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Chaminade Resort & Spa
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
73 reviews for Chaminade Resort & Spa
Grrrrrrreeat Hotel for Corporate Meetings!
The reason I'm giving it 5 stars is for the customer service. I've planned a lot of meetings and all of the places I've worked with in the past can learn from the level of customer service that this hotel provides. Despite the many last minute things that came up and the torrential downpour during our meeting, they made everything seamless and stress-less.
The grounds are beautiful and the conference facilities are very nice. Picturesque views of the ocean in each meeting room. The sleeping rooms could use a little more updating but nothing to complain about and the food was great. There are not many places that can leave your attendees completely happy, but this IS one of them.
The setting in the Santa Cruz mountains is gorgeous and remote, with spectacular views, and the rooms are HUGE. The staff go above and beyond to help you with anything, and they all seem young, energetic, and talk to you like human beings. The strangest thing, though, was that for place so soothing and luxurious in all other respects, they have the loudest plumbing I have encountered in my life. The only thing disturbing my otherwise wonderful sleep in their plush bed was the neighbor's shower.
I'm still drooling over the artichoke bisque soup they serve in the restaurant/bar until 11pm.
Nice setting,but it appears to be a little run down.
When we arrived the desk clerk gave us (2) breakfast vouchers ,after asking if it was a special occasion.(Were thinking special occasion= free breakfast)
The buffet was pretty good,we picked the ingredents and they build your omelet.
When we checked out they had billed us for the breakfast saying we had requested it when the reservation was made.
After a little back & forth with the person at the desk,they came to the conclusion they were in error & made the bill right.
Kinda sad,the place could be a great place to stay...
2.5 stars....
My husband and I stayed here for a last minute getaway last April. The grounds are well kept and the spa is very nice. We read that the restaurant was hit or miss, but we thought it was a big hit. We were very happy with our meals and the quality of the cocktails and wine we had.
The downside of the resort was the rooms. The bed in our room wasn't the most sturdy, and as many others have said the walls were paper thin. Even with all doors in our hall closed we could hear the TV on in other rooms, and anytime a door opened or closed we could hear it, so sleeping in soundly wasn't exactly possible.
If you are looking for a family getaway or a business retreat/meeting place I think Chaminade would be perfect. for a romantic getaway that's secluded and private, I would try somewhere else.
Not too many activities for kids so that gets 5 stars right off the bat. There were no screaming kids with parents yelling "Timmy, shut up! Timmy, behave!Timmy, shut up! Timmy, behave!Timmy, shut up! Timmy, behave!Timmy, shut up! Timmy, behave!Timmy, shut up! Timmy, behave!Timmy, shut up! Timmy, behave!Timmy, shut up! Timmy, behave!" The food was good but expensive. We hiked the red blue and green trails. We found a couple of geocaches. The girlfriend loved her spa date and the massage by the koi pond. Hit the pool and had some really good drinks by the pool. Room service charges a service fee and there is a resort usage fee which I think should be included in the price upfront. The girlfriend enjoyed the place so much she invited her girlfriend to a spa date a week later. This place is great for just getting away.
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We went to the Chaminade last weekend for a wedding. Check in time was 4:00 and when we arrived after 4:00 we were told we had to wait for our room, because it was not ready yet.
Once we got to our room we found the air conditioning did not work and the room temperature was above 80 degrees. I called the front desk and they said they would have maintenance come check on it which they never did. The walls in this place are paper thin, there is absolutely no soundproofing what so ever. Not only could we hear the people walking around in the room above us, we could also hear every time people were walking in the hall outside of our room.
The wedding we were there for was outside which was lovely. By the time the reception had come there was a complete black out. No power what so ever and the power was still out when we checked out at noon the next day.
To their credit the Chaminade's did not charge anybody for their rooms for the night. I knew there was no way I was going to be charged $163.50 for the night we spent in this dump. There is no way the Chaminade is fine resort hotel, save yourself a lot of money and headache and stay some place else.
