Huntington Beach Getaway: Sonesta Select's Unbeatable Ocean Views!
Huntington Beach Getaway: Sonesta Select's Unbeatable Ocean Views! – My Messy, Wonderful, and Occasionally Sandy Review
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a Huntington Beach Getaway at Sonesta Select, and let me tell you, it was a ride. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the real deal, complete with sandy toes, questionable decisions at the pool bar, and the overwhelming urge to just… breathe.
First Impressions: The View. OMG, the View! (And The Elevators)
Seriously, forget whatever else I say, because the view is the star of this show. As soon as you walk into the lobby (bright, clean, and… well, I'll get to that later), you're hit with this gorgeous, panoramic ocean vista. It's like someone took a giant postcard and slapped it right in your face. The waves crashing, the surfers… even the occasional seagull poop couldn’t ruin the magic. You're immediately, instantly, calmer. Promise.
Now, the lobby itself… it's fine. Clean. Standard hotel lobby. The vibe is definitely "professional vacation-goer." But those elevators? Man. They're a bit… slow. Like, "contemplating your life choices while waiting" slow. And the elevator calls? Forget about it. Multiple times, I found myself frantically pressing the button five times just to ensure the elevator would actually come. (Side note: This is definitely something to consider if you're a fidgety person like me. You will be fiddling).
Accessibility: Mixed Bag, but Hopeful
This is an area where Sonesta Select does okay, but there's definitely room for improvement. Wheelchair accessible? Yes! Lots of ramps and wide doorways. Bravo! Accessibility is a big deal. Elevator? Well, as mentioned, slow, but accessible. Facilities for disabled guests? They have them, which is fantastic, but I didn't personally experience how well those facilities are actually functioning.
Rooms: Clean, Functional, and Blessed with That View!
My room? Solid. Honestly, it was clean. Really clean. Like, "I'm too lazy to make my bed, but I feel like they probably made it for me anyway" clean. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check (and a good, strong signal too, which is always a win). Fridge? Yesss! Essential for late-night ice cream runs. The bed? Comfortable enough to forget my crippling student loan debt for a solid eight hours. Bathroom? Perfectly serviceable with all the necessary toiletries. And the balcony? That's where the real magic unfolded. Just sitting out there, listening to the waves… pure bliss. (Though, I would’ve killed for a rocking chair out there!)
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hangry Meltdown)
Okay, this is where things get interesting.
Dining Options: They've got a restaurant on-site – a typical hotel restaurant with Western Cuisine and a Breakfast [buffet]. The breakfast buffet was… adequate. (That's code for "I ate a lot of carbs I probably didn't need"). But, I have to admit, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was the best part of it, and it was well worth it. I'm not saying the Asian breakfast options were bad, but I might have been too focused on the Western breakfast. The restaurant also offers Room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver after a long day of surfing (or, you know, just existing). The Snack bar by the pool was essential for refueling after hours of sunbathing and swimming -- and maybe a sneaky cocktail or two.
The Poolside Bar: Dear lord, the poolside bar. This is where I officially embraced my vacation self. This is also partially where I got sunburnt. This is also where I may have forgotten what I ordered, which led to… well, a series of delicious, but ultimately unnecessary, cocktails. The bartender was kind, though, and didn’t judge my questionable choices. (He’s a hero, really). They had some Happy hour specials, which were a godsend (because, let’s be honest, hotel bars can get pricey).
The Vegetarian Restaurant: No, but I found some Vegetarian options in the main restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety (during Covid, which is still a thing, unfortunately): Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Rooms sanitized between stays? Seemed that way. (I wasn’t about to go snooping, but it felt clean). Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Definitely. Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed knowledgeable and friendly; even if my mask kept slipping.
Things to Do (Beyond, You Know, Being at the Beach)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool itself was a great size, and the pool was heated, which was perfect when I visited! Pool with view? Absolutely! Again, the ocean is right there. You can't escape the view! Just be prepared to fight for a good lounger.
- Fitness center? Yes, there’s a small gym. I opted for the ocean as my fitness center, though.
- Spa/sauna? Unfortunately, nope. Which was a bummer. I would’ve loved a Foot bath after all that walking on the beach!
- Things to do: This is Huntington Beach, people! The beach is right there. Surfing, sunbathing, building sandcastles, watching the sunset…it’s all amazing. But, if you're looking for something different, there are shops, restaurants, and a few local attractions nearby.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Really Useful
- Concierge: They're there! Helpful and friendly…mostly.
- Daily housekeeping: Fantastic. My room was always magically tidied when I returned.
