If you love the climate of Los Angeles but you don’t like the city go north and head to Santa Clarita where you’ll find a very modern, manicured little city. It feels a little bit like you’re on Main Street in Disney World but I have to confess I like the vibe.
In town the Hyatt Regency hotel is a lovely little oasis with a swimming pool that is small but quite functional and rooms which smell fresh and are spacious. Try to get a junior suite as there is a living room and refrigerator.
The hotel’s Lobby bar and restaurant was surprisingly good for a hotel. The tuna tartar was really excellent as was the roast chicken. The hotel really offers a wonderful relaxed feel that is more than expected of a big US chain hotel.
Close by is the amusement park Six Flags. A roller coaster Haven. Many people stay at this hotel just to visit the park. But just up the street from the hotel is a great selection of restaurants with everything from chains like Chipotle to some fine dining restaurants. There is also an adjacent shopping mall which is part of the Westfield chain so they offer everything from flagship store Macy’s to the Apple Store. And finally I felt that the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming.
Santa Clarita is only about 45 minutes from Los Angeles but LA feels like a million miles away. Sadly it can also seem to take that long if you try to go into the city during rush hour. My advice is to take your time and try to avoid going in the morning when you’ll be stuck alongside a lot of commuters. Go in the afternoon and come back in the late evening to have the best trip.
All-in-all this was a pleasant stay. The hotel offers some great rates so it’s perfect getaway for a little bit of some sunshine and good dining. California has very little clouds and rain. Even in the winter months it can be up to 75°, so I say head to California and if you don’t like LA, no problem, head north to a quaint little city that celebrates the best of the state.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
To contact Daniel or learn more visit www.themodelcook.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook
