Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

We are Happy at Hotel Laguna!

By Greer Wylder

May 10, 2012

Review by Jennifer Morris Historic Hotel Laguna is certainly more than just a place to rest your head. On the contrary, Hotel Laguna is an iconic boutique hotel. Nestled in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach and overlooking Main Beach, this charming hotel provides scenic atmosphere, comfortable rooms and impeccable hospitality for tourists and locals alike. “Build it and they shall come” must have been the mantra of Hotel Laguna when it was constructed in the late 19th century. It is recognized to be the first hotel and first substantial business building in Laguna Beach. However, do not let its…

KIDS LOVE PELICAN HILL!

By Greer Wylder

April 23, 2012

Review by Sheryll Alexander We love all the seaside resorts in OC, but Pelican Hill Resort offers its own brand of decadence (three restaurants and a spa) and recreation (two Fazio-designed golf courses and Camp Pelican for the kids!) this spring and summer. And, did you know the three valet services at Pelican Hill are complimentary? Yes, you can pull up and just pay a tip when visiting the resort even during OC’s warmest months. Wow! On our recent visit to Pelican Hill, we drove right up to the Coliseum Pool & Grill entrance where the valet held our car…

Staying in the City of Angels

By Greer Wylder

April 06, 2012

On a recent escape to Los Angeles, we stayed at the Hotel Angeleno, a favorite boutique hotel, that’s best known as the former Holiday Inn, an iconic circular tower built in 1969 by Lundgren + Maurer. Whether you’ve stayed there or not, you’ve seen it plenty of times off the 405 at Sunset Boulevard, just south of the Getty Center. Since Joie de Vivre took it over about seven years, revamped it, and put its chic stamp on it, you can’t imagine the transformation. From its secluded pool, modern, yet warm interiors, all rooms boasting a balcony and view, and…

REN FAIRE ARRIVES!

By Greer Wylder

March 27, 2012

By Christine Marie Springtime has arrived yet again and so has the 50th Renaissance Pleasure Faire, which has thankfully moved location from faraway Glen Helen Regional Park to nearby Irwindale’s Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area (15501 East Arrow Highway). Yes, perhaps it is time for a romp into Merry Ole England and the charm of being swept away to another time and place. With more than 13 stages of dazzling entertainment, this year’s Ren Fair (as regulars call it) includes dazzling entertainment, hearty food, fine spirits, fantastic wares, rollicking musical performances and fun rides and games. The faire also features…

WALKABLE BEACH GETAWAY!

By Greer Wylder

February 23, 2012

By Sheryll Alexander As a travel editor and hotel reviewer, I have visited some the best hotels in The West. My favorites, however, are charming boutique hotels. Small and located in cool neighborhoods, boutique hotels allow guests to live more like a local. In OC, South Laguna is home to some of the coolest new (and old) boutique hotels. All of these reasonably-priced accommodations are located within walking distance of each other in the center of South Laguna, which is one of OC’s most hip neighborhoods filled with grocery stores, designer shops, coffeehouses, recreation outfitters and some of Laguna’s best…