Resturant- I have been here for mothers days brunches and sunday brunches. Its AWESOME! hey have so much food to choose from and it tastes fresh and good. I also have had their lunches at the spa and its always very good. Downside is the "delivery charge" then they want a tip on top of it. Kinda a rip off but its worth it when you are at the pool and want a delivery.
Spa- I love coming to the chaminade. Whats cool for locals is the 25% discount on certain days and times. You also get to use the gym, pool and spa when you book any massage. So we usually make a day of it. Go get our massage, order lunch either behind the spa or at the pool, and then spend the rest of the day swimming.
I have requested the same lady the last couple times and of course I cant think of her name. She specializes in deep tissue. They give you different massage lotion to choose from. Thats one of the downsides though, because its a lotion they are constantly pumping the lotion out. They should get some oil. Also some of the rooms are very bright and not very relaxing. i like it to be kinda dark when I get massaged but thats just my preference.
You know what's a bad sign? When you roll up to a hotel and realize you stayed there for a company retreat a few years back. After which said hotel asked your company to never come back again. But that's a different story for another time.
Unlike other Yelpers, I had no issue that Chaminade was near a cemetery (you only see it on the drive in, not from the grounds) or far from the beach. I thought the woodsy setting was stunning and provides access to lots of hiking trails. The pool and hot tub was also satisfactory though hoppin with kiddies and octogenarians playing Scrabble but served our purposes of floppin out on a deck chair with a can of Bud just fine.
My issues rather are the fact that the room was noisy as hell. Not only could we hear our upstairs neighbor thumping around, but we could hear our next door neighbor verbatim as well as anyone who was wandering around the hall. Additionally, not to be crass, but recently remodeled my ass. More like slap a new throw on the bed and some pictures on the wall. Nothing about the hotel screamed new (or 4 stars, ahem, Priceline). Especially not the HUGE box TV or the especially ghetto shower head. And you're also telling me you're gonna charge us $16 resort fee/day but not give us free Internet? Poor play, Chaminade, poor play.
For anyone who is NOT attending a conference or a company retreat, I would strongly recommend you check elsewhere before booking a room at this joint. To conclude, I will leave you with the wise words of Jason S. who sums it up best: "Chaminade is like a pretty girl who is really stuck up. Nice enough on the outside but sucks out loud on the inside."
True that, my friend. True that.
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Are your planning a corporate event?
Are you looking for a nondenominational location to get married?
Are you over 50 years old?
If your answer to any of these questions is "yes" then this the place for you. Otherwise, don't bother. Chaminade is like staying in a Hilton not a resort, but the spa is very nice and the staff is courteous. Clientele leans towards the older folks.
The POOL IS WAY TOO SMALL!!!
What a shame - this place could be sooo much better - the pool is pathetically small and it was seriously overcrowded when I went.
The grounds of this hotel are pretty vast and actually pretty nice - its on a hill in the woods. It was pretty quiet as well. The gym was good size with a nice amount of machines and was very comfortable.
The room was nice with updated decor - although it was on the small side. Our room had a little sitting area outside facing the forest.
Parking is easy and free.
Internet is extra - which sucks!!!! (GET WITH IT ALREADY!!!!)
****And they charge a $16 resort fee on top of your other fees. I got my ticket on Priceline and this charge is totally separate, they will charge you when you arrive.
My parents and my husband and I stayed here for the fourth of July weekend. It was a very comfortable stay. The bed was great. However our room wasnt ready, the pool and jacuzzi were extremely dirty, the spa never called me back or answered the phone when I wanted to make reservations. But the staff was very friendly, professional and cordial. The grounds are so relaxing and scenically beautiful.
I think it is trying a little hard to be more than what it is. But to be honest we didnt stay in the hotel much and when we were at the hotel we were grateful to be somewhere so serene. Rooms are a bit on the pricey side as well as the restaurant and room service, but overall a pleasant experience. I would definitely stay again.
Me and Chaminade go way back.. haha. Well I had a beautiful wedding here in 2006. The grounds photograph beautifully, and I love the woodsy, cozy feeling.
