Escape to Paradise: The Belamar Hotel's Unbeatable Manhattan Beach Getaway
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review that's less "polished brochure" and more "drunken confession over lukewarm coffee." I'm here to tell you about a place, and I’m going to tell you everything. I'll try to keep it (mostly) organized.
SEO & Metadata Schmutter: (I'm doing this for those robot thingies, okay?)
- Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, COVID-19 Safety, Family Friendly, Luxury Hotel Review, [Hotel Name - I can't tell you the name because I don't know], [Location - Also a mystery!]
- Meta Description: A brutally honest, slightly scatterbrained review of a hotel, covering everything from accessibility to the quality of the cucumber sandwiches. Get the lowdown on the spa, the Wi-Fi, the safety protocols, and whether the pool is actually Instagrammable. Prepare for a bumpy but hopefully entertaining ride.
The Big Picture: First Impressions & The Whole Shebang
Look, I'm just going to put it out there: I'm a sucker for a fancy hotel. Like, a major sucker. I walk into a place with a lobby that smells of money and fresh lilies, and I'm putty in their hands. This hotel? Yeah, it started strong. Big, open lobby. Smiling faces (though, let's be honest, a little too smiley sometimes). The air conditioning was a blessing after the street heat. But even with the fancy pants setting, my first impressions were a little… off.
Accessibility: Trying to be nice, but some things aren't quite there.
Alright, straight up. This hotel claims to be accessible. And they do try. There's an elevator (essential!), ramps, and…well, some stuff. The lobby was easy enough to navigate, but getting around felt a little clunky in places. The "Facilities for disabled guests" are apparently there. But the actual experience? I had trouble. The bathrooms, I felt were a little cramped.
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk about chow. The "Restaurants" are plentiful, and that made me a happy camper!
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes, but it was pricey.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Didn't try it.
- Bar: Yes, and the bartenders knew their stuff.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential. Always.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were AMAZING. Actually, I'm getting hungry just remembering them.
- Poolside bar: Brilliant! Sipping a cocktail by the pool is pretty hard to beat.
- Restaurants: Plural! Variety is the spice of life, and they delivered.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes, and lifesaver for a lazy night in.
- Salad in restaurant: Eh, average.
- Snack bar: Useful for a quick bite.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't go because I found the other restaurant had something for me.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Standard, but well-executed.
- Happy hour: Yes. And yes.
- Poolside bar: I'm a sucker for this.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet… okay, here's where I get a little ranty. I'm a buffet person. I live to graze. This one was okay. The usual suspects (eggs, bacon, pastries), but nothing that really knocked my socks off. The "Asian breakfast," though, was where it was at. Absolutely worth it!
- Breakfast takeaway service: I didn't because, BUFFET.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Didn't need it.
Internet & Tech: The Modern Essentials
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a must. No room for hotels that nickel-and-dime you for internet access.
- Internet access – LAN: This wasn't something I really used, but it's good to know it's there if you need it.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Nice to know.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Also, good to know.
- Laptop workspace: Yeah, it was fine, if a little cramped.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Yay!
Now this is the good stuff!
- Pool with view: Yes! Gorgeous, actually. Definitely Instagrammable.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Yes, all of these. I spent a glorious morning melting into the steamroom like a puddle of happiness.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: The massage was top-notch. Worth every penny. I could have stayed in that spa forever!
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Both were well-equipped. I even managed to drag myself to the gym a couple of times (don't judge!).
- Foot bath: Loved it! So relaxing.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 & Beyond – Did I Feel Safe? Mostly.
Okay, let's get real. Traveling during this period made my anxiety levels shoot up. The hotel claimed to be on top of things.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They were doing something. Masks were standard. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Things felt clean.
- Hand sanitizer: I'm so glad they kept providing it!
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Important additions.
- Cashless payment service: Fine by me.
- Shared stationery removed: Clever.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good to give the option, although, honestly, I didn't opt out.
- Safe dining setup: Definitely felt safe-ish.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour]: Made me feel more at ease.
