Recently in California Category

The town of Dana Point is a jewel on the California coastline, with gorgeous weather, a picturesque harbor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It's also home to the only California resort crowned with the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star, Five-Diamond Award, the St. Regis Monarch Beach, which happens to be one of this week's participating Starpicks properties. That means last-minute rates are at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks. So why not enjoy a few sunsets in this perfect retreat? This Tuscan-style resort is situated along the ocean, and its world-class luxury and stellar setting dazzle from the moment you lay eyes on it. With an exclusive private beach club, three swimming pools (including one with private cabanas), a championship golf course, the award-winning spa Gaucin, and six ocean-view restaurants, you'll find everything you need to relax and feel great. Spend your day swimming in the ocean, relaxing by the pool, or playing tennis on one of eight lighted hard courts. When evening comes, indulge in a meal at Stonehill Tavern, where Chef Michael Mina serves American cuisine in an atmosphere of elegance and refinement. As the sun sets over the ocean, have a toast to another perfect day in California. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you haven't made plans yet, here's a memorable way for you and your special one to celebrate. The Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel in San Francisco is teaming up with the California Academy of Sciences for a special Valentine's Day Package that mixes fine food and drink with a discovery of the love lives of the planet's most amorous creatures. The "Sex and Science"-themed Wine and Dine Tour takes guests on a behind-the-scenes tour with a champagne reception and a romantic four-course dinner in the Academy's award-winning restaurant, The Moss Room. The package includes two night's accommodations, two tickets to the "Sex and Science" Wine and Dine Tour, Town Car service to the California Academy of Sciences, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival, breakfast for two in Sol Breakfast Buffet each morning, and late check out. The offer is good for any two days between February 13-15, 2010, with rates starting at $295 per night, and the "Sex and Science" tour is available on February 14 only. For more information or to book this enticing Valentine's Day offer, visit here or contact Lauren Cleveland at (415) 627-6528.

For proximity to Southern California's best attractions, it's hard to top Costa Mesa. Located about 40 miles south of Los Angeles, it's convenient to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and a host of museums and theaters. It's also home to the luxurious Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, which happens to be one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. Having recently undergone a major redesign, this dynamic destination boasts a fresh new lobby, eclectic lounge, and comfortable guest rooms featuring the Westin Heavenly Bed. Plus enjoy a host of sensory experiences, including music, lighting, aromatics, and botanicals, all intended to soothe and stimulate you during your stay. Go for a swim in the outdoor heated pool, or play a few games of tennis on the outdoor courts. Take a stroll through the nearby park and experience the Orange County theater district, including the new Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, and South Coast Repertory. Or do some shopping at South Coast Plaza, which boasts nearly 300 stores. When dinnertime arrives, savor the French standards of Pinot Provence, the hotel's Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. It's the best of California living. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

The W Hollywood will open its doors to guests for the first time on January 28, 2010, and you can be among the first to experience the Worldwide WOW in its newest location. With the W Hollywood Grand Opening Offer, guests receive a variety of perks designed to make this grand debut one to remember forever. Start off with three sensational SIPS, and free dessert with the purchase of an entrée in Delphine, the hotel's French bistro where the Gallic fare is served in a romantic atmosphere evocative of Paris. Savor a Bliss Hot Cream Manicure with the purchase of a Triple Oxygen Treatment or Blissage 75 at the on-site Bliss Spa. Make good use of your Hollywood Survival Tool Kit and W Hollywood-branded gift, which are yours to keep long after the festivities have subsided. All of this and you'll rest easy in a Wonderful room you'll love from $259 a night. The offer is available for stays through March 31, 2010, so explore this glamorous new star in Hollywood and book your stay today.

