A Trio of Delights – Palo Alto, Carmel-by-the-Sea & Pacific Grove

Author: Ronnie Greenberg

Photos by: Joe Hilbers


A Trio of Delights
Palo Alto, Carmel-by-the-Sea & Pacific Grove

By: Ronnie Greenberg
Photos: Joe Hilbers

The epitome of all the elements for great beauty is celebrated in the fantastic areas of Palo Alto, Carmel-by-the Sea and Pacific Grove. With no shortage of fascinating places to whet your appetite, take off on a fantastic adventure and get to experience how life is celebrated in these wonderful destinations, each filled with their own color.

Palo Alto

The secret is out among savvy travelers about the Clement Hotel Palo Alto that offers a unique one-of-a-kind  6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley. Here unparalleled personal service, all-inclusive luxury and privacy in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment begins at the front door.

Be prepared to be totally indulged at this contemporary designed all-inclusive and exclusive resort-style hotel with its club style interior flawless in muted natural tones and traditional craftsmanship. When you ring the bell to your home away from home you are greeted by the General Manager or one of the hotel’s friendly Personal Concierges. Your car is taken to the on -site garage and your luggage brought to your suite. The whole check-in process only takes a minute or two in the front desk area.

Then the all-inclusive hospitality reigns with innovative personalized services and amenities that include: breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine, beer and cocktails, a mini bar and snacks. It’s your choice to dine either in the lovely dining room, out on the patio or have in-room dining. There’s a fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, valet parking, twice-daily housekeeping services, overnight shoe shine services, high-speed internet, your own personal concierge and gratuities.

Luxuriate in comfort in one of the 23 spacious and richly appointed one-bedroom suites.  Enjoy the outdoor heated pool and sun deck, and a cabana that is available for your pleasure. The bathroom with a heated floor has a separate tub and walk-in shower, with lush bath towels and robes.

The Clement also boasts many amenities for the discerning business traveler, including The Jury Room, a state-of-the-art boardroom that is available for small meetings and private dining; a fully equipped Business Center; state-of-the-art technology throughout, and a Personal Concierge who will take care of the guests every need.

Located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto there’s world class shopping and upscale spas.  One of the areas award winning restaurants is Sam’s Chowder House that offers an authentic seafood experience reminiscent of New England-style seafood. www.samschowderhouse.com  For a fun place to sit and sip and listen to some local vibes it’s

A Grape in the Fog, a friendly wine bar one block  from Rockaway Beach. Happy Hour is everyday and very popular with locals and visitors alike www.agitf.com

The Clement Hotel Palo Alto is located at: 711 El Camino Real, Palo Alto 94301 www.theclementpaloalto.com  (650) 322-7111

Palo Alto is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

You’ve arrived at the perfect springboard for the area at the iconic Hofsas House, an easy place to  know and a pleasant place to linger. With its casual European elegance and the warmth of family hospitality there is nothing quite like the welcome you receive from the minute you arrive.

The hotel’s history starts with Donna Hofsas who founded Hofsas House Hotel, a family run boutique inn, now celebrating their 70th anniversary. She and her husband Fred, moved from Los Angeles to Carmel in the late 1940s. While he was busy as an accountant, she oversaw the cottages they had purchased in town, living in one and renting out three others, and so began Hofsas House. In 1957 they took the major step of building what is now the main hotel, adding 25 rooms and a swimming pool, moving their business to the next level.

There were many other touches such as when Donna commissioned her friend, artist Maxine Albro, to paint the Bavarian themed welcome mural, and the three other paintings that hang in the lobby.  Fred, who was also an artist and photographer, created the mosaic coat of arms.

In 1981 following Donna’s death her son Jack Theis ran it until his death in 1990 when his wife Doris, and two children Carrie and Scott took over the reigns. In 2000 Donna’s granddaughter Carrie Theis, after embarking on a college education and career of her own, retuned to carry on her grandmother’s legacy of service and hospitality which she does with perfection.

Enjoy breakfast and a charming concierge service replete with a map and suggestions of what to see in the area.

Located at San Carlos Street between 3 and 4 Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea 93921

(831)624-2745 0159. www.hofsashouse.com

Area highlights:

Point Lobos State Reserve. a gorgeous coastal wild life sanctuary. Watch for whales, southern sea otter and California sea lion. www.pointlobos.org

Pebble Beach, with the world famous scenic 17-mile drive and lush golf courses.

Carmel Mission Basilica established by Father Junipero Serra, California’s oldest mission.www.carmelmission.org

*Pick up some yummy sandwiches or salads for a picnic to the beach or state park at 5th Avenue Deli. The deli is between San Carlos and Dolores Street.

* Treat yourself at the Aqua Wellness Day Spa with eminence organic facials, bodyscrubs,wraps and massages. Located at 5th Avenue  between San Carlos and Delores (831) 250-7433 www.aquawellnessdayspa.com

Pacific Grove

The historically Victorian community of Pacific Grove, is a quaint scenic town with kinetic energy and a harmonious way of life. Located between Point Pinos and Monterey.  Get to breath in the scent of the sea air and watch brilliant red and orange sunsets.

Famous for the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, Lovers Point State Marine Reserve and the oldest continually operating lighthouse in the country

Wonderful B&Bs dot the landscape, while a popular highlight here is  Asilomar State Beach with a premiere hotel and conference grounds www.visitasilomar.com

A tie in to the area is dining at the Beach House Restaurant & Bar at Lovers Point. Enjoy the innovative Sunset FireCracker Shrimp appetizer tossed in a spicy sweet Thai aioli. For the main specialty entree savor the rigatoni with pesto cream; parmesan crusted chicken breast; bacon-wrapped meat loaf; and the very popular Panko-Sand-Dabs almondine with wild rice pilaf, blue lake green beans dried cranberries, toasted almonds and lemon beurre blanc. Located  618 Ocean View Blvd at Lovers Point Beach, Pacific Grove 93950 (831) 375-2345.

For more information on Pacific Grove : www.cityofpacificgrove.org

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