I have stayed here several times since, and had a very romantic anniversary weekend where I actually had a chance to enjoy the amenities that I didnt get to enjoy on my wedding day! The spa is very nice, and if you get a chance to use the spa services, take some time out on the spa patio with the outdoor jacuuzi. You can enjoy champagne and appetizers out here, where the view and the atmosphere is amazing.
The rooms are newly renovated and updated which is very nice- I definately recommend a first floor suite with an outdoor patio.
The food is okay- but the view on the patio is breathtaking. Definately eat out on the patio if you can; it is a truly special experience.
I have also been to the Sunday brunch many times, and I have found it to be decent.
My husband, who live in Santa Cruz, like to come here to get a way, but not travel too far. It's a nice escape.
I am editing this to say we just went again... for a mothers day brunch- and the food was awesome!!! Save yourself for the crablegs and ahi!! IT is pretty dang pricey for brunch, especially when you only get one champagne drink.soooooo. 50 bucks for brunch??? a little pricey, so keep that in mind. It is a great food spread, ONE glass of champagne, and a bauitful view. You decide.
Gf and I stayed her for our mini-vaca. We overall really like the resort and would recommend it to other couple-friends.
Pros:
- Place is seclude; overall "OK" for a romantic getaway
- Rooms are small and cozy
- Beds are super super comfy, as if you were sleeping on a cloud (as the gf claims)
- Has outdoor swimming pool and hot tub; could get a bit cold at night
- Sinks are pretty awesome; decor is kinda earthy and modern
Cons:
- Thin walls; could hear people slamming doors and yelling down the hallway (and they could probably hear us too!)
- Really really small bathroom and bathtub
- View from windows could range from ugly to scenic; unfortunately, gf and I got a semi-ugly view of some trees leading down to some parking lot down the hill
- This one really tacky, multi-colored lamp hanging over the breakfast table
We stayed her last summer and really enjoyed it. Really liked the decor, modern yet comfortable. Cool little patio & chairs with view of the woods. The bathroom felt like a little spa in itself, liked the complimentary minty lemongrass spa shampoo and conditioner. The only downside was the TERRIBLE shower, hardly any water came out of the showerhead, felt like I had to run around to get wet and to rinse. Would have given 4 stars if wasn't for the showerhead.
Staff was nice. A wedding was going on and looked like a beautiful spot for that. Made hotel kinda crowded though and wasn't interested in going to a crowded restaurant due to this. Will next time.
Next time I will partake in spa treatments. I think we will be back.
i was so bummed because it was POURING for the vday weekend, so we didn't get to partake in their beautiful grounds and hiking trails, and facilities (outdoor pool, spa, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, etc.). which is totally not their fault. BUT-- we did get to see a deer loitering about the entrance road, so that was okay. :)
okay, first off-- you know you're in for a quiet stay when the entrance gate is across the street from a cemetery, though it might be a bit of a toss up since the hospital is near as well and the ambulance sirens tend to carry... ahem, all scariness aside, the place is built like renovated apartment complexes: pool, spa, volleyball courts in the middle of an oval road with buildings aligning the perimeter. you drive up to check in, then drive to your building.
the decor was nice enough, but i must stress that this place is SUPER photogenic and looks WAY WAY WAY better in pictures, imho. the main registration also houses the conference rooms and restaurants. we had vday dinner at linwood's, which overlooked the golf course (that we didn't see since the weather was horrible).
we were situated in the 500 building, which was right next to the spa and fitness building... BOO-- that building was closed and spa services were suspended. it wasn't too bad since we already booked our massages and hot tub soak at tea house spa. it was just annoying because from our suite we heard numerous people banging on the door to get in-- did they NOT put a sign up??
adding to all the noise from the side, our suite was located under probably the heaviest footed people on earth, from what it sounded like. we called the front desk after hours of hoping they would settle in (ahem 3am). we heard their phone ring, and the banging got even louder. oops, we upset the bevy of bears above us. we called again, and the front desk responded quickly by relocating us to the upper level (same layout, sans the smoking patio). they even got a security guard to carry our stuff at 3am-ish and to escort us there. i appreciated their responsiveness.
