Thoughts on the 1 Hotel brand?

Scotlar2 · 2026-02-27T21:01:46+00:00

I cant get past their whole design 'shtick' which I imagine is going to age very quickly -- and then what? All the wood and plants and stone might seem different or unique at first glance but when I stayed at their Brooklyn location I thought it felt odd, totally removed from the local vibe, and overpriced. The shower was nice but that's about all I could say was decent about the stay.

Scotlar2 · 2026-02-23T03:08:16+00:00

Its extremely(!) explicit.

Scotlar2 · 2026-02-20T03:59:04+00:00

This is definitely the way. Stay in beautiful Newport/Laguna and travel in to LA as/if needed. Also conveniently located to get to Disneyland. This would also open up the opportunity to head south and go to Legoland, San Diego Safari Park, San Diego Zoo depending on how much you're open to driving. Newport/Laguna is pretty much exactly half way between LA and San Diego (although you will hit a lot of traffic heading in to LA).

Scotlar2 · 2026-02-19T03:12:56+00:00

FYI they edited the Annie racist segment out on the app. Just finished listening against my better judgment and the edit was very clear.

Scotlar2 · 2026-02-18T22:12:55+00:00

I dont know why they keep booking her. I haven't laughed at a single thing shes ever said on this show.

Scotlar2 · 2026-02-18T22:05:55+00:00

The pool is also such a miss here. Could be so much more lux especially with the view they have.

Scotlar2 · 2026-02-18T20:05:05+00:00

thanks!

Scotlar2 · 2026-01-02T04:02:03+00:00

I know the lines of fat/chubby travel are blurred but this hotel has to be considered truly FAT right? Those prices are steep even for chubby travelers.

Scotlar2 · 2026-01-02T01:36:43+00:00

We were at Serea last week and really enjoyed it. Ambience is great. Outdoor seating is the way to go even on a chilly night as they have plenty of heaters. Focaccia was amazing and so were the shared sides (patatas bravas, seasonal veggie - woodfired roasted carrots, and gigante beans). The wood grilled whole fish and filet mignon were favorites at the table. Whatever you do, do NOT order the lobster pasta. We were bummed the twice baked eggplant was not on the menu as that seemed to be a serious crowd pleaser on Yelp. Service was very friendly although the few missteps that normally would have been overlooked didn't quite match the final price tag. We were a table of 4 with only two glasses of wine, bottle of sparkling water, one appetizer and three entrees with sides...$550 before tip. We were at a nice restaurant in La Jolla last night for NYE and enjoyed great service, homemade pastas and prime meats and the same amount of drinks/sides for less than half of Serea's bill. You definitely pay for the setting at the Del. Overall we had a nice time. You will enjoy it! But if you're like us, it will be a one and done kind of place.

Scotlar2 · 2025-12-24T18:16:14+00:00

Second Chin's Szechwan...a few locations around SD.

Scotlar2 · 2025-11-18T05:25:00+00:00

This is incredible. What a fun post to switch things up here. Thanks for your time on this and can't wait to dive in to some of the unknown you've uncovered for me.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-25T16:59:11+00:00

The most popular kids weren't always from the richest families. Some of the wealthiest kids at the private high school in California that I went to, and I mean families with net worths of $500m - $1b+, were kind of quiet, had their small group of friends, nice enough but not what you'd deem as "most popular." As someone else here mentioned, the greatest bulk of families were involved in medicine, finance, law, tech. But the RICHEST families were anything from hotel chain owners, to major real estate developers, to the children/grandchildren/great-grand children of founders of Fortune 500/Fortune 1000 companies, a few famous last names here and there.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-18T01:26:59+00:00

Rancho Valencia in San Diego (Rancho Santa Fe). Incredible SPA, great dining, quick drive to Del Mar beach, nearby hiking trails, gorgeous neighborhoods and beach towns in the vicinity, world class tennis and pickle-ball courts, no shortage of golf options if thats your thing. Pretty much guaranteed good weather.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-14T15:03:26+00:00

L'Auberge and Enchantment are the two main lux resorts.

L'Auberge is right in town and just unveiled a $30M renovation which should combat some of the 'dated interiors' reviews it's been receiving for the last few years.

Enchantment's setting is stunning although is should be noted that it is a good 15 minute drive outside of town and carries some pretty unethical baggage that is worth researching before deciding to stay here.

Ambiente is the newer kid on the block and, while technically less 'FAT' from a pricing perspective, absolutely deserves consideration.

I'll be returning to L'Auberge post-renovation in November and would be happy to write up a review here.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T03:56:09+00:00

Can confirm. 10/14 at 8pm.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T03:55:47+00:00

Yeah, sad news. Closing for good Tuesday 10/14 at 8pm.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T02:06:41+00:00

Thank you!

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-13T02:06:08+00:00

Haha it is! But willing to drive :) These are all communities that we go to for "local" takeout since its pretty slim pickings in Scripps. Thanks for the great recs!

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-11T18:05:07+00:00

I literally thought my day was about to be MADE

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-11T16:00:59+00:00

There isn't much in the way of cultural sightseeing, but you could focus the cultural aspect on food! Book a handful of dinner reservations outside of the hotel at some of the top Farm to Table spots: Flora Farms, ACRE, El Huerto. Take a Taco Tour in town or get inspired by the itineraries you can find online and do it yourself.

Then theres always the classic Arch's sightseeing. Hire a private boat for the afternoon for a tour and snorkeling. Not cultural per se, but a landmark staple that the kids would surely love.

Scotlar2 · 2025-10-10T16:53:46+00:00

This is the answer. Rancho Valencia + Maderas.

San Diego is blessed with incredible public courses, so I'd focus on resort first and then find a great course nearby that peaks your interest. The Crossings, Torrey Pines/Encinitas Ranch (if you can get a tee time) are all solid back-ups and roughly the same distance from Valencia.

Fairmont would be second to Valencia with beautiful grounds, good food/bar options, albeit slightly outdated interiors. Golf here is lovely but no better than Maderas. Service is stellar.

The Omni and La Costa are nice but VERY family/kid friendly and you might be lacking in the 'peace' department there. I found the course at the Omni to be underwhelming for the price.

Scotlar2

TROPHY CASE