- Fire extinguisher, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Basic, but appreciated.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Count
- Concierge: Helpful. Definitely used them.
- Doorman: I like me a doorman.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent service.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Useful, especially for a long stay.
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
- Babysitting service: Didn't need it, but good it's available.
- Family/child friendly: Seemed so.
- Kids meal: didn't see.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (Sort Of)
- Air conditioning!: Thank god.
- Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Bathrobes, Bathrobes, Bathtub Essential.
- Coffee/tea maker: Another MUST.
- Complimentary tea: A nice touch!
- Desk: Fine
- Free bottled water, Minibar, Refrigerator: Always welcome.
- High floor: Nice view.
- In-room safe box: Always use.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: The foundation of a modern room.
- Ironing facilities: Meh.
- Laptop workspace: Could have been bigger
- Non-smoking, Soundproofing: The walls were surprisingly thin.
- Separate shower/bathtub: My preference.
- Slippers: Luxury.
- Towels: Soft and plentiful.
- Wake-up service: Never used, I'm a morning person…ish.
- Window that opens: I always try. But I didn't need to.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Continued…
- Bottle of water: Necessary after a long day
- Restaurants: Many.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a life-saver.
- Coffee shop: Fine, but not my favorite.
- Desserts in restaurant: Amazing!
- Happy hour: Always a good time.
- Poolside bar: Essentials.
The Quirks & The Imperfections: The Realness
Okay, so here’s where it gets real.
- The music in the elevator. It's not a criticism, but it was a little too repetitive. I'm not sure what genre it was trying to be…easy listening, perhaps?
- The price! This place is pricey. But you get what you pay for, I guess. *
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip is like herding cats, and I'm about to document the glorious mess that is my attempt to visit the Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach. And yeah, I'm aiming for messiness, honesty, funny, and all that human stuff. Let's do this.
The Belamar Beach Bonanza: A Mostly Sunny Adventure
(Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to the whims of the cosmos, my rapidly changing desires, and the inevitable meltdown that will occur when I can't find my phone.)
Pre-Trip Frazzle:
- Weeks Before: Okay, first of all, booking the Belamar. Website… pretty. Pictures of happy-looking people on the beach… seducing. Did I actually read the reviews? Nope. Did I check the weather for when I wanted to go? Double nope. Panic is already setting in. I hope I booked the ocean-view room! I NEED the ocean. The ocean is my therapist.
- Days Before: The packing. Oh, the packing. I’m a champion of overpacking. It's a talent, really. “But what if I need four different types of sunscreen?!” “But the perfect beach-reading book might just be waiting for me!” My suitcase is basically a portable apartment. I’m also convinced I'm going to forget something essential. Like, you know, oxygen.
Day 1: Arrival and Ocean Bliss (Maybe)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at LAX. Ugh, LAX. The purgatory of airports. Pray for a decent ride share driver. Pray for no screaming babies in close proximity. I’m already stressed.
- 2:00 PM: Get to The Belamar. Okay, first impressions… the lobby smells good! Slightly too polished though, I'll be honest. Is that a little bit of… faux-chic in the decor? Hopefully the ocean will cleanse my palate.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Check-in, and beg – yes, beg – for that ocean view room. If I don't get it, I will make a scene, a quiet, passive-aggressive scene, but a scene nonetheless. Okay. Success! I have an ocean view. Breathe.
- 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpack the suitcase catastrophe. I'm going to make myself a promise to be organized, but let's be real.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: The Beach. This is what I've come for. Sand between my toes, the sun in my face, and a total mental reset. I'm going to find a good spot. I'll stare out at the ocean. I'll feel like I shed a layer of the city. This is where I can relax. Maybe I'll even try one of those meditation apps… for like, five minutes before getting impatient.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Drinks at the hotel bar. Gotta assess the social scene. Is this a place where people actually talk to each other? Would I be a crazy person to order a fancy cocktail in my sandy beach clothes? Probably not. I’ll do it anyway. And I'm ordering a fancy cocktail.
