Ventura Beach Getaway: Crowne Plaza Luxury Awaits!
Ventura Beach Getaway: Crowne Plaza Luxury Awaits!
Ventura Beach Getaway: Crowne Plaza - Maybe Luxury, Definitely An Experience (A Rambling Review)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups. This ain't your average, clean-cut hotel review. This is me, just back from a stay at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach – or, as I like to call it, "The Place Where I Questioned My Life Choices in a Bathrobe." Let’s dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: Mostly Thumbs Up (But Not Perfect)
First things first, because I'm a good human, let's talk accessibility. The hotel does have some good points. Wheelchair accessible is a big win – ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is awesome. The elevator saved my life (and my legs) after a long day of… well, existing. But, I'm told that there's always room for improvement, eh?
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: I didn't personally test this out, but I saw enough ramps and wide doorways that the odds seem good. Still, always double-check with the hotel directly.
Internet – Oh, the Internet. A Saga.
Alright, here we go. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!… eventually. Internet [LAN] – forget about it. That's some ancient tech right there. The Wi-Fi itself? Sporadic at best. Felt like dialing up in the late 90s. You’d get glorious connection speeds for a few blessed minutes, then it vanished. Then you’d spend the next twenty minutes trying to reconnect. I lost an hour simply trying to upload some photos of the beach. Honestly, I'm starting to think I was better off without the internet, which is a weird feeling to have when I’m supposed to be relaxing. Internet services: This seemed to be limited to the spotty Wi-Fi. Be prepared to unplug.
Things to Do - The Beach is Your Friend (Mostly)
Let's face it, the BIG draw is the beach. And it’s right there. You walk out the door, and BAM! Sand, waves, seagulls squawking their judgment. Seriously, the location is fantastic.
Ways to Relax (Or Try To…)
My attempt at relaxation? That's a story in itself.
- Body scrub, Body wrap - Didn't get to those. I was too busy fighting the Wi-Fi.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness, - I did attempt the gym. Look, I'm not a gym girl, but they had the usual equipment. It was… functional.
- Foot bath: Now there’s a unique offering, right?
- Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna: Didn't make it to any of these. I was, as mentioned, fighting the Wi-Fi and getting sand everywhere. Next time, I swear!
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool did look inviting. I just didn't get in. This is my biggest regret. Cleanliness & Safety - "Don't Worry, We're Disinfecting!"
Okay, let's be real. Post-pandemic travel is a little different, right? The Crowne Plaza was trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment – they were all there. I saw the cleaning crew, masked and determined, working their magic. It felt safe, yet also a little… clinical. Like living in a CSI episode. I think they might have been slightly overdoing it. I could smell the bleach, which made me wonder if they were cleaning the beach. I’ll never know.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
Food is where things get interesting, and occasionally, disappointing.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant They have everything. It felt like a culinary adventure that I didn't fully commit to.
The Breakfast Buffet: My Personal Hell-scape
The buffet, oh, the breakfast buffet. A glorious, overflowing, carb-laden spectacle. The Western breakfast was… fine. Your standard scrambled eggs, bacon (slightly undercooked, but hey, I wasn't complaining). The International cuisine? I was intrigued, but always went back to the bacon! The coffee was lukewarm. It's the details, people.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things…
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center Some of these I needed, some I didn’t. The Daily housekeeping? A godsend. The Concierge was helpful, but seemed… stressed. The Convenience store was definitely… convenient.
For the Kids - (I'm Not One, But…)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal Seemed like a good place for families. Plenty of room, and the beach is right there.
Access & Room - Deep Dive
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms Everything was there to keep you safe and sound.
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens THE ROOM. My room. It was spacious, with amazing views, and a very comfortable bed. Blackout curtains? YES! I slept like a log. Free bottled water was a nice touch, since I wasn't sure about drinking the tap water (I'm paranoid). The interconnecting rooms looked useful if you are visiting with a large group.
My Personal Anecdote – The Bathrobe Incident
One day, I decided to embrace the "luxury" part of the Crowne Plaza experience. I put on the provided bathrobe. Now, I'm not a small person. The bathrobe wasn't exactly large. Anyway, I was in the buffet line, dripping wet from the pool, and I heard it rip. From the back. In front of everyone. Mortifying. The staff were very kind about it, offering me a replacement, mortified. But, in that moment, I realized, I was neither luxurious nor particularly graceful.
In Conclusion (and Maybe Slightly Exhausted)
The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach? It's… an experience. It's got the location, the views, and the potential for a truly relaxing getaway. Sure, there were some hiccups (that Wi-Fi! That bathrobe!), but overall, it was enjoyable. I'd go back, but next time, I'm bringing my own bathrobe and a pocket Wi-Fi. And I’m definitely getting in that pool.
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Alright, buckle up! Because this ain't gonna be your boring, sterile itinerary. This is my Ventura Beach Crowne Plaza adventure, and trust me, it's gonna be… well, let's just say it's gonna be me.
Ventura Beach Bliss (and a touch of chaos!) - A Crowne Plaza Journal
Day 1: Arrival and Oceanside Overwhelm
- 11:00 AM (ish): Okay, so, the flight was a nightmare. No, seriously. Delayed. Turbulence that made me think I'd met my maker (or at least spilled my Diet Coke all over the nice lady next to me). Finally, FINALLY, we land in LAX…and then the rental car debacle. Apparently, "compact" means something entirely different to Hertz. I swear, I’m considering getting a driver’s license for a miniature horse… Just kidding. Maybe. (Don't judge, it's been a journey.)
