Sunday, November 3, 2013

Carlsbad Village Dining Tour

I had the opportunity to play travel /tour guide yesterday here in Carlsbad. One day before the Carlsbad Street Faire  today Nov. 3,2013.
We traveled thru the back streets past Hennesseys to Swami's restaurant on coast Hiway back toward Carlsbad village dr. where we crossed over and stopped at Frescores just past the corner of coast Hiway and the Carlsbad village dr. then across the street to Norte an Olde Carlsbad Staple across the lawns onto the beach and then stopped a moment to admire a beautiful Carlsbad winter day.. ..
After a bit of a reprieve we crossed back over and stopped at the Tamarack Beach Resort and went to the sundeck.. our final stop was Dinis.. on our way back we passed The Armenian Cafe, Cafe Elysa,  Pizza Port and Bottle Shop, Beach City Smoothies, and lets not forget Peons, 83 degrees, and The Grand Deli. There are so many more but we were going in a short circle to get the lay of the downtown eating choices.
We stopped at some of the restaurants looked over the menus and proceeded on.. It was a short hour tour and it gave my guest a great overview of a sampling of the restaurants, cuisines and various ambiances that the village has to offer...

I share this as taking a short restaurant tour highlights the charm of our central area and international options locals and guests alike may enjoy.
Go to  Visit Carlsbad for a full list of dining experiences through out Carlsbad.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

The Sainte Claire Hotel, San Jose, Ca.


“Approved with a few minor issues.

This is a very old hotel and very nicely decorated. I have a room on the top floor (6th) and it is very nice... My room comes with a queen size bed lots of pillows.. This is a good thing.. not just two huge but 3 medium size.. The room was very clean and taken care of... and the hotel staff is very welcoming and courteous. The lobby has been restored and it is a very nice property in the midst of a very thrown together city..
Only issues to be away of.. and not major. Like several others have mentioned. The bathroom tub is cracked and peeling.. So even though it has a large tub.. I wouldn't recommend taking a bath. . as the rust is obvious.
Other minor issue.. the electrical plugs behind the desk, one is for the phone the other has an extension cord with two lamps and the clock radio plugged in.. Not the coffee pot.. had to pull the desk out, unplug the various items to get coffee working..
Thank Goodness, this is a very clean hotel so I didn't have any surprises when I pulled the desk away from the wall..
So over all would concur with the other reviewers.. it is fairly priced for the city area, parking is 29 a day valet only.. There is not parking readily available in San Jose downtown .. so this is not an added expense but a necessity.
The furniture and design make this a nice place to relax in the midst of a very eclectic city.
Room Tip: Other travelers have mentioned noise.. Between the dumpsters around the city and the noise outside...
See more room tips
  • Stayed August 2013, traveled solo
    • 4 of 5 starsValue
    • 5 of 5 starsLocation
    • 5 of 5 starsSleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 starsRooms
    • 5 of 5 starsCleanliness
    • 4 of 5 starsService

Monday, May 13, 2013

Life of a local:Carlsbad, Ca. a summer vacation destination and home.. how a local has fun.....

Carlsbad is known around the world as an international vacation spot... we have nice beaches, some fine dining, Legoland and not a long drive to either Disneyland or Hollywood to the north or San Diego and the Gaslamp down south...As a volunteer at the Carlsbad Visitor Center, I get a chuckle out of the travelers that ask what do we do if the sun is not out?... A fair question... and one that I always am drawn back to..
I will be posting the life of a local in the future..
If you are a local and would like to share your favorite regular Carlsbad outings.. let me know...
thanks,
Kendall