“There is so much to do and see” I kept thinking to myself, constantly debating between sitting back and enjoying my time or trying to document every square inch of the property. So as you read through this review and virtually walk through the gardens in the many photos, plan for a longer stay with as few solid plans as possible. Allegretto is best experienced with a relaxed state of mind. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles, which did not review or approve the story.

The arch entries lead into ground-floor rooms with a view of the Piazza. On the right is one of the many seating areas in the Piazza.

On Art & Architecture 

A third-generation hotelier Douglas Ayres came to Paso Robles in 2002 and fell in love with the beauty and agriculture of the region. By 2015 this love interest materialized into a 171-room hotel built in the style of a Tuscan Villa. Douglas’ most personal project yet Allegretto is filled to the brim with culture, vision, and history. Many of the art and antique pieces were brought from Ayres’ travels. Many were commissioned specifically for the resort. And some, are quite literally built into the walls thus creating a sense of “walking through time”.

Here at the Allegretto, we’re recreating a small town with the village walls, the monastery (cloistered courtyard) and the chapel.

~ Douglas Ayres

The two stone figures seen framing the staircase and looking over the firepits are custom sculpted for Doug Ayres in Vicenza, Italy. The two figures represent male and female muses, the male (top left) is removing his mask to symbolize vulnerability.

The entirety of the property is built following the philosophy of harmony. At the centre of the property is a 12,000-square-foot courtyard called “Piazza Del Magico”. The Piazza footprint, hidden from the raw eye, forms the shape of a cello, which you will hear playing in the background throughout the day. The Piazza is a gathering place. On the far side are two parquets with fire pits, closer to the lobby is a wine-tasting patio and a cafe terrace, often used for private functions. A looping square pathway wraps around the interior, shaded by an impressive growth of trees and flower bushes. The centrepiece of Piazza Del Magico is a fountain: two intersecting circles with a sandstone rock statue in the middle representing the “movement of creation”. 

One of the many beautiful sculptures on the property followed by a life-size chess board and yet another sculpture.

The interior of the hotel is a showcase of Douglas’ finds and if you visit on the weekend you can take a docent-guided art tour. The surrounding area is lush with gardens all leading to the vineyard on a hill. Various outdoor games are scattered, sometimes almost hidden throughout the gardens. Chess here. Ping pong table there. In the evening the guests are invited to enjoy a cocktail by a fireplace in the lobby or cozy up with a blanket by one of the bowl fire pits.

It is no surprise that such a property would be of high interest for special occasions like weddings and graduation parties. To the far side of the building is an Abbey, built specifically for the celebration of love and life. This small, non-denominational building is modeled after the chapels of Europe. The Abbey is adorned with custom-made stained glass windows depicting a range of ancient symbols, world religions, and spiritualities. 

Abbey interior and one of the gardens used for weddings and special events and the roof of the abbey with the bell tower behind in on the right. Below: The gazebo in Manzanillo North Garden icarved with breathtaking details.

Just a few examples of antiques: sculpture and table, entryway built into the resort building, and these flowers that look like a Still Life painting. Below: Sequoia Room on the ground floor.

Left: Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings. Centre: The painted ceiling of the exterior entry. On the far right: A large figure from Rajasthan India with the mirror behind it reflecting eternity and calling people to togetherness in peace.

Winery & Wine Tastings

Allegretto Wines began with a purchase of a seventeen-acre cabernet sauvignon vineyard in the Willow Creek District. Viognier, Vermentino, Malbec, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were later planted in a separate, 20-acre property allowing the team to produce a wide range of experimental and classic wines. Tannat, a red wine grape originating in the South of France, is their hero grape and during the tasting, you can try a mix of its iterations over the years. 

The wines are available at the resort in the Willow Creek Tasting Room. It is a cozy room with an outdoor terrace. Here, you can purchase a glass of wine or sit down for a guided tasting. During the tasting, you will learn about the climate, process, and various unique techniques and flavours used in the development of Allegretto Wines. 

The tasting room is open to anyone interested in learning about the wines so even if you are not a guest you can come in and enjoy a glass or four and soak in the views of the Piazza. Through a tunnel on the other end, the visitors are invited to take a stroll through the vineyard. This vineyard is shaped like a circle, communicating a warm welcome for the guests. Naturally, this shape is not the most desirable for the wine production team but as a garden walk it is certainly very social. 