also: no wifi and no free internet access. $10 and some change to get connected for 24 hours. which wouldn't be a big deal, but i'm always on call for work. ppppfft. i know this is a green certified hotel, but why can't they clean up just a little bit? you know, at least get the stains out of white sheets? our original suite (prior to the move) had brown streaks of an unknown origin on the sheet... thank god for double queen beds. and WOW, the shower head was just about the noisiest thing i've ever heard-- sputtering and frantic, with a metal grinding type of undertone. yeesh.
other than that, we enjoyed our stay. most of the gripes were incidental and not really chaminade's fault. i am definitely open to giving this place another shot because the staff was friendly and professional. i also mentioned staying here and from what i can gather, this place has a very good reputation locally.
cheers to green hotels!
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*This is only for the Sunday Brunch.*
Good place to eat with the family. Plenty of room. The buffet style presentation was really nice.
Seemed a little pricey for what you got.
The location is very pretty! The views are one of a kind!
Needs some updating, seems a little old inside. But food was good and had a great experience with the staff!
Stayed here a couple of times, nice getaway. Its back from the main street so pretty secluded. the rooms are good size and the beds are oh so comfy. The staff is friendly, good meals, plenty of parking, valet parking as well. Good place for a romantic getaway, family, company functions etc.
I had high expectation for this place as it is highly praised by people I know, but when I got there, it was a great disappointment. First impression was bad as this place is next to a cemetery. Then, the pool was not only very small but also very dirty, full of bugs. Also, don't be late to your appointment because it can get canceled. Chaminade is very strict about it and the cancellation cost is 100% of your treatment... yea... read the tiny tiny fine prints on the menu. Rescheduling is $45, even on the same day! So, why 2 stars? Well, the view of mountains and trees is nice from the jacuzzi... no... you don't see the cemetery... and the bathroom is clean with everything you need... shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, hair dryer, q-tip, lotion, etc. I suppose I pay for all these amenities, but 2 stars for the view and the convenience.
I would have given the Sunday brunch @ Chaminade 5 stars, but this year they trimmed down the champagne brunch to a "champagne toast" -- one glass.
My wife and I have been doing the champagne brunch on Super bowl sunday (for her birthday) for about 4 years now, and we were a bit disappointed when we were told we only got the one glass this year.
I guess they need to pay for their remodel somehow -- the food is still excellent however.
Alright this is about BRUNCH only.
Probably the best brunch place in the area. This strikes me as the ultimate mothers day brunch spot...
GREAT panoramic views of the mountains and ocean.
GREAT food with an unbelievable selection of meats, veggies, fish, eggs...basically anything you could potentially crave for brunch
For like 5 dollars more, bottomless mimosas...who can argue with that?
Overall just a sweet spot secluded from all of the busy life. Its just a hop skip and a jump off of the 1 and the perfect sea-breeze getaway from your busy lives. Very expensive compared to your usual brunch buffet, but you realize why when you are there.
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This review is for the Sunday Brunch only.
I recently visited for a family member's 50th birthday. When I arrived, my family directed me to a private room off the main walkway to the brunch buffet. There were about 25 of us and we had a large private room all to ourselves. I thought that it was arranged by my family, but actually the server who helped us was the one who suggested that we needed our own space for such a special event - and she set it up for us. That was extremely thoughtful and evidence of their top-notch service.
The brunch itself was very good. They have an omelet bar, a large variety of breakfast items, salmon, chicken, fruit, pasta, grilled vegetables and dessert. Truly all you can possibly eat.
It was a rainy day, but the private room had a view of the ocean in the distance. It was a beautiful setting and a wonderful way to celebrate.
Review is based on 1 night stay, on New Year's Eve 2008.
Spa was being renovated till 1/31/09, so we did not partake in an in-room massage.
A fitting place to hold office conferences. OK place for a romantic getaway.
Rooms:
- We were in the 600 block of rooms, close to tennis courts. Small bed. http://Hotels.com advertised beds as "queen" but they were double sized beds.
- Walls are paper thin, we heard flushing toilets.
