For the first four days of our trip, we stayed in Newport Beach. Newport has a nice combination of a location, diversions and proximity to my parents in Anaheim.
When I went in search of a place to stay, I knew that we would want someplace that offered 2 bedroom units, preferably with a full kitchen. Our trip to Orlando last March taught us that this was a great way to go. It allows us to relax with my folks a lot more and catch up on stuff. The problem is, most places that offer this kind of room are condos or timeshares, which generally require a one-week stay. Since we only wanted a room for 4 nights, I was afraid that we would end up with separate rooms for my folks and us.
Luckily, while searching the web, I found the Best Western Bay Shores Inn (BWBSI). While a regular Inn with nightly rates, they have a couple of suites with full kitchens and at least one with 2 bedrooms. This room, called the Pacific Suite, was the one we reserved.
Besides offering a two-bedroom suite with nightly rates, the main thing that BWBSI has going for it is its location. Located pretty much in the center of the Balboa Peninsula, the hotel is only a short walk from either the harbor to the North or the beach to the South. All of the attractions that the Balboa Peninsula has to offer, including shopping, restaurants and the Boardwalk, are either a short drive or, in many cases, a short walk away.
Andie, my Mom & Dad |
Andie is hiding in this one... |
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Other than location, truth is that BWBSI doesn't really have much to offer in the way of amenities. There is no hotel pool, parking is limited (and something of a pain) and there is no restaurant or room service. Still, with all that Newport has to offer right at your fingertips, there really isn't much to complain about. If the weather had been so bad that we couldn't leave our room (the weather wasn't hot enough to spend much time at the beach, but it was fine for walking around), the lack of services might have proven a real problem. One nice little touch though - upon arrival we were greeted with the distinct aroma of chocolate chip cookies baking. It seems that the Inn staff always tries to keep cookies - freshly baked in a small kitchen behind the front desk - available in the lobby. As my Massachusetts in-laws would say... wicked good!
The room was pretty nice, with 2 small bedrooms and 2 baths, a small but utilitarian kitchen, a comfortable living room with large windows boasting harbor views, and a nice little terrace. I certainly wouldn't call it luxurious, but it was certainly comfortable enough and, at $249 per night, a pretty good bargain considering the size of the room and the location. Actually, I think they raised the room rate because the invoice stated $289 per night, but that rate was scratched out and $249 was written in. Regardless, it allowed us to sit around and chat without having to worry about anyone going to their separate room.
Fashion Island
Our first morning in Southern California dawned cool, cloudy and drizzley. We wouldn't be meeting up with my folks until later in the afternoon, and besides, the room wouldn't be available until later in the day at any rate. Since it was clearly not a day for the beach, we decided to go to Fashion Island, Newport's high-end outdoor mall. We strolled around a bit, dashing from one store to another to avoid the raindrops. We spent most of our time in a store that sells Hawaiian shirts and the Build-a-Bear Workshop, a store where kids can build and dress their own Stuffed Animals. Charlotte picked a black bear with a princess outfit and a bride outfit. Nat picked (no surprise here) a horse which she dressed in a cowboy outfit - she also got a bathing suit.
Boardwalk
Newport Pavillion |
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Balboa has a small Boardwalk with lots of small carnival rides, souvineer shops and food stands. This is a good place to get one of the famous Balboa Bars - made by slicing vanilla ice cream from a cube like bread, putting a stick in it, dipping it in chocolate and rolling it in nuts. A must while visiting Newport. We did the carousel (we are unable to pass a carousel without riding), the Ferris Wheel and the Bumper Cats. Nat did this bungee-jump thing that sent her about 30 feet into the air. It was amazing - albeit a bit scary - to watch, and she loved it.
We also stopped a a shirt store and bought black Hawaiian shirts bedecked with boat drinks. Andie bought one, and I liked it so much that I got one for myself as well. At $29, what's to lose? Ironically, Andie ended up not liking hers - she doesn't like the way it fits. I love mine.
Restaurants
Grandpa, Nat & Grandma |
Grandpa looking deep in conversation |
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The only meal we went out for while in Newport of any note was "The Crab Cooker". This somewhat famous spot serves excellent seafood in a very casual atmosphere. My only complaint is that they really don't have any food that kids will like - unless your kids are pretty adventurous and like fish (mine aren't, and they don't). Otherwise, this gets a hearty recommendation. If you come during the busy season, though, be prepared to wait for a seat.
The Block
On our last evening in Newport we conned my parents into watching the kids so Andie and I could go out. I'm sorry, I meant that my parents expressed a desire to spend some time alone with the kids, so Andie and I volunteered to go out and give them time to themselves. Yeah, right.
Anyway, we ended up at an outdoor shopping and entertainment area in Garden Grove called "The Block". "The Block" is a funky place located on the same piece of real estate previously occupied by "The City Center". I can tell you, the new place is a great improvement. Filled with lots of fun, hip and high-energy stores, shops and entertainment venues, and decorated with lots of neon, this place is a blast. One thing I will say, it's clearly geared toward a young crowd, and we were convinced that we were the oldest people there.
One store we spent a lot of time in was Hilo Hatti's, a great place to buy - you guessed it - Hawaiian shirts. Andie didn't get anything but I got a really cool tan shirt by Tommy Bahama with an illustration of an "Island Style Stereo System" - a guy with a Hula Girl on each arm.
We ate at the Alcatraz Brewing Co., offering Texmex style food and their own home brew beer. The food was very good, the décor was fun and the beer was great. Another hearty recommendation.