The wine-tasting tour is $30 per person and $45 for non-resort guests.

Sample tasting menu. This only has red and rose options but Allegretto Wines do make white wine as well.

Make sure to order a charcuterie to with your tasting, the selection of cheeses, meats, and side accoutrements is amazing! The limestone rock on the right was recently found in the vineyard indicating that at some point in history, this place was an ocean floor. This limestone does well for the grapes. Rose and two Cavarnets are to be tasted side-by-side for comparison.

Inside the Suite 

The rooms have impressively high ceilings and no matter which way you face the view will always be nice. Each unit begins with a standard setup: one or two beds, a desk, a wardrobe with a coffee station and a mini fridge, a sitting area, and a spacious bathroom. Prelude King Room (pictured here) has access to the Piazza. The room doors swing open to welcome the music and fresh air into the room. Outside is your individual terrace with a garden table and two chairs, a perfect setup for a sunset happy hour. One-bedroom King will have a fireplace and some of the second-floor suites have a balcony overlooking the Piazza. 

Allegretto Resort is pet-friendly and accessible. 

Prelude King Room piazza view through the patio door.

Dining, Entertainment & Activities

Cello Restaurante and Bar 

Situated on the ground floor to the right of the entrance Cello Restaurante and Bar offers upscale casual dining to guests and Paso Robles locals. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features generously portioned seafood and meat dishes expertly crafted by Chef Jeremy D. Fike. 

Your dining options range from locally sourced scallops and fish to whole milk Burrata, crisp green salads, and hearty pasta or grilled meats. Shrimp and scallops can be added to any dish. Many of these plates are dippable by design – shrimp juices, various sauces, and delicious olive oils can all be soaked up with an in-house baked ciabatta. The liquid libations menu includes a range of Allegretto favourites, French, Italian and local wines as well as a selection of craft cocktails and beers. 

Seasonal shrimp appetizer, a glass of Allegretto’s Cello Grenache Blanc Seven Seas Pasta on the right. Below: Cello Restaurante interior and a classic margarita cocktail on the right.

Things to do

There is a lot. There is so much to do that at first I was overwhelmed and overstimulated. Exploring on your own can take hours. If taken slowly enough with wine breaks possibly days. Piazza alone has many nooks and sitting corners for reading, sipping wine, and having conversations with your resort neighbours. The interior halls weave in and out of shared spaces. The lobby with a custom fireplace has weekend serenades. Past the staircase is the Sequoia Room with another fireplace, games table, and a slice of a giant Sequoia tree. From this room, you can enter the Piazza or sit down for a video art tour in the connected conference room.

The outdoor spaces wrap all around the resort. In the far right corner is a swimming pool. Lined with a string of cabanas the pool has a lovely view of the vineyard and resort architecture peeking through the tall trees. Beyond it is the vineyard garden and to the side of the building are Manzillo and Mission Gardens. The gardens are all connected by a “Star Garden Trail” – “a journey through heavens on the sacred lands of Paso Robles”. Each stop represents a Zodiac constellation, the environment around it naturally changing from one season to the other.

There are many experiences organized by the resort. From the above-mentioned wine tastings and tours to weekend yoga, art walks, and musical entertainment. You can even taste local olive oil during a guided tasting with San Miguel Olive Farms. The guests can also borrow bright yellow tandem bikes to cruise around the region. 

Do not miss: George the alpaca and his friendly sheep friends at the far end of the resort. Make sure to check in with the front desk about the location and feeding schedule.

One of the stops on the Star Garden Trail on the right, at the top of the vineyard.

Wellness & Fitness 

Resort of such grander will of course also have a spa. Spa Allegretto is open daily for massage, facial, and body treatments. On the weekends the resorts host Yoga in the Abbey, available to guests only ($15) and all guests have access to a fitness center. This gym is quite spacious with a decent range of equipment and French doors opening to the Piazza. 

