How did I go from being a non-coffee drinker to needing a cup every morning before I can even function? Hotel Paradox sure knew how to get us ready each day with some espresso. This was not my first time staying at this property, years ago when I was living in Santa Cruz (for five years) I had a little staycation here. I loved it so much that I came back, this time with my boyfriend and two dogs! They even had a little welcome board in the lobby with the dogs' names, it was so cute and we felt so welcomed! Santa Cruz was the last stop of our holiday road trip before heading back home in LA and we sure had a wonderful stay. Thanks for having us, Hotel Paradox!

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Hotel Paradox, Santa Cruz

January 18, 2019

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I sprinted to the window the second I stepped into my room at the new Stanford Court. The view! My oh my! It was so beautiful that I made sure I was there to catch every sunset the two days I was there! Having grown up in Hong Kong with high rises, being up high is a bit nostalgic for me and I love it. Besides the view, our room also had great tech amenities, super cute bathroom and comfiest bed. We also love how the hotel is centrally located, right by Grace Cathedral and just up the hill from Union Square and Chinatown. And the breakfast buffet was amazing too! Omelettes, scrambles, bacons, sausages, pancakes, fruits, and all sorts of pastries! You name it, they had it! Getting a substantial breakfast each morning was crucial for heading out for action-packed days. Thank you Stanford Court for having us!

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Stanford Court, San Francisco

January 12, 2019

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We drove through Big Sur in the rain and arrived in Carmel on Christmas' Eve. My first impression of Hotel Carmel when we pulled up was how incredibly charming it was with its black and white aesthetic and greenery everywhere. Yes, it was cold and rainy (we were also starving) but Hotel Carmel kept things cozy by greeting us with a beautiful cheese plate and wine which we enjoyed on our balcony. In the morning, we sipped coffee and juices and loved the bagel bar (the pesto and bacon cream cheese were sooo delicious) in the lobby which was absolutely adorable. After spending a long day exploring Monterey and Carmel, we had dinner at the hotel's restaurant Brophy's Tavern on Christmas. For drinks, I had the Smoky Rita while Mark had the Hotty Scotty which I couldn't stop stealing sips of! Orange spice tea, honey, lemon, fireball whisky and bitters... Yum! We also had the steak salad and fish and chips. We had such a lovely stay at Hotel Carmel, will definitely be back soon! Oh did I also mention it is walking distance to downtown (the main street of Carmel) and the beach? So convenient!

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Hotel Carmel, Carmel-by-the-Sea

January 11, 2019

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The Goodland Hotel is simply... what's the word I am looking for? Thoughtful! There are records, a record player and books in the room for our enjoyment (they make great props for photos too). I also love all the rustic touches and wood elements in the room and throughout the property. The bed is fluffy, even Zeus and Tommy agree! This was my first time going on a road trip with dogs and The Goodland is such a dog-friendly hotel that everything seemed so easy breezy. Thank you Goodland for making our first stop so simple and wonderful! We shall be back again!