Holly Ann "Hollyday" J.'s Profile

Sad but true. Simply cannot give a 5-star rating for this Mother's Day. Yes, the stakes are higher on a holiday weekend and expectations are higher when paying premium room rates.

Not a total flop for my daughter, husband and me, so I will give well-deserved commendations to valet, bell desk, pool towel service & pool lounge, pool slides, check-out convenience options, Einsteins staff, housekeeping friendliness, and a lovely room with a spectacular view.

Now, the gloom and doom.

1) This hotel gladly welcomed our 12 pound puppy to stay with us for an additional nightly fee of $50. However, outside of green grassy area, the dog wasn't allowed anywhere on the property. Not OUTSIDE at pool, Pool Lounge dining, or Red Marlin dining. No restrictions were mentioned when I reserved our premium suite. My dog stayed in her kennel in our room for most of our stay. She came out only when we walked her.

2) Check-in said we couldn't take dog to pool but could sit outdoors with our dog to dine. Red Marlin then said no dogs on outside patio. This affected our Saturday dinner plans and our Mother's Day Brunch plans.

3) When we got to our room, the balcony was so small, only one person could sit out there at a time. Plus, two lounge chairs were situated there allowing no leg room. One chair was missing its back and bottom cushion. I had to make a call, wait for delivery and tip on something that should not have happened in the first place.

4) Red Marlin Mother's Day Brunch. Our table was set-up like a cocktail bar or sushi bar. What party of six wants to sit shoulder-to-shoulder? The seating was also set-up at window with backs to the window. Who would rather look at other diners and buffet than the beautiful bay, bougainvillea, blue sky and sailboats?  Granted, if I were first to arrive, I would have fixed it before everyone sat down. How on earth did anyone think this was a good idea?

5)  Instead of receiving the bill summary by email upon our checkout, we received a check--in notice that our room was ready at 4 pm on Sunday.  We were already at home unpacking.  So, one more phone call to the resort to make sure we weren't being charged for an additional night.  Little disorganized?

Customer Service Summary...

*I do believe the staff at Red Marlin did their best to resolve the table seating issue. The staff was gracious and courteous. Offered a significant discounted meal and I appreciate that gesture tremendously.

*I wasn't so pleased with manner of hotel manager, though.

Questions to ponder...
-Quality control in room maintenance?
-How can a resort welcome dogs to room but not be a pet-friendly hotel?
-Are smokers more welcome than pets?
-What are state health codes regarding dogs and what are Hyatt rules & regulations?
-Why would anyone want to dine without a view?
-Should I still keep Red Marlin as a venue for a party of 10 Laughternoon Dahlings brunch planned for June? Hmmmm
-Why was last years Mother's Day Brunch and Easter Brunch the year before, at the same place, extraordinary?

I have only written a few less than stellar reviews (i.e., not 5-star).  I don't like to waste my time!  However, I believe branding and reputation are important, especially with these world-wide and well-known hotel chains. My expectations are directly linked to what I pay. I like Hyatt Regency, Hilton, and JW Marriott. I love Four Seasons & Ritz-Carlton even more. I can just as easily enjoy B&B's at reduced rates. I'd like to find the best kid-friendly and dog-friendly luxe resorts. Send recommendations my way, please! Show owner comment »

What if kindness was commended as strength and bullying was viewed as weakness?

KIDS FOR PEACE will draw you in and then you'll have to hold on for the ride!

~You will, most likely, commit to live by the PEACE PLEDGE.
http://www.kidsforpeac...
~You will, probably, participate in the annual GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE
http://www.greatkindne...  
~You will, totally, be inspired by the BOOKS that the kids published.
http://www.kidsforpeac...
~You will, dreamily, wish you had joined us on the 2012 DC PEACE PLEDGE TOUR.  
http://www.kidsforpeac...
~You will, absolutely, meet CHAMPIONS of Kids for Peace ages 3 to a 103!  
~Then, YOU WILL ask how you can be involved...of course!

