Pendry San Diego Hotel Review, Guide, & How to Book in 2023 in the Gaslamp Quarter

During the pandemic, domestic travel became popular but the hospitality industry has been slow to get back in gear in terms of service.  How many of you have stayed at establishments where dining, housekeeping, concierge and more have not lived up to the standards you experienced prior to 2020? Some luxury brands have capitalized on the slower return of many companies and to Luxury Travel Docs, the difference between brands has been very clear in 2021. Montage International is a brand that stands out. Featuring a distinctive collection of hospitality brands, Montage International encompasses the ultra-luxury brand Montage Hotels & Resorts, the new luxury hospitality brand, Pendry Hotels, Montage Residences, and Pendry Residences.  Opening in 2016, the Pendry San Diego is convenient, comfortable and tasteful, everything we wanted for a recent visit to one of our favorite cities in California. 

The brand is new but on the move! Founded in 2015, Pendry Hotels is a collection of new luxury hotels for today’s world traveler located in existing destinations including: Pendry San Diego, Sagamore Pendry Baltimore and Pendry West Hollywood, with Pendry Manhattan West and Pendry Park City opened in early 2022 and Pendry Natirar opening in 2022.

                 

We've stayed at many boutique hotels over the years, some of which have bore witness to absolutely amazing events, like the Southern Hotel in Covington, Louisiana, and Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, and the Pendry San Diego is the latest to add to our list.  This laid-back luxurious hotel is one of our favorite picks when it comes to downtown San Diego hotels. It is located in a prime spot at the southern tip of the Gaslamp Quarter, which puts you a short walk from a Padres game, the San Diego Convention Center, vibrant nightlife, and some of the city's best restaurants.

Check Reviews for the Pendry San Diego, rates, and book at TripAdvisor by clicking here!

1. Location

The Pendry San Diego is centrally located in Gaslamp quarter of San Diego near the San Diego Convention Center and the Embarcadero. Beloved attractions, like the Midway and Maritime museums, and Seaport Village are within walking distance. Petco Park, home to the San Diego Giants of the MLB National League can be seen from your hotel window. After dark, the city transforms into a sophisticated playground for adults. With an endless variety of posh night clubs, music venues and rooftop bars, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable night out after a day of meetings or exploring. The Pendry is an easy Uber from San Diego International Airport and will cost about $15. 

2. Check-in

We were greeted promptly and checked in without difficulty from very accommodating employees wearing masks appropriately. The front desk was compliant with COVID-19 policies, unlike other hotels we have stayed at since the pandemic started. We were recognized as iPrefer elite members and as booking through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts immediately.  The staff member instructed us about the amenities and upgrades we received and answered all of our questions about the immediate area for site seeing and dining.  It was warm in San Antonio and complimentary water was provided to us on arrival as well as anytime required during our stay. 

The charm and design of The Pendry is evident immediately upon arrival and deserves an entire section of this article (Read on)!

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Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport at Dania Pointe is an Ideal Hotel Located Near Port Everglades for Cruises

During the pandemic, domestic travel became popular but the hospitality industry has been slow to get back in gear in terms of service.  As the CDC has lifted their Conditional Sailing Order, cruising has been slowly returning to pre pandemic levels. How many of you have cruised out of Port Everglades prior to 2020? Most people have their ideas of what they are looking for in a pre-cruise hotel. We'll go over what some of the most common requirements are and debunk any myths that you may believe when you cruise out of Port Everglades.  We stayed at the brand new Marriott hotel located at Dana Pointe in Dania Beach Florida, which opened in October 2021. We were so pleased with this hotel that we felt it was important to give you a review for your future cruising out of Port Everglades. If so, you probably realized that Fort Lauderdale International Airport is uber close to the Port. Also, many hotels have airport shuttles.  Even less have cruise port shuttles, and if they do, the charge is $15 per person or more. We prefer to stay at a hotel near the airport or beach before our Port Everglades cruises. If a complimentary shuttle is available, wonderful, but otherwise we use Uber which doesn't cost much for such close proximity.  Plus, we love a newer hotel with shopping and restaurants within walking distance. 

We've stayed at many cruise port hotels over the years, some of which have bore witness to absolutely amazing events, like Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton, opened in 2018 and is situated in the oldest part of Reykjavík at the junction of Icelandic history and style. In Fort Lauderdale, we love convenience to the airport and port, but with quality and new amenities.  The Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport Dania Pointe exceeded our expectations!

Check reviews and make a reservation for the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport Dania Pointe by clicking here!

