I just got back from New York this weekend and it made me miss California even more.  It probably didn’t help NYC was cold & rainy.  I am definitely a “cali” type of girl.  I mean the beaches, vibe, and food in Santa Monica have us coming back multiple times a year!  You can see our last trip to Cali & all we did on this blog post here.  Not to mention my sister lives there, so its an easy excuse to travel over :).  This trip, I am so glad we found Loews Hotel.  We decided to stay here on a Saturday night, and spend the day hanging out at the beach and Pier.  I knew this hotel was in prime location, but I was blown away the second we walked in.  The hotel has huge glass walls that face all the action on the boardwalk, with a pool overlooking everything as well.  With kids, I couldn’t ask for anything better to make our stay easier.

Here’s my highlights on our stay with Loews Hotel:

• Location, Location, Location! Prime spot right on Santa Monica Beach.  You can walk right out of the hotel, and be on the beach, playing on the playground, or walking to the pier/restaurants.  There are so many rental companies right there too, you can reserve everything with your room number to the hotel.  We decided to go rollerblading on the boardwalk.  Roman ended up loving it more than lainey!
• The Pool/Hot Tub: Both are situated on 4th floor of the hotel, outside and overlooking the incredible view of the ocean.  They have complimentary towels and chairs set up for you.  We were there on a Saturday and it felt like the perfect amount of people without being overcrowded.
• Restaurants on site:  They have staff on site at the pool to wait on you, and also have dining options outdoor by the pool too.  All our service was 5 Star.  We ended up having breakfast outside in the morning as well because the weather and views are just too good.
• Rooms:  We had two queen beds, both very comfortable.  The rooms also came with sound machines (this was genius for traveling with kids)
• Service: From check in to check out everything was quick and smooth.  The Loews Team sent us wine, cookies, and milk for the kids with a personalized card (they spelled everyone’s name right: yeirdon, lainey, roman. very impressed).  I thought that was so sweet, sometimes with big hotel chains you get lost in the mix with all the people.  Loews made us feel like we were there number one priority, and it definitely felt special!
• Loyal Customers– We spent a lot of time in the hot tub and we met so many locals that were members with the hotel for over a decade!  They all new each other and only spoke highly of the hotel.  Apparently you can join and pay a yearly fee if you live in the area and use all their facilities.  If I lived there, this would be on the top of my list.Here are some images from our stay with them, PS they have several other locations.  Book your stay with them here!

 

Now to our Restaurant Hit List:

• Elephante: I do a ton of research online and on instagram before we plan to visit a city (so you don’t have to!).  This restaurant kept popping up as “new to the scene” and the “hottest new restaurant in Santa Monica.” I saw several of my favorite celebs/bloggers dine here online.  It didn’t disappoint, you NEED to make reservations here 30 days in advance if you’re going to get in.  It has a club like feel, their are two bars and the tables are laid back vibe.  I wouldn’t bring kids here (the music is loud)- this is a good night out with friends or date spot.  Get the “whipped eggplant” hummus. I am still thinking about it!
• Scopa Italian Roots: THIS PLACE FOR DESSERT! (they shake donuts in a bag of powdered sugar in front of you).  Melt in your mouth.  I’d go here once a week if I lived in town, and I’d be broke too.  Besides the dessert, each dish was tapa style and just as good!
• Nobu, Malibu: About 30 minutes from SM, but if you’re a seafood/sushi lover its the best.  Prepare to be dining among the best (John Snow from Game of Thrones sat at the table next to us, and Sheryl Crow was dining another time when we went).  You need to call 30 days in advance to reserve here too.
• MEAT (Venice):  This place is the sister restaurant to WATER Grill (which we’ve dined several times and wanted to try a new place).  I vote Water grill over Meat.  This place was really big and didn’t have that intimate feel I like.  The staff was slower than normal too, and with kids I cant handle eating out with slow service for their sake and mine.
• Tocaya Mexican- Chain, we rode our “Bird/Lime scooters” Over to the Venice location one afternoon here.  It is a unique twist on mexican and all the drinks/sauces are so good!  Why can’t we have chains like this in NC :(.
  (The kids loved skating on the pier, their skates are from playwheels Order them here)
  
  (We visited a few pumpkin patches that were just up for the season, one we loved the best was hosted at the platform by Mila & Emma.  I hope they continue to do this every year because it was the cutest set up!)I linked all my outfits here