When my daughter was three, we were members of a San Diego chapter. Now, that my daughter is six, we started our own chapter. We have good company, too! As there are over 100 chapters worldwide committed to UPLIFTING OUR WORLD THROUGH LOVE AND ACTION!  See which one you can join or start your own chapter!  There is a Leader Training every August!  
http://www.kidsforpeac...

This is the perfect organization to participate, volunteer, and donate. It's time to join in on the fun. Your love and action will send ripples around the world.

Lemongrass ... Love the name, love the chillin' atmosphere in Encinitas, CA.

ORGANIC hair products.  Very rustic spa-like atmosphere.  Truly relaxing.

I have been here twice.  

First time, I found them on YELP!  Liked the reviews and organic hair products are non-negotiable for me.

I met Ali, a specialist in color.  She was mellow and kind.  I was having an off-day and she just let me be.  I appreciated her non-intrusive style of communicating. I was very comfortable.  Just needed some quiet time.

My haircut was shaped and cut perfectly...even when I had to style it on my own!  The color was very natural.  Yep, I'm a natural blonde (hahaha).  Happy that she helped me update my image!  Fresh air coming in and I was able to look out the window.  She washed my hair outside.  Totally refreshing. Then refreshed my lipstick as I was leaving.

They sent me a very nice BUDDHA personalized "Thank You Note." It included a few coupons for future visits (one for me and two for my friends).  Nice touch!  Great customer service and/or marketing.  I have the picture posted in my home as an inspiration and a reminder of how nice they all were!

Second time, I saw Ali again.  I was feeling more energetic and we talked a bit more.  She is truly a good listener and conversationalist.  She appears to be very authentic.  Her quality of service was just as primo as the first time.  When my hair was processing, I was able to sit outside in their very ZEN garden and just relax.  I really enjoyed this quiet time.

The price of the haircut and color include gratuity. There are a lot of deals.  On Yelp.  Or Fourquare.  Or mailings. Definitely use coupons or deals ... it makes it more affordable.  

That's my review.  I also would like to encourage you to find salons and spas that use organic products.  Those chemicals in the 'other' products do lead to cancer and disease.  Please stay safe and healthy.  Support the companies who care about your health and well-being.

Lunch was great.  Nice atmosphere. Friendly waiter.  Free appetizer when I checked in on Foursquare!  Yummy FARM-to-TABLE meal.  
___

I was driving, driving, driving ... and not in the most picturesque part of El Cajon Boulevard.  All that didn't matter when I walked in the doors of Terra. Beautifully decorated.  Great lighting.  Not overdone.  Many other people dining but not a loud buzz.

We had wine with lunch and enjoyed our FREE appetizer, Calamari with garlicky sauce.  I ordered a Lobster BLT.  Loved it!  My friend ordered the Ravioli and they were delicious.  Our waiter was happy-go-lucky and very attentive.

It was perfect for lunch.  Probably just as nice for dinner.

It is out of the way unless you live in the SDSU College area/La Mesa.  It's worth a visit.

I heard they relocated here from Hillcrest.

This is one of my happy places!  I haven't sat inside, yet.  I just love the feel of the outdoors.  The setting brings me back to the Bay Area!  

It is a sustainable, green business.  The food --- FARM-to-TABLE.  Stone Brewery literally bought their own farm!  I believe they recycle, even the water, and care about their carbon imprint.  I support their business philosophy and want to see more businesses adopt these values.

BREWERY:  Take a tour!  Free tasting at the end.  They are packed so make a reservation or go early, hang out and wait for your tour.

RESTAURANT:  Indoor dining looks natural meets modern.  I love the high ceilings.  Mostly, I like sitting outside and seeing the water, fish, gardens.  So relaxing.  The food is delicious even though the menu isn't extensive.  Try the mushroom pockets ... I'm addicted.  Don't forget to pair with a brewsky.

GARDENS:  Take a walk through the gardens.  Take a seat at a table, bench or chairs provided.  Relax.  Let the day melt away.  You could also bring a jug of beer out there and just kick it!

The only thing that could make it cooler is if I could bring my puppy.  

See you there!

This was a great way to tour the Temecula wineries. Wine tasting with no worries!

