Reply To: US west coast Hiltons, San Diego, LA, LV & San Francisco

[MattB]

Personally resorts world is too far out of the way for my liking, but then I’m massively biased towards the Cosmo and the FV balcony rooms. Although with the MGM acquisition my Cosmo gold status will likely lose a lot of value and I may be looking for another option.

Anyway back on topic, I’ll add:

Hilton LA Jolla – this is really more in LA Jolla shores which is a nice neighbourhood. All rooms have sea view and are well positioned for some amazing sunsets, although you are about a 10min walk away from the front. Pool area was a bit meh felt like done thing you’d get in a cheap motel. Restaurant nice on the top floor but when we were there last year it was barely open due to covid.

Doubletree Dana Point – well positioned for a road trip, maybe not as glamorous as Laguna or Newport but massively more affordable. I think this may be be the last proper coastal Hilton until you get to Huntington beach?

Hilton santa Barbara – we loved this place but like with most of the US prices have gone through the roof. We stayed midweek and got 3for2 on cash which was a great deal. Doesn’t look like that offer will be available this summer although other SB hotels look to have it https://santabarbaraca.com/places-to-stay/santa-barbara-savvy/

WA Beverley Hills – it’s a shame the points required have gone up so much it was a good deal with 5for4. Well located for Hollywood, Universal and Santa Monica and I can thoroughly recommend the steak and egg nachos by the pool for lunch as good value for the resort credit. I thought the staff were outstanding from the guys at the pool, the consierge and the drivers and they made a huge fuss on our anniversary even though we clearly weren’t as money as the other clientele. The pool was the best part even midweek in August we had it almost to ourselves.

Holton Palm Springs- (currently staying here). It’s probably not advisable in the summer unless you plan on visiting Joshua Tree, but very pleasant at Easter anyway. Cash prices can be high this time of year so a good points redemption even if you buy then like we did. Huge pool area with lots of beds, daily resort credit plus $10 is enough for lunch for 2 at the pool.
Thanks to a previous post here I found there is loads of free parking on the street right outside as the hotel wants $30 (and amazingly the car park is pretty much full). The actual city is a lot cheaper than I expected, lots of long happy hours for example. Would recommend a drive up to Idyllwild.