- Cash withdrawal There's an ATM on-site, which is handy.
- Laundry service: Definitely a plus. (I’m not one for doing laundry on vacation.)
The Little Annoyances (Because Nothing is Truly Perfect)
- Parking. It's not free parking. And it can get crowded. So, if you're driving, be prepared for a minor logistical dance.
- The elevator. I've mentioned it. But, it bears repeating.
- I was a bit perturbed that I didn't notice any Pets allowed. The marketing made it seem pet-friendly, but perhaps my eyes failed me.
Final Verdict: Worth it? Heck Yes!
Look, Sonesta Select at Huntington Beach isn’t a five-star luxury resort. It’s a solid, comfortable hotel with one major selling point: that view. That view alone is worth the price of admission. Add in the friendly staff, the clean rooms, and the readily available cocktails, and you have a winning combination. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway with a killer view, book it. Just… be patient with those elevators. And maybe pack an extra pair of sunglasses for all the beach-induced squinting. You can't go wrong. I’m already planning my return. I wouldn’t call it a luxury hotel experience, I’d call it a great time. Even if I did spend much of my time trying to navigate the elevators.
Hyatt Place Lakeland Center: Your Dream Lakeland Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Sonesta Select Huntington Beach Fountain Valley escapade. Prepare for a rollercoaster of good intentions, questionable decisions, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of being…well, me. This isn't your polished travel brochure; this is the raw, unfiltered truth of my Fountain Valley experience.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Mostly Kidding… maybe)
- 8:00 AM - Departure from the Concrete Jungle (Home, sweet hell): Okay, so I overslept. Shocking, I know. My cat, Mittens (who secretly judges all my life choices) gave me the stink eye as I slammed the door behind me. Already feeling the pressure of leaving everything behind for a little bit. Ah, the human experience.
- 9:00 AM - Traffic Nightmare: The 405 is a beast, a metal-and-exhaust-fume-spewing dragon. I swore under my breath at every slow driver, which, let's be honest, was everyone. This is why I need a vacation!
- 12:00 PM - Check-in at the Sonesta Select, Praise the Gods of Beds!: Finally! The lobby is surprisingly… pleasant. Check-in was a breeze, and the front desk lady was genuinely nice. I'm already picturing myself collapsing on that promised fluffy duvet. My luggage? Who cares! I'm here!
- 1:00 PM - The Room Reveal: Standard room, but CLEAN. A small victory! I did a happy dance on the carpet, which, let's face it, probably hasn't been thoroughly cleaned in years. But hey, the air conditioning works, and the TV has way too many channels. Yes!
- 2:00 PM - Initial Exploration and Panic: Fountain Valley, What is this place? I ventured out, and the sheer… ordinariness of Fountain Valley hit me like a tidal wave. Strip malls, beige houses, and… well, more strip malls. Panic began to set in. Did I make a mistake? Is this where I'll spend the next few days? Will I be eaten alive by boredom?
- 3:00 PM - The Discovery of Pho Ocean: After a frantic Google Maps search (thank you smartphone), I stumble upon Pho Ocean, a small Vietnamese restaurant. The smell of spices is intoxicating. This meal will definitely be a highlight of the day!
- 4:00 PM - Pho Nirvana and Deep Thoughts: Devoured a massive bowl of pho. It was heavenly. As I slurped noodles and contemplated the meaning of life (and the perfect broth-to-noodle ratio), I realized… maybe Fountain Valley is… okay. Maybe even… charming?
- 5:00 PM - Poolside Pose (and Minor Meltdown): The pool at the Sonesta is decent. I tried to look effortlessly cool, but I probably just looked like an awkward penguin. The sun was beating down, the kids were screaming, and I nearly tripped on the wet tile. Minor meltdown averted.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at Claim Jumper (chain, I know, judge me): After the initial shock, Claim Jumper turns out to be… fine. Huge portions, a ridiculously large menu, and I may have overordered. I told the waiter my life story (slightly embellished, naturally).
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime and the Promise of Tomorrow: Exhausted but strangely content, I crawl into bed. The sweet, sweet embrace of the duvet! Dreams of surfing (unlikely), beach walks, and… maybe escaping the tyranny of the laundry I left behind.
Day 2: Beach Vibes (and an Unpleasant Encounter)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast and the Quest for Coffee: The hotel breakfast buffet is… well, it's there. The coffee, however, is weak. I embark on a quest to find REAL coffee.
