania

Panhandling and fortune telling are prohibited. Minnesota

“Any of the following are vagrants and are guilty of a misdemeanor:

(4) A person who derives support in whole or in part from begging or as a fortuneteller or similar impostor.”

No one may be arrested on Sunday or on the Fourth of July. Ohio

“No person shall be arrested during a sitting of the Senate or House of Representatives, within the hall where such session is being held, or in any court of justice, during the sitting of such court, or on Sunday, or on the fourth day of July.”

It is illegal to give beer to hospital patients. Massachusetts

“Section 5. Whoever, except under the direction of a physician, gives, sells or delivers alcoholic beverages…to a patient in any hospital who is suffering from inebriety or from the effect of inebriety, or from excessive use of narcotic drugs or from the effect of such use, and whoever has in his possession within the precincts of any hospital any such beverage or drug with intent to convey or deliver it to any such patient, except under direction as aforesaid, shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two months.”

The State Fair of Texas is the largest state fair in the country by attendance – estimates consistently put the number above 3 million annually. Fair Park, Dallas (where the fair is held) is itself home to nine museums, six performance facilities (including the Cotton Bowl), a lagoon, and the largest Ferris wheel in North America.

Although the fair has been held at the historic Fair Park since 1886, in 1952 the official mascot was introduced. Meet Big Tex, a 52 ft tall cowboy who wears size 70 boots, a 75 gallon hat, and 284W/185L XXXXXL pair of Dickies! Expect Big Tex to greet you with a warm, “Howdy, folks!” when you enter, and he even speaks the fair’s announcements.

State Fair of Texas Sept. 30 – Oct. 23, 2011. Fair Park, Dallas, TX www.bigtex.com

The list of attractions at the fair is far to long to itemize here, but you can be sure to find all of your fair favorites you’ve come to expect from Texas. The park grounds are populated by mechanical bull rides, livestock exhibits, performances from local musicians, and a plethora of food venders plus much, much more. This year’s featured deep fried item: bubblegum! Make sure to check the calendar of events before heading over so you can make the most of your trip.

State Fair of Texas Daily Calendar

(click for full size)

There is ample parking if you and your family decide to drive, but we suggest taking public transportation. Here’s the information you’ll need, via Dallas Area Rapid Transit:

Passengers riding DART Rail and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) to downtown Dallas can transfer easily to the Green Line:

• Southbound Red and Blue Line passengers transfer to the Green Line at Pearl or St. Paul stations.
• Northbound Red and Blue Line passengers transfer to the Green Line at Akard Station.
• TRE passengers transfer to the Green Line at Victory Station.
  Departure times of the last TRE train to Fort Worth: Monday-Friday: 9:20 p.m. from Union Station and 9:24 p.m. from Victory Station. Saturdays and Sundays: 11:07 p.m. from Union Station and 11:12 p.m. from Victory Station.
• When you are ready to leave the fair, get back on the train or bus wherever you got off. Just put your trip in reverse and have a safe ride home.

Ever feel like dancing for hours on end while pressing up against thousands of fellow sweaty, smiling revelers?  Perhaps you picture flashing green and purple lasers overhead, or fog machines blotting out the stars above?  Is the music playing a combination of sidechains and 808s, evolving pads and LFO wobbles?  If your ears just perked up, then look into Electric Daisy Carnival, an electronic music festival series with dates across America.

What?:

Electric Daisy Carnival is a family of annual electronic music festivals that take place in multiple locations across the United States and Puerto Rico.  The most prominent of the 2011 fests takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a venue with a capacity over 140,000.  Since 1997, Insomniac Events, a Los Angeles based promoter, has held an EDC at a variety of southern California venues, including the Shrine Auditorium and the Los Angeles Coliseum, and 2011 is the first year that Vegas will play host.  The festival features DJs and live bands playing cutting edge electronic music of all genres, and always attracts the top international talent.

Who?

