Show 252, December 16, 2017: Hotelier Laurnie Durisue, Pantai Inn, La Jolla

Laurnie DurisoeSet along the shore of the magnificent La Jolla coastline, offering unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, Pantai Inn provides the ideal setting for a luxe Southern California beachfront getaway with an emphasis on personal service. The property and room décor feature an authentic Balinese motif.

Ranked as the top hotel in La Jolla by TripAdvisor’s readers, Pantai Inn’s distinct guest accommodations blend a unique Balinese-inspired decor with luxurious comforts and contemporary conveniences. The relaxing oceanfront retreat offers lush gardens, soothing water features and an inviting courtyard and firepit to stimulate the senses. The Pantai experience is further complemented by the warmth and authenticity of the Inn’s extraordinary guest service.

Upon entering the Pantai grounds, guests are swept away by the beauty of the lush, manicured gardens and authentic Balinese statues, offering a sense of tranquility in the heart of La Jolla. The coral stoned courtyard is lined with plumeria, hibiscus-filled greenery and soothing water features while the sun shines brightly overhead. Guest accommodations provide authentic Balinese-inspired design along with custom-made furnishings and original artwork imported directly from Bali.

There is a chef-prepared deluxe breakfast each morning with a daily changing menu. It’s served in a two-level, handsomely appointed Gathering Room with an ocean view. It’s also available delivered to a guest’s room. A nice touch is the complimentary on-site parking, a rarity in congested La Jolla where parking is typically at a premium.

The property is a convenient, short stroll from La Jolla’s premier restaurant and shopping district, Prospect St. Location, location, location…

 

Show 52, December 14, 2013: Kedric Francis, Executive Editor of Coast Magazine and The Orange County Register Magazine Continues…

Ritz Restaurant and GardenKedric was recently at The Ritz Restaurant & Garden’s long-running annual holiday party fund-raiser (“Christmas at the Ritz”) in Newport Center benefiting Chapman University which was a bit bittersweet. Their lease is up and this is the last “Christmas at The Ritz” at the original location dating to 1977. The Ritz was established by the late Hans Prager, the former executive chef at both Lawry’s The Prime Rib and the fabled Scandia on The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood.

There was some good news. It’s not final yet but it looks like The Ritz has found a new location in the area to relocate when they need to vacate their current home early next year. Their long-time landlord has already granted them a couple of extensions. The only glitch is that The Ritz will disappear for at least a year while the new space is remodeled. Most of the long-time employees will need to find work and perhaps move on permanently. Stay tuned…

Hard Rock Hotel Palm SpringsThe Hard Rock Hotel in Palm Springs is newly opened and Kedric had a chance to see the property a few weeks ago. It’s located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs near the Indian Casino. Kedric observed there in now lots to do for twentysomethings and thirtysomethings in Palm Springs these days, including a vibrant nightlife.

Kedric also previewed some luxury resorts opening next year in French Polynesia, Bali and the Maldives. That’s the life…