- 9:00 AM - Huntington Beach Bound! (the Pacific Calls): Finally, the beach! The drive is short, and the sight of the ocean washes away all the existential dread. I'm giddy with excitement.
- 9:30 AM - Sand, Sun, and Surfer Boys… (mostly): Parking was a nightmare. Seriously, what's up with the parking situation? I finally found a spot, and then… the beach! The vastness of the ocean is breathtaking. I spend ages just staring, feeling the salty breeze on my face.
- 10:30 AM - Embarrassing Attempt at Beach Volleyball: I try to play beach volleyball (because, why not?). Let's just say I'm better at watching than participating. I managed to trip over my own feet and nearly take out a group of toddlers. Mortified.
- 11:30 AM - The Unpleasant Encounter: On my way to find a better spot on the beach, a guy starts chatting me up. He's… intense. Like, really intense. He's talking about NFTs, crypto, and how he's going to "change the world." I politely excused myself and fled. The universe is a weird place.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch with a View (and a side of people-watching): Found a little burger shack overlooking the pier. The burger was glorious. Perfect fries. I lost myself in people-watching. This is what vacation is about.
- 2:00 PM - Surfing Lessons? (Probably Not): I contemplate taking a surfing lesson. Then I remember my lack of coordination and swiftly change my mind. I'll stick to enjoying the waves from a safe distance.
- 3:00 PM - Beach Stroll and Contemplation: A long, lovely walk along the beach. I collect seashells, and as the sun begins to set, my heart feels huge with peace.
- 6:00 PM - The Perfect Sunset: The sunset over the Pacific. Breathtaking. I would even claim it's perfect.
Day 3: Local Flavors, Hidden Gems, and a Near-Disaster
- 9:00 AM - Exploring the Locals: After a bad start with the breakfast yesterday, I'm prepared to explore the Fountain Valley area. It's time for a caffeine injection.
- 10:00 AM - The Best Coffee: Found a killer independent coffee shop. The brew is strong, the pastries are delicious, and the atmosphere is friendly. I may have spent an hour just people-watching and eavesdropping on conversations.
- 11:00 AM - The Hidden Gem of a Museum: The surprise: a small, quirky museum dedicated to local history. Okay, I have to admit I like this. You know, if you can get past the fact that it lacks a polished look.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch and a Near-Disaster: A local restaurant, seemed promising. The food? Delicious. The scene? Bustling. The near-disaster? I spilled a full glass of water directly down someone's back! I'm a walking disaster. I was mortified. The guy was incredibly gracious.
- 3:00 PM - The Greatest Thing: I stumbled upon a little park. I decided to get a tan and read a novel. It was the perfect afternoon.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and a Final Reflection: I choose a local place. The food is good, but the people are better.
- 8:00 PM - The Final Goodbye: The hotel is very nice. It's time to go home and say goodbye.
Day 4: Departure and the Aftermath
- 8:00 AM - The Bitter End: The coffee is terrible. The weather is perfect. I feel like I'm in a dream.
- 9:00 AM - Check-Out: Everything is smooth, but the thought of going home is too much.
- 10:00 AM - The Drive Home: Traffic is even worse.
- 1:00 PM - Home! (and a Mountain of Laundry): Back to reality. My laundry awaits, Mittens is already judging, and I'm already dreaming of my next escape.
- Always: The best moments are always the unexpected ones.
So, there you have it. Sonesta Select Huntington Beach Fountain Valley, a trip that was messy, imperfect, and utterly, wonderfully human. I'll be back! Maybe. With better packing skills and a stronger tolerance for traffic. Until next time, stay weird, stay you, and always, always, bring a good book.
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Huntington Beach Getaway: Sonesta Select - Okay, But Seriously, Those Ocean Views... FAQ (It's a Vibe)
Okay, spill. Are the ocean views *really* as good as everyone says at Sonesta Select Huntington Beach? Because, let's be real, marketing is a LIE sometimes.
Speaking of balconies… are the rooms actually… you know… decent? Or are we trading ocean views for a depressing, dated hotel room?
Let's talk about food, because I'm a bottomless pit. Are there any decent restaurants nearby? Like, within stumbling distance?
What about parking? 'Cause let's be real, parking can ruin a good vacay. Especially in California.
Beach access! Is it easy? Do I have to hike for miles to get to the sand?
What about the service? Are the staff friendly and helpful, or are they just going through the motions?
The pool! Is it worth it? I mean, the ocean is right there, but you know… pools are pools.
Okay, I'm sold on the ocean views. But what about the *vibe*? Is it a party scene? Family-friendly? Chill?
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