1. Location

The Marriott Fort Lauderdale airport at Dania Pointe is an ideal hotel and is perfectly situated for those cruising out of port Everglades. The hotel itself has a complementary airport shuttle and make sure that when you get your luggage at the airport you call them immediately to come pick you up. It is a shared shuttle with the Marriott AC Hotel which is connected to the Marriott. The hotels location in Dania Pointe is perfect for staying one night before your cruise. Once you land and unpack it's easy to walk to shopping, restaurants and bars which are delightful once you arrive in the breezy south Florida weather.  Its location is ideal for getting to Port Everglades either via the cruise port shuttle or using Uber. Please note that the cruise port shuttle is not complementary at the Marriott or the Marriott AC. The charge for the cruise port shuttle was $30 per person. In our opinion Uber which is less than $20 is a better option. For that matter using Uber at any location on the beach, or near the cruise port is generally more cost-effective. There are very few hotels that offer a free airport shuttle AND a free cruise port shuttle these days. 

2. Check-in

We were greeted promptly and checked in without difficulty from very accommodating employees wearing masks appropriately. The front desk was compliant with COVID-19 policies, unlike other hotels we have stayed at since the pandemic started. We were recognized as Convoy elite members immediately.  The staff member instructed us about the amenities and upgrades we received and answered all of our questions about the immediate area for site seeing and dining.  

The freshness and newness of this Marriott is evident immediately upon arrival!

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Unique, Meaningful and Healthy Valentine's Day Travel Gifts for Home and Away: 2022 "It's Travel Time" Edition

To say that 2020 and 2021 were unique years is an understatement. Since the pandemic was declared in March 2020, safety precautions and protocols have become the stuff of everyday life — at home and on the road. With the end in sight, many of us are getting itchy feet to hit the road again with those we love. For some, romance within the restrictions of a public health crisis will be worth it; for others it won’t. LTD comprised this list of some of our favorite gifts for these unusual times that will be helpful both at home and on the road to capture memories, inspire adventure and make life healthier and more meaningful! 

Let's face it - they may not have the time or knowledge to look for great traveling items themselves.  Fortunately, LTD can give you some outstanding selections for all budgets that will certainly put a smile on their faces!!  Our guide includes items that are fashionable, healthy, useful and practical for the traveling female.  Click on the product photo or links if you wish to learn more!  By clicking and/or buying, you support our blog and our mission to bring you information about meaningful and healthy travel!  Thank you so much!!!

1.  Champagne & Whipped Cream?   

Aromatized with the finest essential oils, ESNA HOME natural scented candles are crafted from 100% natural, non-toxic, vegan soy wax. This carefully blended with the seductive scent of Champagne & Whipping cream will offer consistent fragrance release during the long burn time of 50 hours. Light it up for a moment of indulgence this Valentine's Day for someone dear to warm their heart and home.  If Paris is not for you check out scents like Fresh Cut Roses & Berries!

2.  Give them the next best thing to holding their hand!   

Banish soreness, popsicle fingers and stiffness with a hand massager!  Comfier Electric Hand massagers are specially designed to use air pressure and compressed hot air to pamper every part of their hand and work on the fingers and knuckles to ensure total relaxation. 

3.  OOLER by Chili Technologies - This is our number one recommended product because it has been a "sleep changer" for us!

Give the gift of sleep!!!! Our number one recommended product of 2020 and 2021.  We first encountered Chili Technologies at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas in 2019!  In a matter of no time we became customers ourselves and can't say enough how much the OOLER and chiliBLANKET have contributed to our well-being and healthy travel!  See our full review of OOLER by clicking here! Interrupted sleep is when our sleep is studded with prolonged periods of waking up throughout the night, usually at least four times over the course of eight hours. This condition can be caused by a sudden shift in routine (for example, a new baby in the house), travel, unexpected noises (such as a party at your neighbor’s house or a partner’s snoring), bathroom trips, menopause or other health issues or racing thoughts.  Temperature affects your baseline sleep quality and regulating temperature can help you phase shift your sleep for travel and help prevent jet lag. Look for coupon codes to EXTRA $$ off!

4. Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket!

If you're not sure a Chili weighted blanket is for them, start with a RelaxEden Adult Weighted Blanket with a Removable, Washable Duvet Cover. It is designed to provide the deep touch pressure support that can result in a calmer, more soothing night’s sleep and provide the best of both worlds with its cozy and cooling features. Its dual therapy features come from a flippable and removable duvet cover: one side blankets you in a traditional, ultra cozy warmth and security; the other side provides the tranquility of weight, coupled with an advanced cooling fabric. This makes for a great improvement to your current sleep experience or a great gift that your friends and family didn't know they needed!