Past headliners include trance luminaries Above & Beyond, Ferry Corsten and Armin van Buuren and prominent acts from other genres, such as Pendulum (Drum and Bass), Benny Benassi (House), David Guetta (House) and Infected Mushroom (Psytrance).  This year, the festival will be headlined by the king of trance, DJ Tiesto, along with Euro-house super group Swedish House Mafia, minimal mastermind Plastikman, dance-hall party boys Major Lazer and electro-indie rockers Empire of the Sun.  They are joined by a host of additional acts performing on six stages over three days.  For those not well versed in the whose-who of electronic music, I must remark that this list is truly impressive.  Van Buuren and Tiesto have held the title of #1 DJ in the world (bestowed by DJ Magazine, the accepted authority on the matter) a combined eight times and are major draws individually.  Plastikman is an alter-ego of famed minimal pioneer Ritchie Hawtin, and all of his rare performances include a cutting edge visual display.  I could go into detail about all of the groups and individuals performing this year, but instead I suggest heading to your favorite music source to check them out for yourself.  My fav? Pendulum, who combine heavy D&B beats with soaring vocals and metal guitar riffs.

Why?:

Electric Daisy Carnival began as a fairly niche event, catering to a small selection of American electronic music fans.  However, as electronic music’s popularity has exploded in the US, EDC and other large-scale rave events have become major destinations for enthusiasts the world over.  Fans pack shoulder to shoulder (and often closer) to dance the night away and take in fantastic light and laser shows accompanying the throbbing basses and ripping snares.  Contrary to popular media images, ravers come from all backgrounds and are a very diverse group, sharing love of music and the principle of PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect).  While it is true that many attendees use illegal substances to augment their experiences, the vast majority come to enjoy the show safely and responsibly.

How?:

The 2011 festival takes place from June 24^th-26^th at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with music running from 8pm to 6am.  Tickets for all three days can be purchased here and hotel reservations can be booked here.  The event is expected to sell out, so it is advisable to purchase tickets ASAP!

1. Milk and Honey (134 Eldridge St. New York, NY)

An updated speakeasy, Milk and Honey is a unique experience that should not be missed.  Call ahead for reservations, and be ready for rejection, as the whole place seats just fifteen.  Once in, you will be blown away by their creative and flavorful drink combinations, including the house specialty sidecar.

2. PDT (Please Don’t Tell) (113 St. Marks Place, New York, NY)

PDT, short for Please Don’t Tell, is a super secret lounge that is well worth the effort it takes to discover its location.  The bar is hidden behind a hot dog shop and entered by typing a code onto a payphone.  If they have seating available, a door swings open and, voila, you’re in.  Perfectionist bartenders turnout top flight drinks that will leave you satisfied, if not lighter in the pocket.

3. Greenhouse (150 Varick St., New York, NY)

Greenhouse is one of the first clubs to make environmental consciousness a priority.  Their LEED certified building is bedecked with plant life and psychedelic lighting, turning the dance floor into a couture jungle.  A young crowd and booming electronic beats make Greenhouse the place to be if you’re looking for a boisterous night on the town.

4. Decibel (240 East 9^th St., New York, NY)

This basement sake bar may seem like a dive from the street, but once inside you will find a tightly packed, upbeat community of businessmen and groups of friends.  A no-frills approach fits Decibel perfectly, and you will not be disappointed by their wide range of sake and food selections.  But remember, watch your elbows, as you will probably be sitting almost in your neighbors lap.

5. Provocateur (18 9th Ave., New York, NY)

One of Manhattan’s toughest doors, dress your best and get your Amex ready.  A well-known celebrity watering hole, Provocateur constantly presents top international DJs and serves up all manner of luxuries.  If you are looking for a night of high life, this is the spot for you.

Everyone knows what goes on in Vegas, but in case you have been living in the desert, err… under a rock, here is a (very) brief history lesson. Las Vegas as we know it know was built by the Mob. Don’t worry about the differences between the Cosa Nostra, the Five Families, or any other organizations of crime for now, just know THE Mob had two hands stringing up the bright Vegas lights. Las Vegas, as any self-respecting Mob town should be, is a place to live on the edge of lawfulness. Sin City is the most fitting nick name of all the major cities in the United States, and this Memorial Day weekend there is a plethora of reasons to let your evil conscious win.

