Christmas getaway
 

This might be a strange request... my son (age 24) passed away this week, and my husband, two adult daughters and I would like to go away for Christmas this year—it seems it might be too painful to stay home and try to go through the usual traditions while grieving. We are looking for a wonderful hotel in a lovely setting, up to $350 per night, within a 3-hours' drive of Los Angeles. Can you help?

I am so sorry for your loss. It would be hard any time but especially so during the holiday season.

I think the Del Coronado in San Diego would be fabulous over the holidays - Though over Christmas their rates are likely above or near the very top of your budget.

Or up the coast above Santa Barbara -- Pismo Beach, or Cambria or somewhere like that.

I'm so sorry.

You might look at a couple of places in Ojai - the Ojai Valley Inn and the Emerald Iguana.

https://www.ojairesort.com/
http://www.emeraldiguana.com/

The Ojai Valley is really beautiful and while it's fairly close it feels like a long way from LA.

You might also look at Palm Springs. Spend a day or two visiting Joshua Tree NP, or head out to drive along parts of Route 66...

Thank you so much. Now I can narrow my search...

Also if you know of any restaurants that do Christmas dinner really well, that might influence where we stay.

So sorry for your loss.

That is not a strange request. You are smart to getaway this Christmas.

Lake Arrowhead? Palm Sprimgs? La Jolla?

The Del is known for its Christmas celebrations/festivities (though so are other places mentioned)

https://hoteldel.com/holidays-at-the-del/

Please accept my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your son.

I have two suggestions: The first is in Ojai, the Blue Iguana. I called, and they have one two bedroom bungalow with kitchen left for the dates of Dec 22-25, at a nightly rate of $349.00 (includes $20 each for the two extra adults). The room is #6, so you can look at it online.
http://www.blueiguanainn.com/guest-rooms.htm

The second suggestion is in Santa Barbara, the West Beach Inn. The two bedroom suite is gone, but they do have some Harborview double queen rooms. Depending on the floor, these are $319 + tax on the second floor, and $349 + tax on the third floor. They also have some garden view rooms, but if you get one of those, ask for the ones with the wider walkway on the second floor with seating outside. Or on the first floor, those are OK too.

https://www.coasthotels.com/hotels/c...est-beach-inn/

We were just there (Friday and Saturday), and we used the pool and spa. The location is very good, right across from the marina, walkable to most of Santa Barbara. I think SB is a very calming and relaxing place. there are so many beautiful parks and quiet places, and just walking along the water is very tranquil. If it were me, I would choose Santa Barbara.

As far as restaurants on Christmas day in SB, on Open Table I found Finch and Fork, within walking distance, and Bouchon. It’s a lovely restaurant. http://www.bouchonsantabarbara.com

Thinking of you in this time of sorrow, and hope that this may help you find a place to be together.

I too would choose Santa Barbara, I find being by the water there very soothing. And while I have nothing in particular to add to the advice above, I do add my condolences on your loss. I hope your family can find some peace together this holiday.

First I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss and hope your family can find some peace.

What about Catalina Island?

So very sorry for the loss of your son. Have you considered Temecula? We've stayed several times at Europa Village, but there are a number of other wineries that have hotels attached. Not your typical hotels, but depending what you want, may work for you. Temecula's Winery Country is so peaceful.

I am so sorry I am just now wrapping this up! Thank you all very much for your condolences and your excellent advice. I have a feeling I will be referring to your ideas many times in the years to come. Since my husband loves the desert, we ended up going out to Palm Desert, and it was gorgeous (spectacular sunsets). The coastal towns and Ojai are more my cup of tea, so maybe we'll head to one of those in 2018. :) Thanks again.