5.  Load Photos on this Digital Frame from Wherever you are! 

It's easy to stay in touch with this highly-rated 10" digital photo frame. You send photos through the Nixplay app, Google Photos, Instagram or Facebook, and the images automatically appear in the frame, anywhere in the world.  Want a larger frame? Check out this 15.5 inch version. 

6.  If they Love to Cuddle in the Cold   

Cuddle on those cool nights at home! She can keep her side extra toasty, while he can keep his a little cooler, and no one has to fight over who gets the controller — because this heated blanket conveniently comes with two!

7.  Cashmere Scarf   

Winter is here, so help keep him them warm this season with a stylish cashmere scarf. It comes in lots of colors, so you can choose which one will go best with their style

8.  Temperature Controlled Mug   

Using an app on their phone, they can control the temperature of this sleek smart mug to ensure that their coffee or tea stays between 120ºF and 145ºF a.k.a. the perfect drinking temperature for nearly two hours. This is the newest Ember mug for those who enjoy a larger cup of java! 

9.  TUSHY Spa  

Give them the gift of a clean hiney with this bidet toilet attachment. Choose from different colors that offer water pressure control. The TUSHY bidet gives you a high-end feel without compromising quality or the price tag. 

10.  Custom Pet Portrait

Send in one of the hundreds of pictures that they've taken of their pup or cat and get a printed digital portrait shipped straight to your door. There are so many styles to choose from, even if you don't order one take a look for a smile today!

11.  Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting Kit

Preserve Every Precious Detail!  Share the experience of life casting from the comfort of your own home. You can't go wrong with this gift of a priceless memory and with a satisfaction guarantee why not give it to all of your loved ones?

12.  Handmade Wool Slippers

Does she have popsicle toes? These slippers are handmade in a family studio with customizable size, color and soles.  These slippers have rave reviews for the quality and comfort! If you're shopping for him, check out the men's selection.

13.  Handmade Caricature Drawing

Hand-drawn caricatures are 100% proven to make a great gift. A perfect loving and fun gift for your special person. Just send a photo of the person you would like drawn and any instructions about what they should be doing in the drawing, such as from your favorite vacation!

14.  Is that Silverware in Your Pocket or are You Just Happy to See Me?

These have become very popular during the pandemic, and what a thoughtful gift!  These portable utensils come in several different finishes so you know which set is which! They come with an elegant carrying case and include straws and chopsticks. 

14.  Phones are Important for Travel, but How Can They be Clean??!  PhoneSoap is the answer!

This is a customer favorite! AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL. PhoneSoap's revolutionary bacteria-zapping technology was featured on ABC's Shark Tank and tested and proven on the Discovery Channel.  Think of the germs we are exposed to during travel! Stay healthy and charge a phone all at the same time.

15.  For the Traveler who Carries Tension (who doesn't???) or Experiences Pain

Getting a post-flight massage can beat jet lag, improve circulation, and release tension. If they can’t make it to the spa, these palm-sized firm massage balls act like a portable foam roller to work out the knots and loosen tight muscles in feet, hips, back, shoulders, legs, etc. They could use a tennis ball, but the crevice in the middle of this design is more comfortable to use around places like the spine and come with a handy carrying bag. 

16.  What Says Love more than Dreaming of Paris?   

Picture yourself with Mojitos in a in a classic Havana Casino. Doesn't this travel poster for Cuba take you back and make you feel nostalgic and amorous? If you feel that way, your favorite explorer will too.  If Cuba is not for you check out other vintage travel posters by Canvas On Demand.

17. Swap Travel Dreams Over A Beautifully Laid Out Cheese Board 

We love this unique gift from Vintage Garden Art.  For anyone who loves to entertain, give them this set of Silver Plated Spoon handles which are hand stamped cheese markers for cheeses from around the World.  Even better, set up a special evening for them with wine and cheeses from around the world and use these markers to make the finishing touches!

18. Build Famous Buildings!

Longing to see some famous buildings? Inspire travel in the young Valentines in your life or the young at heart with a Famous Buildings 3D cut puzzles.  Choose from other cities including Moscow, New York, Notre Dame and Italy.

19.  Watch the Most Romantic Movie of All Time and Dream of Morocco  

Inspire travel to Morocco and give the gift of enjoying the most romantic movie of all time with your favorite Valentine....Casablanca: A jaded nightclub owner in war-torn Casablanca, whose loyalties are put to the test when his old flame, Ingrid Bergman, reappears to seek Rick's help in escaping from the Nazis.

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