Page 43 - Susan Taylor

Staycation:

A genius solution to traveling with children

By Lisa Matar PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WESTGATE HOTEL

Recently, we had some scheduled time off
of work and school and started to plan a
much-needed vacation. Bound by two tod-
dlers, our search led us to travel to locations
with pleasant beaches by day, fun family
activities in the afternoon and ideally, a hotel
located in walking distance or short cab ride
to all.

The web search turned up locations to
consider. Next job, looking for flights… it oc-
curred to me, we live in paradise. San Diego
has everything on our list. Why go through
the hassle of traveling with toddlers and
spend a fortune on flights when we could
have an over the top staycation in our back
yard?
First thing was first- Where to stay? Being
that we wanted to be close enough to walk
about, we decided our staycation should be Woman San Diego
in Downtown. I searched for the most glam-
orous hotel offering most outrageous suite
San Diego has to offer. My research led
me to the Westgate Hotel, right across from
Horton Plaza on Broadway. Entering the
Westgate Hotel, we were instantly trans- 43
formed from ordinary locals to privileged
visitors. Taking our first steps into the hotel,
we felt as though we were stepping into a
private castle in Europe. The opulent inte-
rior design of the Westgate is one we will
never forget. The lobby is filled with spar-
kling crystal chandeliers and down filled
sofas covered in rich upholstery. Precious
antiques abound, classic bronze sculptures
set the tone and priceless paintings donned
the intricately carved walls. The air was
filtered with a warm rose fragrance that left
me wanting more. Floral arrangements sat
on tabletops with dozens of pink roses. We a couple of cold ones… cold milk, that is. The children opened
had arrived. their suitcase filled with toys brought from home and my husband
and I were able to soak in the view with our crystal champagne
The suite where we stayed made our ‘trip’ everything we could flutes filled with France’s finest. After a short while, Grandma and
have imagined and more. Our palatial suite had 2 ensuite bed- Grandpa, our favorite babysitters arrived with surprise presents for
rooms with richly appointed marble bathrooms, separated by a the children. My husband and I got dolled up and away we went
plush living room and gorgeous kitchen. Located on the penthouse for a night out on the town. Having familiar childcare with is one of
level, our massive suite had forever views from the 4 balconies the best perks to the staycation. Asking your favorite babysitter or
across downtown and to Balboa Park. The room itself was the family member to watch the kids in a glamorous suite is no favor. I
vacation. promise, you will not have difficulty enticing your childcare provider
to spend the evening with your children in this suite.
Once the bellmen delivered our suitcases, we relaxed in our new
home for the long weekend. I adjusted the lighting and draper- Waking up in the morning in our fabulously pressed sheets and
ies and called room service to deliver a bottle of champagne and heavy duvet, we awoke feeling rested as everyone had slept in
their own cozy beds. Wrapped in the thick white robe