Family Travel: A Stay at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort

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1 Family Travel: A Stay at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort February 6, 2015 During my family's recent trip to San Diego, we were fortunate to stay at the fabulous Loews Coronado Bay Resort, a stunning hotel located directly on the picturesque San Diego Bay. I really can't imagine a more perfect place to have served as our home base during our time in San Diego, as the Loews had everything a traveling family could want or need, from spacious rooms to a prime location to a warm and engaging staff and more. Indeed, I was loathe to leave after just five nights, and I'm quite certain we'll be returning in the very near future if I have anything to say about it!

2 And of course I have plenty to say, as I was duly impressed by the Loews Coronado Bay s accommodations and amenities. From the moment we set foot in the hotel s elegant yet unpretentious lobby, I knew we were in for a treat, as the Loews exudes California cool in the best possible ways. Located on its own 15-acre peninsula, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort boasts 439 guestrooms (including 37 luxury suites), five restaurant/lounge options, three heated pools, a nearby beach, bayside tennis courts, a fitness complex (complete with group fitness classes), a world-class spa, a drop-off Kids Club, a full-service marina, seasonal activities, and of course, jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay and the San Diego skyline.

3 I m the first to admit that I m a total hotel snob, and I can honestly say that the Loews Coronado Bay Resort not only met but exceeded my expectations when it came to providing the perfect accommodations for my family. Our one-bedroom suite, located directly along the San Diego Bay, was ideally suited for our family, as we not only had plenty of room to stretch out in the expansive living room and spacious bedroom, but also had two full bathrooms, two terraces, and a generously-sized wet bar area. With sweeping water and city views, our room was as plush and inviting as they come, and beyond anything I could have imagined. Indeed, I think we were all ready to camp out at the Loews for the entire winter!

4 It seems that everywhere you turn at the Loews there s a place you ll want to explore and linger. My six-year-old daughter Sadie and two-year-old son Ben had a blast exploring every inch of the Loews sprawling lobby, which has cool modern touches and cozy spaces where guests can relax over a drink or step outside and marvel at the picture-perfect views. I loved the smartly-stocked souvenir and clothing shops, while Ben spent the better part of our stay devising a plan to free the hotel s resident birds from their ornate birdcage. And of course, my city kids fell head over heels in love with the small playground located a short walk from the Loews, where Sadie and Ben were the only ones using the well-maintained equipment. Needless to say, this never happens in New York City!

5 All that running around certainly built up an appetite, so we were quite appreciative of the Loews on-site Market To Go, which is open 24 hours a day and serves up Starbucks coffee as well as an array of sandwiches, salads, smoothies, freshly-squeezed juices and more. In addition to Market To Go, the Loews also boasts several other dining options, including the casual Market restaurant and the more upscale Mistral. Speaking of food options, if you re traveling with kids you re in for a real treat, as the Loews group of hotels recently partnered with Sprout to offer the Sprout Dream Stay package for families. This add-on package includes a fun welcome gift and allows kids ages 5 and under to eat free for the duration of their stay. We were lucky enough to experience the Sprout Dream Stay package, and it was a big help to be able to receive Ben s meals free of charge when we dined at Market as well as in the comfort of our very own room, as room service is included in the kids eat free experience.

6 While Ben enjoyed his in-room pancakes and unfettered access to the Disney Channel, I visited the Loews on-site Sea Spa, where I not only enjoyed a unique hot stone massage treatment but also got to indulge in some much-needed me time. As I sipped on a cup of tasty blueberry tea and perused magazines in the spa s inviting lounge, I felt worlds removed from the hustle and bustle of my daily routine. Of course, as much as I love sneaking in a bit of mommy time, I also adore the opportunity to engage in activities the entire family can enjoy, so I was thrilled when the Loews invited us to climb aboard a Duffy boat for a private one-hour sail around the canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays. This was the hands-down highlight of our stay at the Loews and a can t miss when planning your visit to Coronado. As we ogled multi-million homes, our affable skipper regaled us with fascinating anecdotes about the local residents and Coronado real estate, a topic which is just as compelling in California as it is in New York City! Of course, the best part of our boat tour was the moment when the skipper announced that he was going to let Sadie and Ben each take a turn driving the boat. I don t think I ve ever seen my kids look more surprised or thrilled! And he wasn t just paying lip service; indeed, Sadie and Ben were each allowed toactually steer the boat (under the watchful supervision of our skipper, of course). I seriously don t think they could have been more proud or happy, and it was such a treat to watch them enjoy the experience together.

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8 When it came time to explore the city, the Loews served as the perfect jumping off point for our San Diego adventures. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle into Coronado proper, and it's also a quick drive from all of the fabulous family-friendly attractions of San Diego.Of course, although we certainly enjoyed exploring the city, we were equally content to stay on island and enjoy all of the family-friendly amenities on offer at the Loews. Sadie and Ben jumped for joy when they saw the sprawling series of swimming pools, and were beyond excited to be just a stone s throw from one of the most beautiful beaches we'd ever seen Silver Strand State Beach, which is located directly across the street from the Loews. The beach is a quick 10-minute walk from the hotel, but of course Sadie and Ben just had to partake in the Loews complimentary golf cart service, which whisks guests to and from the beach in resort-like style!

9 We finally made it to the beach on the last day of our trip, and it proved to be one of the most magical experiences of our visit to San Diego and the Loews. Indeed, all it took was one look at Silver Strand beach to get Sadie and Ben squealing with excitement, and before I could blink Ben was making a beeline for the ocean, where he quickly face-planted in the chilly water! While Ben frolicked in the ocean, Sadie collected shells and created mazes in the sand, and I watched my kids engage with and entertain each other in a way that they just can't do back home. Sadie and Ben soaked in every moment of togetherness until the sun set and it was time to head to the airport and back to the hustle and bustle of our everyday life. And that's what vacations are really about - the quiet and seemingly innocuous moments that end up turning into the magical memories we cherish for a lifetime.

10 Beyond the well-appointed rooms, shops, pool, beach and spa, what really stood out to us was that the Loews truly gets what it means to provide outstanding service. Indeed, the service we received at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort was among the finest of any property we've visited, as the Loews team bent over backward to accommodate our every request, and always greeted Sadie and Ben with a warm hello and a smile. All told, my family truly enjoyed our time at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, and we can't wait to return for another taste of everything the hotel has to offer. For more information or to book your stay, visit the Loews Coronado Bay Resort's website.