Family
2 nights
Allegretto Vineyard Resort Review: Is Paso Robles Kid-Friendly?
Why Allegretto worked for our two-night family stop in Paso Robles—and the tradeoffs to consider before booking.
All articles
California travel guides
Family travel guides and hotel reviews across California, with candid notes on pacing, value, and where a stay is actually worth the price.
15 firsthand guides
Family
2 days
Is Disney’s Grand Californian Worth the Splurge? (2-Day Family Review)
A short Anaheim guide built around Disney's Grand Californian, with honest notes on park access, hotel convenience, and how much really fits into two days.
Family
4 days
Why Park Hyatt Aviara Is Our Kids' Favorite Hotel (Carlsbad Family Guide)
A family Carlsbad stay centered on Park Hyatt Aviara, including why it is our kids' favorite hotel, how the grounds and pool make it such an easy Los Angeles escape, and why we usually book it on points or through Amex FHR.
Family
2 days
Dana Point Luxury Face-Off: Ritz-Carlton vs. Waldorf Astoria vs. Laguna Cliffs
A Dana Point hotel comparison built around three points stays at Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, and Laguna Cliffs Marriott, with clear takes on value, grounds, pool quality, and family fit.
Family
5 days
LA to Monterey Road Trip: What Worked, What We Skipped & Best Family Stops
What worked—and what we would skip—on a five-day family drive from Los Angeles through Paso Robles to Monterey.
Family
2 nights
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina: Great Pools, But Watch the Hidden Costs
A review of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, including a two-night points stay, great family-friendly pools, easy trolley access, and the frustrating reality that parking and dining are both overpriced.
Adults
2 days
An Unforgettable Napa Birthday: The French Laundry & North Block Hotel
A short Yountville birthday trip built around dinner at The French Laundry, a perfect stay at North Block Hotel, and why this version of Napa is especially good for a celebration weekend.
Family
1 night
Is VEA Newport Beach Worth It? A Candid Staycation Review
A one-night Newport Beach stay for Mother's Day, built around Marriott's VEA Resort, lunch at Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens, and a candid take on a hotel that was nice enough but not memorable enough to repeat.
Family
2 days
The Low-Stress Palm Springs Family Weekend (Renaissance Hotel Guide)
A Palm Springs weekend guide built around the Renaissance stay, pool time, and the kind of low-effort desert pacing that makes a short trip actually feel restorative.
Family
2 nights
Why We Regret Staying at Portola Hotel & Spa Monterey (Honest Review)
A disappointing stay at the Portola Hotel & Spa: why the high price tag doesn't match the experience in Monterey.
Family
3 days
How to Do San Diego With Kids (Without Overpacking Your Schedule)
A practical San Diego family guide with neighborhood tradeoffs, easy kid-friendly stops, and the right expectations for a short Southern California getaway.
Family
4 days
Doing San Francisco With Kids: Car-Free, Stress-Free & on Hyatt Points
A short, mostly car-free family San Francisco trip built around the Hyatt Regency, easy Embarcadero access, and a mix of kid-friendly stops, transit, and a few memorable meals.
Family
2 days
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara: We Tested 4 Luxury Hotels So You Don't Have To
A Santa Barbara hotel comparison built around stays at Mar Monte, Hotel Californian, El Encanto, and Ritz-Carlton Bacara, plus a few reliable family stops like Bouchon, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and Jeannine's.
Adults
3 days
The Adults-Only Napa & Sonoma Getaway (Booking Alila Napa on Points)
A kids-free birthday weekend in Napa and Sonoma, built around Alaska flights into Santa Rosa, two nights at Alila Napa Valley on Hyatt points, and three winery visits balanced with a few great meals.
Family
2 days
Inside Sunset Marquis: The Rock-and-Roll Luxury Staycation in WeHo
A true West Hollywood staycation at Sunset Marquis, including a Chase The Edit suite upgrade, the hotel's rock-and-roll personality, and why the property itself was enough reason not to leave.