* * *

Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles
Rooms starting at $249 USD / Queen or King
2700 Buena Vista Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446, United
Book directly on allegrettovineyardresort.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood occupies a rather small plot of land in a tightly populated residential neighbourhood. The decor is inspired by “the glamour and spirit of Old Hollywood” collectibles of which can be spotted all throughout the property and in the rooms. Many of the decor pieces are actual movie props, from old and new movies alike. The artwork reflects this theme with various old film frames and behind-the-scenes images curated into small gallery walls in the suites. 

The property is shaped around a courtyard with a pool, and rooms looking out at the water reflecting the bright California sun. The courtyard is densely populated with tropical plants, including some hard-to-spot blue birds of paradise. As you navigate from this space, from the jacuzzi and sitting area, past the pool and tanning beds, you will end your exploration in a comfortable shaded rest area. 

The interior common areas are a bar/restaurant, better known as FYC Bar + Kitchen. It is not your typical dining room but a rather casual hangout spot with a small enclosed terrace. In addition to the lovely on-site restaurant (which does offer room service), the guests can also easily make their way to the many restaurants and cocktail bars in Downtown Burbank.

In the inner belly of the hotel is a fitness center. Opened 24/7 the gym has a good selection of equipment and weights, water, towels, and fresh apples. 

Note: Valet parking is complimentary. 

Inside the Suite 

The standard rooms referred to as “Superior,” are all King. The decor is luxuriously modern with dashes of vintage and a lovely selection of art. I particularly like the dark wall colour creating contrast with the bright bed frame. The terrace (or balcony) is comfortably furnished. Here you can bask in the sun with a drink or read a back as the sun sets over the pool.

In addition to the standard Superior rooms Hotel Amarano* also has a handful of suites. All suites have a kitchenette, sofa bed, and a walk-in closet. The Superior One Bedroom has a dining table while the Chairman Suite has a private rooftop terrace, you can see it from the front of the building. With multiple filming studios nearby many people reside at Amarano for a prolonged period of time. Rumour has it one of them lived here for a full year! 

Treat yourself to room service with sparkling wine and a charcuterie snack board.

Dining & Entertainment 

FYC in the FYC Bar + Kitchen is a shorthand spelling out “For Your Consideration”. It is meant to be a gathering place where you can enjoy the spotlight or find a shade of anonymity. The outdoor terrace has a small number of tables, cheerfully tiled, and a fire pit sitting area. On a cool night, the staff will create comfort by turning on the headlamps.

During this visit to LA, we had the pleasure of being joined for dinner by two local friends. Having additional people certainly allowed us to try a larger selection of the dishes and I will be first to say, they are all hearty, generous, and delicious. The menu features many of the local favourites like Tuna Tartare (Yum!) and Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Sweet Potato Bravas (served with a side of avo) were the group’s favourite. The bravas were joined by the Crispy Jumbo Shrimp and a delicately fired NY Strip. On the beverage list are classic cocktails, local craft beers, and a tight selection of wines, many of which are also local.

In the morning the guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the lounge or preorder room service. I opted for the latter, indulging in a hearty Egg Frittata in the comfort of my own room.

Breakfast Frittata with mushrooms, cheese, and tomatoes.

Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood
Room starting at $299 USD per Superior King Room
322 N Pass Ave, Burbank, CA 91505, United States
Book directly on hotelamarano.com or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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A short taxi will take you Downtown but the truth is, you could spend your entire weekend here at The Leta. Between hotel amenities, hiking trails, and multiple beaches nearby there is plenty to occupy your time with. 

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here.
The stay was hosted by The Leta Hotel, which did not review or approve the story.

The Vibe & Shared Spaces 

During our visit, the weather has taken a turn to bleak and stormy but upon entering The Leta lobby we felt nothing but warmth. A cosy yet modern leather couch divides the room in two, leading your eyes to the decorative fireplace. A short, informative interaction with the hotel clerk informed us about the property essentials: restaurant, pool, record store, “and here [she gestured at the lobby] you can get a complimentary welcome drink”. We arrived during the social hour, walking into groups of guests scattered throughout the lobby filling the room with white-nose conversation.

One of the unique features of this property is the tiny record store. It is a small room where you can purchase new records to take home or borrow a stack to play in your room during your stay. Upon request, the attendant hands you a Crosley portable turntable and you’re free to set your own soundtrack to your SoCal stay.