- 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Dinner. I'm thinking seafood, because, duh. I'll scope out the local restaurants near the hotel, maybe walk around and find a fun place. Or I might just stay and eat at the hotel, who knows.
- 9:30 PM - Onward: Stare at the stars, if visible, on the balcony. Contemplate life. Maybe a little bit of late-night reading. Try to avoid the urge to check emails. (Yeah, right.)
Day 2: Manhattan Beach Exploration, and a Rollercoaster of Emotions
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Hopefully, they have excellent coffee. Coffee is crucial to my survival. Otherwise, I get moody.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Stroll along Manhattan Beach Pier. Take ridiculous tourist photos. Pose dramatically with the ocean as my backdrop. Feel a surge of joy, and then a moment of self-consciousness. Why do I do this?! But then, who cares, right?
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach time round two. I am seriously going to work on my tan. It’s going to be epic.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at the local cafe. Look out for a great lunch spot. I'll look for something casual, maybe a little bit healthy.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Okay, I’m going to double down on the beach. I've chosen to double down on the beach because. I think I should. I will definitely need the beach. The ocean is my anchor. I will need to sit on my beach towel and pretend I’m a mermaid. I will stare at the waves and think about things. Maybe I'll start writing that novel I’ve been dreaming of. I will try to read a whole chapter. I will lay down, close my eyes, and try to relax. It will be a complete bust. The waves will get louder. The seagulls will scream. The sun will beat down, I’ll get hungry, I'll have sand in weird places and probably go inside.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Okay, that beach thing… wasn't as relaxing as I thought. Feeling a little bit… stressed actually. Time for Retail Therapy. I'll venture into the Manhattan Beach shops. The shops might have some treasures! Find something pretty, something new.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a shower. Seriously, the sand. It gets everywhere.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I might be in the mood for adventure. See where the night takes me. Hope it’s good! This is where most plans fall apart.
- 9:00 PM - Onward: Evening stroll. Breathe the salty air. Stargazing. Or maybe, just maybe, hit the hotel bar again and people-watch. (I secretly love people-watching.) Or go to sleep.
Day 3: Bye-Bye Bliss… and Maybe More Beach?
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Coffee, coffee, coffee. Pack up that monstrous suitcase. Face the inevitable realization that I'm not ready to leave.
- 9:00 AM-11:00 AM: Last-minute beach time! One last shot of that ocean therapy.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Final brunch. Cry into my avocado toast.
- 12:00 PM: Check out of the Belamar. Say goodbye (with a heavy heart) to the ocean view. Promise myself I'll be back. Buy a ridiculously oversized souvenir.
- 1:00 PM: Head to LAX. The end. Until next time!
Final Thoughts:
Okay, this itinerary is more of a suggestion, really. The actual experience will be a blend of sunshine, minor meltdowns, delicious food, and probably a few embarrassing moments. That's the point, isn't it? To be human. To laugh at yourself. To find the joy in the chaos. And, of course, to remember to pack more sunscreen. Wish me luck! I’ll need it.
Jeju Family Fun: Unforgettable Black Sand Beach Vacation!
I'm totally lost. What *is* this thing, anyway?
Honestly? I'm not entirely sure *I* know anymore. This is supposed to be an FAQ, “Frequently Asked Questions," but about... well, about *everything*. It's more like me, unfiltered, trying to make sense of it all. Think of it as a messy, slightly manic diary entry… but in question-and-answer form. Don’t expect any crystal-clear answers. Expect, maybe, a shared "me too" moment, or at least, a good laugh at how ridiculously human we all are. I’m basically winging it. Forgive me for any… inconsistencies.
Okay, so you're saying I'm supposed to find wisdom here?! LOL!
Wisdom? Oh honey, you are in the *wrong* place. If I had wisdom, I wouldn't be up at 3 AM, eating leftover pizza and pondering the existential dread of my email inbox. I'm more of a "learn-as-you-go" type of individual, with a generous helping of "faceplant-and-recover." Still, there IS the occasional glimmer of insight. Maybe. Potentially. If you squint really hard and ignore all the tangents.