I particularly liked the fresh air of riding in the jeep. Not as stuffy as a limo. A bit more adventurous and carefree!

The jeep held six of us comfortably. My BFF and I met some kwell new people. One pair was a young couple on a date from San Diego. Another pair, was two fun ladies from Canada and Phoenix.

We visited three wineries. Sang in the jeep. Went four-wheel driving through some dirt roads. Had a catered lunch. Then, were safely delivered back to our hotel!

It was a great day!

Salut!

Recently, I spent a girlie weekend in Temecula. Leonesse Winery was a highlight of the weekend!

Not only did we love their wines, we also loves the grounds.

We started at the lower area barrel room. Then, took a short walk through the vineyard. Up to the main tasting room. What a view from their outdoor patio!

I heard they are opening a restaurant.

I believe, with a restaurant, I would be happy to become a member of their wine club.

I do need to see if they'll welcome both me and my Savvy Cavvy. Then, I'll be able to drive from Rancho Bernardo without the worry of having to get back home so fast!

One suggestion, too. The tasting room was great. However, their gifty items selection was lacking. I'd like to see them beef up their retail!

Cheers!

I wrote a raving review for Muttropolis located in the village of La Jolla. I believe this Cedros location deserves accolades, too!

Optimal personalized service. Since I'm in the preparation stage for a new puppy ... I have so many questions and need so much undivided attention. The salesperson was knowledgable and attentive. The teeth cleaner was so very sweet, too. She is a great greeter and very helpful!!!

I love this location just a smidgen more than La Jolla's but only because of the fenced in yard in front. It is very inviting and a bit more roomy. Don't want to diss LJ though! I know I'll be attending pup parties at both locations!

The selection of high end items and unique are the best I've seen so far on my tour of doggy stores in San Diego!

Like I said in my other Muttropolis review, "I believe I will be spoiling my pup.". Muttropolis is going to help me!

Muttropolis ... oh ya! I found this pet boutique accidentally. I regularly shop at Warwick's and happened to park right in front of this cute lil' pet store.

Since I had just put a deposit on my Lovey Dovey Savvy Cavvy, I had to stop in, check out the store, and share the good news. The lovely lady that helped me seemed just as excited as I was.

She spent a good amount of time with me. She showed me around the store and highlighted things I would need. She also did not place any pressure on me to buy. Her tour was completely informational. I really appreciated that...especially since my puppy was only three days old at the time and I had ten weeks to wait before bringing her home.

I've been back to this location three times since. I have bought a few things here and there. Always enjoyed my experience of meeting their staff and other customers.

This is a social place (right up my alley).  There are several monthly socials! Designated for puppies, specific breeds, training, teeth cleaning, and even Yappy Hours. If you attend these gatherings, they'll give you 10% off of your purchase.

Must plug that they are a locally owned business.

Also, this is a high end store. I go to buy the best of the best. Unique items, high quality and pricey. My motto, "You get what you pay for."

Totally a favorite store!!! I think my puppy is going to be SPOILED!!!!!

I've been preparing for a new puppy. Thus, been shopping and "researching" many, many hours hours in as many as seven pet stores from Rancho Bernardo to Del Mar to Mission Valley. I have found my favorites and Pet People is in my top two!

First, service is amazing. They seem to be fully staffed all the time with friendly and helpful staff.

However, I must give a shout out to Kyle. What a personable, thoughtful, and helpful guy. Did I mention patient, too? I simply felt cared about and well taken care of by Kyle and his very personal attention. On my next trip, he remembered me, the puppy breed, and even asked about my daughter. What a great asset to the company.

Next, the store is well organized, spacious and has a good selection. My personal preference is to shop "boutiquey" style with the best selection. This isn't exactly a boutique but this mid-size store (not gigantic like Petco) has everything I need!

Lastly, I am happy to report this is a San Diego locally owned business. I do like to support local business! I believe they have ten locations but my favorite is 4S Ranch because of exemplary service (namely Kyle). To be fair, though, I haven't visited any other location!

Please give them a try ... Totally worthy of  a 5-star rating!