- 1:30 PM (give or take a breakdown or two): Arrive at the Crowne Plaza. Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief. The lobby is… nice. Clean, bright, the usual blah blah blah. But listen, after the travel torment, just the idea of a clean bed is glorious. Check-in, a breeze because praise the heavens, the nice lady at the desk saw the exhaustion radiating off me like a nuclear reactor.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance & View-Induced Swooning: Okay, this room. This room is the reason I booked this hotel. The ocean view. THE OCEAN VIEW. I literally gasped when I walked in. It's the kind of view that makes you want to throw your arms open and shout to the world! (I resisted. Mostly.) I then proceeded to spend a solid hour just… staring. Letting the sound of the waves wash over me. The sheer audacity of the Pacific Ocean to simply exist is breathtaking.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Poolside Panic & Sunscreen Struggle: Okay, time for some Vitamin D. The pool area is… crowded. Understandable. It's Ventura. It's sunny. But, let me tell you, slathering myself in sunscreen felt suspiciously similar to wrestling an alligator. I’m pretty sure I missed a spot, so fingers crossed, I won’t turn into a lobster. Also, the pool is cold. Really cold. Quick dip in, then I retreated to my glorious balcony, watching the surfers. Sigh. Life is good.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner at The Harbor Cove Cafe: The cafe is actually quite nice. Decent fish and chips, view of the pier (which is buzzing), and a glass of wine. But the people-watching…oh, the people-watching! A couple on a romantic date (made me feel utterly, ridiculously, single), a family with kids screaming at the top of their lungs (reminded me why I don't have any), and a lone wolf like me just taking it all in.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Pier Promenade & Evening Enchantment: Okay, so I walked down the pier. The air is fresh, the lights are twinkling, and there are a million people selling fried food and trinkets. Classic vacation vibe. I managed to snag a ridiculously oversized ice cream cone that will take me approximately three days to finish. I take a big bite, look at the ocean, and think 'this is what it feels like to live.'
- 9:00 PM: Beachside Reflections & Existential Angst (and a very full stomach): Back at the hotel. Sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine feeling pensive, the waves creating a never-ending rhythm to life’s journey. Feeling content and happy.
Day 2: Adventure and Unexpected Twists
- 8:00 AM: Wake Up and the Breakfast Buffet (and my own personal food battle): Breakfast buffet. Yes! I can eat whatever I want and no judgment (from myself anyway). I'm convinced I tried everything. The scrambled egg felt like it had been sitting there for a while, but that bagel was crispy. A good bagel is a win.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 AM: Kayaking Calamity & Coastal Chaos: Ventura Harbor! Supposed to be idyllic. It was, for about five minutes. Until I tried to kayak. Okay, let's just say my kayaking skills are… non-existent. The wind caught my paddle, and I ended up doing a full 360 in front of a family with a very judgmental preteen. I nearly capsized. Twice. I may or may not have cursed. (Sorry, preteen!) But the harbor seals! They were adorable. Pure, unadulterated joy. Totally worth the near-drowning experience.
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at Brophy Bros Clam & Oyster Co.: Brophy Bros on the harbor. Fresh oysters, the ocean breeze in my hair, and a serious sense of accomplishment (I survived kayaking, people!). Delicious, and a perfect antidote to the adrenaline rush.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Beach Combing & Unexpected Treasure: Back to the beach (because the ocean is calling, and I must go). This time armed with a plan: actually finding something. I walked, I looked, and I found a beautiful piece of driftwood. It's now my prized possession. It's also really heavy; I'm probably going to have to pay extra to get it home.
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Poolside Relaxation & Reflection: I've spent the afternoon back in the hotel room trying to get my life together. The pool is calling but I'm still dealing with the kayaking incident, and my aching arms.
- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner at Lure Fish House & Post-Dinner Stroll: The restaurant is fancy and delicious. After a long day, I decided to treat myself. I'm so glad I did. After dinner, a late evening walk along the boardwalk. The soft light, the cool ocean breeze, the sound of the waves… pure magic.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the baloney: Still on the balcony, wine glass in hand, watching the stars come out. Thinking about how chaotic life can be but how the good moments are still worth it.
Day 3: Farewell Ventura (and Maybe Book Another Trip Already)
- 9:00 AM: The Breakfast Buffet Strikes Again (Less Enthusiastically): One more go at the breakfast buffet; by this point I'm starting to feel like a food-comatose whale.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last Beach Stroll & Farewell Feels: Before I leave, one last walk on the beach. The sand on my toes, the sun on my face… it's the kind of moment you just want to bottle up and take home with you. It also involves a final attempt to find more treasures.
- 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: Check out of the Crowne Plaza & Goodbye, Ocean View!: Time to go. The goodbyes are always the hardest. But I have a whole lot of memories and a renewed appreciation for the simple things… like a clean bed and the power of the ocean.
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Drive towards LAX. Traffic: Oh boy.
- 5:00 PM: Airport: Time to go home!
Final Thoughts:
Ventura, you were… well, you were an experience. A beautiful, messy, chaotic, wonderful, glorious, sometimes-embarrassing experience. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I’m already dreaming of my next trip. I'll probably come back to the Crowne Plaza. Maybe I'll even master kayaking. (Doubtful, but a girl can dream!)
And hey, if you see me on the beach next time, feel free to say hi… just don't mention the kayaking. Mostly kidding.
Until next time, Ventura!
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So, is this "Luxury" a lie? Seriously?
The View - Spill. Is it *really* that good?
Okay, the Pool. Gotta know. Is it a trashy, overcrowded mess? Or, like, actually relaxing?
The Food. God, the food. Tell me everything! Was it offensively overpriced? Or actually, you know, *good*?
What about the Beach? Is it easy to access? Is it crowded? What's the *vibe*?
Parking... is it a nightmare? Seriously, I hate parking.
Would you go back? Like, *honestly*?
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