- Each room in the 600 room block, first floor, had a small concrete patio with 2 chairs, facing trees. Not as private.
- Small shower and tub. For a gal that's 5' 2", I felt like a giant in the tub.
- Bright spot was that we had good people staying around us, so the noise level was quiet.
Pool & Jacuzzi (both outdoor):
- Nice size pool & jacuzzi
- Pool is heated, so suggest on swimming first, then get spoiled by the hot tub!
- Clean patio furniture, plenty of towels. Water station was empty, but perhaps it's because we went swimming after 8p at night.
- Pool & jacuzzi hours open till 11pm - LOVE IT.
Other notable amenities:
- outdoor tennis courts
- outdoor sand volleyball court
- close to hiking trails
- 10 mins drive from Santa Cruz beach boardwalk
- family friendly environment
It was worth the $159 deal http://hotels.com advertised per night, but I would not revisit this place. It was nice for a short getaway (maybe 2 nights max for a couple; families may enjoy this hotel a bit more as there were more activities for children to enjoy).
Traveled here for a wedding this weekend. What a surprising hidden find. I guess this is what happens when all you do is visit areas near the shore when in Santa Cruz. The outdoor wedding had an exquisite background of the Santa Cruz Bay behind a thick wood of redwood trees. After the wedding we had some appetizers while enjoying the view. The remaining of the night was upstairs in the Santa Cruz room, which also had a wonderful view through it's large windows.
Food was so so but service was first class with its free valet and very attentive servers.
Beautiful and unique venue for a wedding.
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I'm so sheltered...I have lived in NorCal for 8 years (today, actually) and in Santa Cruz County for 2 years, but had never been to Chaminade. I think I had only heard of it somewhere in the vaguest of terms.
Yesterday, however, was the Aptos High Executive Board End of the School Year party and Sunday Brunch at Chaminade was chosen by the outgoing choir director. I will always show up for a free lunch!
Ugh - it's the next morning, I didn't eat dinner last night and I still feel like a blimp. The champagne brunch buffet had SO much really attractive food that my friends and I layered our plates with salmon of all kids; smoked, raw and pan roasted with fruit salsa, multi colored feta ravioli, blintzes, sausage, spinach salads, fresh ruit, eggs benedict (I didn't try them, I hate eggs) chicken, many more assorted pasta dishes, and then had no room to even try omelette station, carving station, etc. But with each trip I also took one tiny dessert, such as dark chocolate covered starwberry, miniature fruit tart, blueberry mousse. I had told myself going in I would be good and only have fruit and vegetables, but there was no way to keep that promise. Everything was delicious.
It was also a beautiful day, and view from the patio, Santa Cruz Hills and Pacific ocean is spectacular.
Only down side was just one glass of chanpagne and they never brought coffee when I asked for some.
So I have no idea of the cost as it was picked up by the choir funds. I'm sure it's pricey, but worth it for a special occassion, if you are prepared to eat. I'm not, for at least another day.
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I did enjoy my stay. I thought the rooms were pricey, but I got a 169$ rate on http://hotels.com and got a room with two beds. I have to say though the rooms were tastefully furnished and the overall ambience of the hotel was fantastic. Great facilitities , great spa, all and all it was impressive and especially romantic for a weekend getaway, we had a superb view of the forest. You should go if you want to get away. Its a great hotel and you can't find any real 4 star hotels in Santa Cruz so I think this is one of the better ones!
Nice Place But Horrible Customer Service: Been to the Chaminade for a wedding and had a great time, but tried to book a room for a weekend getaway and boy oh boy did the saga begin! All in all it was impossible to reason with their customer service people and ended up cancelling my reservation because of the poor service.
Overall a very mediocre experience. Doesn't seem like a 4 star hotel. Cobwebs and mold in the bathroom.
This is a nice hotel, not above & beyond or the premier spot perhaps.
I echo what other yelpers have to say in terms of politeness and warmth from staff...It has a good feel in that respect.
It's tucked away in the Santa Cruz hills overlooking the Monterrey bay which gives it a nice view as well as being peaceful, picturesque and quiet.
