Friends, there are just 3 months of summer! Every season is special, but there is nothing like traveling during the
warm summer months. You deserve several long weekends away from the day-to-day demands of life. As always, I
have you covered. Finding the right destination and then planning a trip can take time. I know how hard you all work. So, I’ve done
some research for you.
Travel Tip:
For an easy “weekend escape”, check out the various locations of your favorite hotel brand.
Not only does this make planning easy, it results in loyalty points. You are in their system and treated like a queen/king. There is something to be said for going places where they know who you are, understand hospitality, and cater to your needs.
Sharing with you 3 destinations that will ensure you have a magical summer.
Each city has a completely different landscape, vibe and cool places to explore. I believe that things like a comfortable bed, a shower (that feels like a waterfall), and having great breakfast options are important. If you have to cook your own breakfast…it’s not an escape. It’s also not a vacation.
Some of my favorite hotels to stay in are part of the Loews Hotel & Co. They have locations in beautiful cities
across the United States and Canada. Because I have to travel a lot for work, you all are always top of mind. Lots
of notes and photos are taken before I make recommendations.
So, let’s start with Loews Hotel 1000 in Seattle …
After you arrive and unpack go to the “All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar” Happy Hour. The menu will bring new meaning to Happy Friday. Oysters, seafood bolognas, and clams are just a few of the mouth-watering menu items.
After you get a good nights sleep, can we say homemade French toast with berries? How about Fluffy yogurt and
granola that tastes like I personally made it? Breakfast in bed with waterfront views will make you forget about life
before or after this moment. When you feel rested, the famous Pike Place Market is a 5 minute walk. The seafood
lunch options are plentiful! There is also a shopping district “a stones throw” from Pike Place Market. It’s a great
place to walk after a good meal. If you need a pick me up while exploring…Storyville Coffee and Elm Street
Roasters (one of the hotel’s local Flavor by Loews Hotels partners) are within walking distance nearby. Perfect : ).
If you can part with the ultra comfortable bed, pop into the London Plane in Occidental Square for breakfast before
you depart Seattle. I can describe it one word…YUM.
Book your stay in Seattle here
Let’s talk about Hollywood.
Staying at Loews Hollywood is the best way to experience LA.
There are reasons this location is so incredible… you are literally in the heart of Hollywood! Key area attractions include the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Griffith Observatory, which are all nearby. You can even see the Hollywood sign from some guest rooms.
Before you go out and explore, please do experience the fitness classes offered on site. I took a much needed yoga class that refreshed my soul. Their instructors are intuitive and patient. So, no one in the class feels out of place if they are new to yoga – like me. After working up an appetite, I highly recommend breakfast at Preston’s.
Try their Grapefruit Mimosa and Melrose French Toast. You will be thinking about this delicious pairing for the rest of the day. After, take a walk down Hollywood to Intelligentsia. They are one of my favorite roasters in the US and recently opened a brand new location.
When you are done sightseeing, enjoy your beautiful room.
Order in. Loews Hollywood has an extensive wine list and there are no words to describe their menu. I ordered the Thai Crunch Salad. Now, I’m not sure who created this bowl of happiness, but I would personally like to thank her/him for taking this salad to the next level. It was just what I needed.
Book your stay in Hollywood here.
Last but certainly not least: San Diego.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is a place you will not want to leave.
The property is just outside San Diego. First off, it features multiple pools. You can easily spend a 3 day weekend doing
nothing but pool hopping and munching on homemade churros. I am not kidding. La Cantina is a poolside
restaurant that has everything you need for an afternoon of sun and reading. Finally getting to spend time with the
book you bought a year ago, will feel awesome.
The balcony view from your room is spectacular. Watching colorful sailboats on the water while sipping your
morning coffee will make you exhale. If you can peel yourself away from your room, they offer Marina Spin
classes on the docks, beach and dock yoga. Note that if you can swing it, you definitely may want to spend over 3
days here, as there is so much to do.
Shuttle services are available to take you into San Diego. By the way, I must take a moment to talk about the coffee
game in San Diego. It is epic. These cool spots kept me caffeinated and carefree: Coffee & Tea Collective,
Communal Coffee, Genteel Coffee Co., James Coffee Co., Bird Rock Coffee, and Coava Coffee (Portland’s own!).
One more bonus recommendation – I adored my visit to Nolita Hall. Definitely worth a night out.
Book your stay in Coronado here.
That’s it my friends! Enjoy every moment of your summer escapes. If you have any questions, reply in the
comments below or on IG comments.
Talk soon!
Authors: Tonja Brown & Christiann Koepke