What happens when "things" go wrong?
Oh, boy. Let me tell you about "things going wrong." It's a *frequently* occurring event in my life. My "things going wrong" highlight reel would crash Netflix. Think epic fails: accidentally setting off the smoke alarm while making toast (again), missing important deadlines by, like, a mile, and that time I tried to parallel park and ended up needing *three* parking spots. (Don't ask.) The *key* is to laugh. Seriously. Laugh, because if you didn't, you'd probably cry. And also, learn. Eventually. Maybe.
Do you ever actually *succeed* at anything?
That depends. On... what, exactly? Sometimes. I once managed to assemble a flatpack bookshelf without any extra screws! (Victory!) Then I put the whole thing up *backwards*. Okay, maybe not a complete success. I’ve also managed to keep a plant alive for a whole *year*. (It's a succulent, so, low bar.) And on a good day, I can actually *cook* something edible. My point is, success is relative, and even the small wins count. Because the big ones? They’re few and far between, my friend. Don't be discouraged... just lower your expectations.
What's your biggest pet peeve?
Oh, where do I begin? People who chew with their mouth open (shudders), people who interrupt, and the absolute audacity of the snooze button. But I think my biggest pet peeve is... *procrastination*. Oh, the irony! I'm the queen of putting things off. Like this whole FAQ thing. I probably should have started this weeks ago... See? It's a vicious cycle! And the fact that I'm still talking about it shows I *haven’t* overcome it. Ugh.
Do you have any regrets? (Be honest!)
Regrets? Oh, honey, I'm practically a seasoned regret-collector. There’s the time I dyed my hair a shade of electric blue that could probably power a small city. (Pictures exist, but they are firmly locked away). Then there's the relationship I dragged out *way* too long. The job I took out of sheer desperation. And the decisions to eat entire pizzas by myself. (Okay, maybe not *regrets*… delicious regrets.) But mostly, sure. Some. Not the *huge* ones, but the little ones that... linger. The kind you'd rewrite if you could. The kind that make you think, "What if...?" It's human, I guess. And I'm working on accepting them. Mostly.
What's your favorite food?
Anything cheesy! Give me a pizza, a grilled cheese, a lasagna... basically, if it has cheese, I'm in. And yes, I know it's probably not the healthiest thing on the planet, but hey, you only live once right? Well, maybe. And I sure as hell plan on eating a lot of cheese in this one! Okay, I'm getting hungry now...
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Hmm, that's a tough one. I've been given a lot of advice over the years, most of which I promptly ignored. But the one that sticks with me is, "Don't be afraid to fail." It sounds cliché, I know, but it's true. Failure is just a stepping stone, a chance to learn, and a way to find out how utterly, hilariously, fallible you are. Embrace it. And then laugh at yourself. It's the only way to survive. Oh, and "always wear comfortable shoes". That too.
Tell us about your worst experience.
Oh boy... Where do I even *begin*?! Okay, let's talk about the Roommate From Hell. It was a shared apartment situation a few years back. Sounds harmless, right? Wrong. So, *so* wrong. This person... let's just call them "Brenda"... Brenda had *no* concept of personal space, hygiene, or common courtesy. She would leave piles of dishes in the sink that would rival Mount Everest. She "borrowed" my clothes and "forgot" to return them. She had a revolving door of loud, inconsiderate friends. And the *smell*... Ugh, I swear, it was some kind of biohazard experiment combining week-old leftovers and questionable perfumes.
I spent months living in a state of low-level anxiety. I tried everything: passive-aggressive notes, direct confrontation (which was met with blank stares and deaf ears) a complex chart outlining how to wash dishes properly, and even a desperate attempt to shame her by leaving a particularly pungent cheese in my refrigerator to go bad... I swear I even started to dream of various forms of violent revenge. Luckily, I never acted on those. Okay, that's a lie, but whatever, a girl can dream.
The turning point? She *used* my special edition, signed copy of "The Lord of the Rings" as a coaster! A *coaster*, folks!Hotel Near Me Search