Parking can be a bit tedious as there aren't enough spots near where you may be situated and ultimately may have to park a good distance from your room.
Rooms are well appointed and comfortable
Spa is nice and staff, again, is quite friendly.
Didn't have dinner so can't speak about the restaurant or food.
Spent a week here for a firm retreat, and it was a very nice setting with good facilities. But the food was very boring, low quality, the service was so-so. The bartenders on a few nights were great, but one of the nights the lady kept taking our drinks away from us. Also, I think some of the security is power tripping.
We had roommates from different offices, and the second desk in the room was a fold out picnic table, no joke.
I was here last week for a company offsite. I must say I was quite impressed by the place.
Service: Really great
Rooms: Cozy and plush interiors, larger rooms, good amenities, well maintained. I believe they were recently remodeled
Food: Was very surprised by the food and the vegetarian choices available. Almost every item I had was made well. Their soups were quite unique and tasty as well. Bonus points for serving Curly fries for lunch with their sandwiches. Their Desserts were also really great
Its not right on the beach, which is a bummer. They do have lots of walking trails.
Their food prices seemed reasonable too (On their website)
Overall, I think I'll be visiting this place again, for a relaxing weekend.
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I do have to point out that the staff was extremely nice and welcoming. Event the valet guys said "Hello. How are you?". It doesn't seem like a big deal, but as you're walking through the place, it's nice to hear that as opposed to a crap hotel where they don't care whether you exist or not.
We sat outside on the back patio with our drinks and patiently waited for our room (we were early). The view was fantastic and the weather was perfect. After our drinks, we went back to the concierge to see if our room was ready, which it was.
Fast forward to walking into the room. Damn... Luxurious beds, a little wet bar, nice sink (I have a fetish for sinks for some reason) and a lovely little outdoor patio. The backdrop to the patio was a forest like setting. My friend and I sat outside for a long time just soaking in the wild life and sipping on champagne.
The only major gripe I had was room service. I wanted 4 cans of Diet Coke but we didn't feel like walking all the way back to the bar. So I ordered room service. I'm fully aware that room service is basically anal rapeage.. but I had no idea I would be paying $5 per soda. Yeah, so my friend ended up paying $20 for 4 sodas. What a rip!
The Chaminade has a couple hiking areas that we weren't aware of until later on in the afternoon. We did one hike before dinner and it was awesome. It's just another activity if you don't feel like going to the pool or spa. Neat!
Dinner was good. I don't have high expectations for hotel food, but it was just good. I have no rants or raves about it. I had the seabass with summer veggies over jasmine rice with a mango salsa on top. I hate mango salsa but that's just my opinion. My friend had clams with chorizo which was overly salty, but she loves salt so it worked out.
I really don't have any more to say except, take a look at my pictures and that this experience was a very pleasant one. I would go back in a heartbeat.
(There are more details I'm leaving out that are on my blog.. feel free to check it out)
Every staff person I encountered from the restaurant to the spa & everyone in between were genuine & helpful.
My gripe is with management. You need to help your outstanding staff by giving them a hotel & spa they can be proud of. Devil is in the details-- you need to make sure that they have the resources to fix the peeling wallpaper,burned out light bulbs and the broken electrical outlets in the facility.
Restaurant was surprisingly delicious and the spa (although in desperate need of a renovation) was really relaxing. Go for the sea enzyme wrap!
A few times a year, I visit this place for a quick getaway, and every time, I'm pleased.
The rooms are nice and generally quiet. All of the rooms I've ever stayed in there have a private patio. The beds are incredibly comfortable. The heated pool is a treat. Great place to kick back and relax. The spa and fitness center is great too. The locker rooms have a spa, sauna, and excellent steam room. In the mornings they have fitness classes, although I've never attended one, since they are so early in the morning.
Usually, after a day on the beach and a little pool time, I go to the restaurant, Linwoods, and have a few drinks. It's a mellow bar/restaurant. The food sucks, but the view of Monterey Bay from the patio is gorgeous. The wine selection is pretty good and the bartender Steve is friendly and really accommodating.