Clubs: Oh to be a promoter in Sin City must be a very busy lifestyle with so much going on! This weekend A-Trak, who won the DMC World DJ Championship in 1997 at the tender age of 15, making him the youngest champion ever, kicks off his exclusive residency at the Wynn hotel in XS. Deadmou5 will bring his progressive electro/house sound to XS as well when he spins later in the weekend. Other big shows to go to are Drake at the Hard Rock’s Rehab, and the legendary Tiesto at Wet Republic inside the MGM Grand.

Pool Parties: They are EVERYWHERE this weekend! Just go find one, seriously, it’s that easy.

Living on the Edge: Sure, you can potentially loose your retirement plan at the craps table, or squander your kids college fund playing blackjack, but if you want to really prove your worth then go swim with 30 plus sharks in the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. If the thrill of possibly being eaten alive isn’t your thing then you are probably more into the idea of plugging to your death in a spectacular show. Luck for you there are two ways to get yourself a Darwin Award in Las Vegas; zip-line under the lights through Fremont Street, or bungie jump 108 stories off of the Stratosphere Tower.

Whatever choices you make in Las Vegas you are going to have a good time. It’s not a suggestion, or even a requirement, it is an official mandate from the city.

Welcome to Seattle, one of the most diversified cities in the US! Seattle is often credited as the birth place of grunge, but musically and culturally it is so much more than that. The legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix was born here, and the world’s most famous martial artist Bruce Lee made this city his final resting place. Modern Seattle is a breathtaking mix of natural beauty and a sustainable urban lifestyle. Education levels are extremely high, public transportation is some of the best in the nation, and vibrant, caring people make Seattle a great place to visit and maybe even a better place to live!

Here is what’s going on in Seattle to check out during your Memorial Day trip.

Seattle International Film Festival: Going on right now (May 19 – June 12), the SIFF is one of the world’s leading film festivals. The festival makes it’s home at the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall of McCaw Hall, the same place that the famed Seattle Opera calls home, but also hosts screenings at additional venues. One fun and unique feature is the “Secret Festival”, a four-film sidebar whose attendees do not know in advance the films they will be shown, and are sworn to secrecy about what they see inside.

Northwest Folklife: Every year starting in 1971 over Memorial Day weekend Seattle becomes a cultural hub for a particular ethnic community or folk tradition. This years festival focuses on Northwest stories and celebrates the Bulgarian community. Each year the Folklife fest brings over 6,000 performers together with an estimated 250,000 visitors for a cultural celebration that the entire city enjoys. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and well worth it, and the International Fountain at the Seattle Center becomes a public water park, fun!

Pike Place Market: Seattle is home to many famous faces; Starbucks, Costco, and Amazon just to name a few. However, the true Seattle experience can only be had at the world-famous Pike Place Market. You’ve most likely already seen the Pike Place Fish Market guys throwing 3-foot salmon toeach other, but what you may not know is the market spans over 7 acres and accommodates over 500 local vendors. If you don’t make it out to this amazing throwback market at least once in your life you will miss out on an enriching and engaging event.

Cuisine: Chi-town is legendary for it’s eateries with a world-class selection ranging from fine dining to individual venders. Kuma’s Corner has some of the city’s best burgers, and for BBQ that your backyard gril could only dream of make sure to check out Smoque.

Hot Doug’s is THE place for fine encased meats (that’s hot dogs and sausages mostly, for those not in the know) in the Windy City, and Doug has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, USA Today, Bon Appetit, The Chicago Tribune, The Sun Times, Time Out Chicago as well as many others.

Bars: After a nights out eating some of the best meals you’ll ever have head out to the lively Chicago nightlife. With a rich sports history Chicago watering holes are some of the best in the nation! Loin Head Pub is a local favorite, and if you’re in Wrigleyville then you can’t go wrong at any of the spots along Clark St.

Attractions: Become familiar with the cities rich architectural history while on the 75 minute Shoreline Sightseeing Cruise. Via their website,

This dramatic, nighttime cruise takes you down all three branches of the historic Chicago River for a glittering view of our city’s iconic skyscrapers. The evening ends with an up-close view of Navy Pier’s spectacular fireworks from the mouth of the Chicago River.

There is also a cash bar on board so there’s no excuse not to have a good time out on the water. Take your significant other because the mix of beautiful sights, fireworks, and a soothing ride makes for a fantastic date-night.