Calling all epicureans! The Westin Verasa, Napa will be hosting its second annual Truffle Camp from January 17 through January 19, 2010, giving 12 students the opportunity to cook in the hotel's La Toque restaurant under the guidance of renowned chef Ken Frank. The veteran Napa Valley chef will demonstrate how to choose, prepare, and serve truffles, one of the most exotic and delicious ingredients to be found anywhere. The course begins on Sunday with a welcome dinner at BANK Café and Bar, followed by an intense hands-on cooking class with Ken on Monday morning. That afternoon, the class will visit Long Meadow Ranch to see how so many ingredients get from farm to table. After another cooking session on Tuesday, the class will go wine tasting with Wine Director Scott Tracy ahead of an extravagant all-truffle dinner at La Toque (pictured) with Scott's wine pairings. The Farewell Breakfast Wednesday morning features truffle omelets and truffle goodie bags, perfect for following up on all the culinary lessons learned. Classes start at $1,800 per student based on single occupancy and $3,000 per couple based on double occupancy and include three nights accommodations at the hotel and five meals. Visit here for more information or to enroll in this tantalizing program.

When it comes to winter getaways, Universal City, California has a lot going for it. Not only does it boast plenty of sunshine and balmy temperatures, but it also has loads of attractions for movie buffs, shoppers, and anyone looking for the high life in LA. As it happens, the Sheraton Universal Hotel is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks. This four-star hotel is an attraction in its own right, earning the nickname the "Hotel of the Stars" for its proximity to countless Tinseltown landmarks and the many entertainment industry luminaries it has hosted over the years. Today it's more luxurious than ever, having recently emerged from a $30 million renovation that blends impeccable service with design elements from the golden age of film. Spend the day touring Hollywood, sizing up the mansions of Beverly Hills, or strolling along Melrose Avenue. When the sun sets, head back to the hotel for dinner at The California's, which offers contemporary cuisine in an atmosphere of casual elegance, followed by a nightcap at In the Mix, a stylish lobby lounge with signature cocktails and specialty martinis. It's the perfect end to an LA day. Of course, the Sheraton Universal Hotel is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for all the great deals.

Grammy award-winning singer Shakira has a new album coming out, and Aloft is offering guests and visitors exclusive access to a pre-release listening party. The new album, She Wolf, will make its official debut on Monday, November 23, 2009, but during the weekend prior - November 20, 21, and 22 - seven Aloft hotels in the U.S. will host Aloft A-List Access parties to give guests and visitors a chance to hear it before the rest of the world does. The fun starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, where Sony Music has curated a four-hour Shakira audio playlist that will stream on the video wall of the w xyz lounge while music fans sip She Wolf cocktails and play to win special door prizes. Similar events will unfold throughout the weekend at Aloft Baltimore Washington International Airport and Aloft Chicago O'Hare (Friday at 8:00 p.m.); Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station and Aloft Dulles Airport North (Saturday at 7:00 p.m.); and Aloft Houston by the Galleria and Aloft Washington National Harbor (Sunday at 6:00 p.m.). Stay current on this and all Aloft A-Access events by visiting the Aloft Facebook page, providing Aloft guests and w xyz customers with the very latest in music, entertainment, shows, and events. So drop by one of these locations for the Shakira listening party - or better yet, make a reservation and spend the night - and enjoy the latest music from one of today's most exciting artists.

The Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, California recently emerged from a $30 million renovation, transforming the "Hotel of the Stars" into an artistic wonder that blends four-star service with design inspired by the golden age of film. The California's, the hotel's signature restaurant, is celebrating the fall with a fresh new tasting menu that reflects the season with an inventive mix of seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes that are guided by principles of sustainability. The menu, entitled Out Of Your Gourd, starts off with a choice of two tantalizing appetizers, Butternut Squash Bisque with Crème Fraiche and Chives, and Smoked Scottish Salmon with Squash Latkes (pancakes). The selection of entrees poses an equally tough decision. There's a classic Braised Veal Osso Bucco (always satisfying), Pan Fried Northern Halibut served with Butternut Squash Puree and Fall Root Vegetables, and Pumpkin Ravioli (pictured), which comes with Sage Brown Butter and Yellow Squash Ratatouille. The menu ends on a sweet note with a choice of Warm Pumpkin Pie, or, if you like, Sheraton Universal's Signature Bread Pudding, which is adorned with a big scoop of Pumpkin Ice Cream. It's delicious from start to finish. Drop by the Sheraton Universal Hotel this fall and taste the flavors of the season.