By Sherri McGee McCovey
Let’s face it: Parents need time to relax and recharge without the kids, even if it’s just overnight. Whether you are new parents nervous to be far away or seasoned veterans in need of a weekend getaway, you can’t miss with a visit to these luxe, yet budget-friendly, Southern California hotels, perfect for a couples-only staycation. All offer weekend packages, activities and amenities that will leave you renewed and ready for a return to real life in no time.
Chic Fun in Manhattan Beach
West Coast cool meets East Coast bold at the Westdrift Hotel in Manhattan Beach (westdrift.com). Whether you want to plug in or unplug, kick back or turn up, this luxury hotel, part of the Marriott chain, is the spot. Situated on 26 acres in the dynamic Manhattan Beach corridor, the hotel’s spacious lobby overlooks a majestic nine-hole golf course and offers a vibe that will instantly put you at ease. You’ll find the usual plush amenities in the guest rooms. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Jute, is an indoor-outdoor enclave that offers a creative, communal-focused dining experience. Jute also offers dusk-to-dawn takeout. Happy hour, called “Rush Hour,” is weekdays from 4-6 p.m. You’ll find Thursdays feature live music by local artists, and Sunday brunch includes a mimosa bar. When it’s time to play, take a dip in the pool, lounge in one of the cabanas over lunch, play on one of the lobby’s ping pong or foosball tables or take advantage of the property’s CrossFit-inspired fitness center. Venture out to shop at nearby high-end retailers in Manhattan Village and at The Point in El Segundo.
Sample a little of everything with the Discover Westdrift package. This includes room rates starting at $239 a night, plus $100 in food and beverage credit and a round of golf for two on the hotel’s course (a perfect date activity).
Waterfront Views at the Marina
The boutique Marina del Rey Hotel (marinadelreyhotel.com) is an idyllic waterfront spot if you want to laze in bed and take in breathtaking views of the harbor. Each room or suite features a balcony or patio, LED television (with a remote you won’t have to share with the kids), Keurig coffee maker and cozy bathrobes for staying in and snuggling. If it’s sun you’re seeking, the heated infinity pool (featured in numerous films and TV shows) is where you’ll want to spend the day. There are also on-site rental bikes ($5 per hour-$25 per day) so you can explore nearby shops and restaurants, or bike along Venice Beach. Dine at the award-winning SALT Restaurant and enjoy the fun vibe of the “Afternoon Delight” happy hour, where you can gaze at the sunset over nightly drink and hors d’oeuvres specials and stay warm around the outdoor fireplaces.
Solo or Social in Culver City
A new hotel experience has landed in Culver City. The quaint little two-story Mayumi Hotel (themayumi.com) manages to offer both a private haven and social hub. Flexible stay options, top-of-the-line amenities, a technology-integrated environment and guest rooms fitted with hardwood floors and rain showers will make you feel right at home. But a fun social hub is just steps away in the open courtyard with hanging chairs, barbecue grill, fire pit and communal table. You can start the morning with a continental breakfast and unwind with an evening manager’s red- and white-wine happy hour – both served in the open reception area. There are a variety of restaurants within walking distance, but you can also purchase groceries at nearby Pavilions supermarket and prepare a meal in the hotel’s open kitchen. It’s equipped with a full line of cutlery and cookware. Best of all, the Mayumi is a 21-and-over property, which means soothing, grown-up silence and undisturbed joy.
Hip Food and Drink in DTLA
Want to stay among the hip and cool? Then DTLA’s iconic Hotel Figueroa (hotelfigueroa.com) is the spot for you. After a dazzling two-year restoration, Hotel Figueroa has re-emerged as a sophisticated haven in L.A.’s cultural epicenter. Boasting a coffin-shaped pool nestled within a botanical oasis, the 14-story hotel is as renowned for its substance as for its style. At Breva and Veranda, the hotel’s two acclaimed restaurants, James Beard Award-nominated chef Casey Lane attracts discerning foodies by crafting brilliant Mediterranean cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Cocktail aficionados gather from near and far to trade ideas in the hotel’s three atmospheric bars – Bar Figueroa, Rick’s and Bar Alta. Just steps from Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center, Hotel Figueroa is the place to see and be seen.
If you’re planning a late night and want to sleep in, consider booking the Forever Figueroa. This package gives you a 25-percent discount on a stay of two or more nights in a suite or specialty suite, plus a $25 Eat + Drink credit, a limited-edition Hotel Figueroa tote bag and late checkout.
Sherri McGee McCovey is a television producer, author and journalist whose work has appeared in InStyle, Essence and Ebony.