I will most definitely visit Chaminade again!
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This is a very good example of how one significant negative outweigh all the positives.
I arranged a week in advance to have a group meet here for drinks and appetizers. I talked with the manager of Linwood, who was very nice, and set the time and date for our party of 11. I called a couple of days before to request a menu for the appetizers and confirmed the reservations. Their website does not have a menu for Linwood and the staff there promptly faxed me one.
I have never been to this place before and I did not know where to park. I followed the signs and ended up parking a long long walk away from the restaurant to learn that I could have parked much closer. I suggest you find this place on the Chaminade compound and then find parking.
I entered, was promptly greeted and was taken down to Linwood. I was greeted by the manager who I had spoken to previously. We were going to sit outside but it got a bit cold and windy, so we opted for inside. We had a great corner with a sectional sofa, nice chairs, little tables to put our drinks on and a larger table for all the appetizers and plates to be placed on like a buffet. We had a beautiful view of the valley. It was a wonderful place for all of us to meet and enjoy each others company.
I am impressed with the large wine selection. A friend of mine ordered a margarita and she said it was the worst one she ever had. I had beer. The food was great. We had 2 of almost everything on the appetizer menu. I was a bit miffed that the cheese plate which was 17 bucks was as small as it was. I really enjoyed the small pizza, calamari and a nice refreshing spring roll. They all had good flavor and could be a meal in and of themselves.
This is my negative. After we had spent hundred of dollars and were enjoying ourselves, we were told that he had 5 minutes to leave because there was a private party that rented out the whole place. We had to finish our food, guzzle up our drinks and leave feeling like second class citizens. This was extraordinarily disappointing since we were having such a good time. I had made reservations well in advance and I called before to confirm. They had my phone number so they could contact me if needed. Had I been told that they had a private party, we would have opted to go someplace else.
Yes, I will be back but I will go to one of the parties that reserve the whole place and kick out second class citizens.
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I came here for a friend's wedding several years back. I remember the venue was beautiful. It seems they have updated the rooms - similar to the W but less contemporary. The staff is very attentive and the pool area is nice during the late summers. It is well-situated between Capitola and the SC Boardwalk, so you have the best of both worlds.
We did not eat at Chaminade, but they have a restaurant/bar called Linwood's that serves brunch, lunch and dinner and has outdoor seating with a spectacular view. The Sunset Restaurant serves a buffet on the weekends. We were planning to eat at the resort, but it's difficult to pass up on the restaurants in Capitola.
My girlfriends and I recently went up for the day for a "girls gettaway" at the spa. Pros: The view from the patio is breathtaking and the massage was WONDERFUL. I also loved the fact that this place may be full, but does not feel crowded.
Cons: Parking on a busy day is limited. The cost---$174 for an 80 min massage (while it was good, I have had better at Burke Williams for less). We also had a $17 for a cheese and fruit platter that we shared....there was hardly any fruit and little cheese. Overall, the experience was nice as I spent it with my good friends...and in the beautiful Santa Cruz mountains..............
(Pronounced Sham-in-nod)
*To the tune of that old Brady Bunch Song*
Chaminade, na, na, na, na, na
Chaminade, na, na
Chaminade, na, na, na, na, na
*Peter Brady's voice cracking part*
Chaminade, na, na,na
BELLA IS MISSING? HAVE YOU SEEN HER? No, she was just holed up in day-long business meetings at the Chaminade for 4 days. Wireless connection (even though we paid for it!!) and cell reception sucked, hence the incommunicado on Bella's part.
It recently went through renovations and although the furnishings and leather- walled hallways (yes, I said leather- walled hallways) were nice, I wish they would have spent that money on fixing the water pressure/pipes. The non-adjustable shower heads were too high, so by the time the water reached me, it was lukewarm. Also, every time other guests took showers or flushed their toilets, my water went completely COLD (major T.H.O's!!). I guess they wanted me to not feel homesick, because it was just like home!!
Where do I begin with the buffets? 3 buffet meals a day!!! Some of you may have noticed I was packing a pooch at last Friday's DYL- no, it wasn't a 3rd boob- just my enormous stomach, which was protesting the all you can eat, Bella doesn't know when to stop, buffet.
Breakfast- Bacon, sausage, omelets and eggs- made to order, eggs hash browns, cereal (didn't touch that!!), Belgian waffles with whipped cream, fruit. Mmmmm...Bacon!!
Lunch and Dinner- Lobster, shrimp, oysters, steak, empanadas, paninis, creme brulee, fruit tarts, pecan pie, whipped cream, crumbles, etc...
If gluttony were a sin, then I'm a SINNER!! Oh wait, umm....
* 3 1/2 Stars*
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All though I've never stayed there, Chaminade serves a number of functions that I have enjoyed.
Sunday brunch--yumm!! A bit pricey but somewhere to take someone you care about in a nice surrounding.
Cocktail hour. Very quiet most days, away from the busyness of "town." Best in the summer on the deck or anytime at the pool table.
Special events room. Been to a couple of banquets and the staff were great (admit slight bias as my sexy wife did work front desk here for a time)!
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Chaminade probably is the best deal around for a large conference that is not in San Francisco (large = 100 plus guest rooms). It doesn't break the bank. All that being said, it always shocks me how expensive it is, considering how I stay in great boutique hotels at a fraction of the price. We stick with Chaminade, however, for a bunch of reasons, mostly boiling down to, we can't find a better alternative outside of San Francisco but still in the bay area. They do do conferences well (sounds like Cole Porter: you do that voodoo that you do so well), so I guess (a bit sadly) I recommend it. Sadly only because for that kind of price, one ought to be able to do something awesome. I can't find that place for the crowd size we have.
But here's how to maximize the success of your conference.
First, they know their stuff on set up and logistics. That's a huge relief. Bring your own people to handle sign in and so forth, but know that their logistics folks have this down pat.
Second, you can have a good cocktail party with very decent food. While they often put us upstairs, insist on the patio outside downstairs. And taste all the food first, and select what tastes good. You can put together a party that actually is a great party, so long as it is outside downstairs, and so long as you vet everything. They will try to sell you way too much food. Don't let them. It's a waste. Don't pick anything you haven't tasted. Honestly, you'd be surprised. Keep your food selections simple. And taste your wines too. They will special order things that you like (for example, I think that Chandon Blanc de Noir is a great champagne for the price, and you can find it for good prices, so negotiate with them even on the prices they sell it to you for).
Third, absolutely do not let them talk you into the surf and turf if you have dinner. My recommendation, actually, is that for a weekend conference, you make your Saturday cocktail party the only event. If the weather is nice, it's extraordinary, and people mill around and don't want to leave. If you have to have a dinner, the filet comes out just fine, and have them do a vegetarian option on an "on demand basis."
Fourth, I think the buffet lunch is horrible. I'd try to have some input on that. Once, we did one outside, with fewer items and a vaguely Mediterranean theme, and the food was vastly better. The buffet lunch, again, was horrible. They charge an arm and a leg, and it stinks. Stinks is a harsh word. It stinks.
They will try to have TONS of extras thrown in, like cookies and candy and all that at the breaks. All they do is feed you, and most of it is bad. The one fun thing (and we all digress to childhood) is that they do have an ice cream freezer with the ice cream sandwiches, the cones, and the like. That goes over well.
I have not stayed in the rooms for several years, despite throwing the conference myself, because we rent a beach condo. They apparently have updated the rooms from a design perspective. I saw the pix, and they look better. I will say that the rooms are spacious and reasonably well appointed. But considering some of the options in the wine country for the same conference price? If your conference is smaller, go there instead.
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Nice location. but I am sorry I think of this as" rip off acres". I have a family member that lives near by and it is a quite close place to go for special occasion. we have tried to eat in the bar twice to make it more reasonable. The wait staff is always nice. The bar is cozy. But they charge $16.00 for hamburgers.
I think they could do better and have an nice steady trade if they did not price their bar food like the Hyatt regency. The brunch is way too high. We are in a recession, did you now???