The decor is a well-matched mix of ranch roughness with cottage cosiness, accented by an occasional modern piece. A print there. A neon sign here. Somehow it all comes together and makes sense. Lush greenery fills the outdoor common spaces, creating privacy curtains between rooms and comfortable shade around the pool. Flowers are in full bloom if you visit early in the season, their soft fragrant scents follow you along the walking paths. 

Inside the Suite 

Rooms on the ground floor face the pool courtyard. All of them have a sitting area by the entry. Some rooms have semi-private patios, and quite a few are fully accessible. We stayed in the Classic King with a pool view, shaded by the greenery from the walking path. The rooms are fairly minimal, complete with all the necessary hotel amenities including a range of storage options. Having a closet and a large cabinet is something I personally very much appreciate. 

All rooms are similarly decorated with dark wooden beams adding dimension to the space. The bathroom is separated by a sliding door which matches the natural wood and rope accents well. A dash of bright colour can be spotted in the lighting fixtures sitting next to the bed.

The property is fully non-smoking and dog-friendly.

A nice mix of greenery creates shaded privacy for the room with that added bonus of garden decor. 

Dining & Entertainment 

CAYA Restaurant and Bar is a hot spot for the locals and a must-visit during your stay. Restaurant guests are invited to sit inside or out. The kitchen offerings are focused on local and sustainable ingredients serving up a “fresh take on coastal California cuisine”. The exterior patio spills out into a casual sitting area with loungers set around fire pits.

As a neighborhood hub, The Leta and CAYA host a range of family-friendly activities from live music on the weekends, to corn hole tournaments, and sip-and-shop market popups. On the menu, the diners will find locally sourced shrimp, fresh crisp vegetables, and juicy sliders, among many other approachable selections. The breakfast menu naturally includes egg dishes like the traditional Benedict and smoked salmon sandwiches, to name a few. 

The Leta Bar was unfortunately closed this weekend. Will have to visit it another time.

The Leta Santa Barbara Goleta, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Rooms start at $199 USD per Queen
5650 Calle Real, Goleta, CA 93117, United States
Book directly on hilton.com* or your favourite booking website: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor | Hotels.com

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This year mid-May in the OC wasn’t the warmest. It was too cold to go into the water but perfect for some light exploration and even a bit of tanning. For this trip, I took an extra day off to make it a long weekend. We arrived on Friday and began the day at Crystal Cove State Park. A short tunnel path from the parking lot will lead you to the beach. The centre of the beach is a lovely area with a few shops and restaurants. All colourfully painted on the outside and a fun turquoise beach house by the boardwalk. The geography of the OC Laguna Beach Marine Reserve is mountainous, with beautiful white sands and clear blue water.

Note: If you choose not to rent a car there are various shuttles that you could take advantage of.

This article might contain affiliate links. Read the disclaimer about affiliate links & PR gifting here. 

Making it home for the weekend we checked into the Pacific Edge Hotel on Laguna Beach. It is a fun little hotel with a popular beach restaurant called The Deck, nautical decor, and fairly spacious rooms. The indoor restaurant, Driftwood Kitchen, has a great brunch with an open-air sitting area. At night this space turns into a pretty happening bar where we had a couple of old-fashioned while making small talk with the locals.

The neighbourhood around the hotel is charming, with a lot of restaurants, shops, and a strong beach community vibe. One of the more popular restaurants in the area is The Cliff. This lovely spot is located in a small, somewhat gated area, filled with art galleries, and craft shops. The Cliff has a large seafood menu and a great view of the sunset – its main attraction. The art centre enveloping the restaurant has an outdoor bar, fire pit, and live music in the evenings. This was a visibly popular spot with the locals as well.

For the adventurous types, there are quite a few hiking trails of various complexity. We took on one that was about 5 hours in total. The view of the mountains was stunning, with beautiful vegetation and a few up-and-down surprise curves. Our endpoint was a waterfall but since it was a rather dry spring the cave was dry.

I’m not an avid hiker so for my exploration day I chose Victoria Beach. The entrance into the beach is from a residential neighbourhood, clearly marked as a “No drone zone.”  The beach itself is quite popular. There is a natural pool and a Pirate Tower, both of which are nice spots for photography. This weekend, the pool was also dry but the crashing waves had no mercy on the crowd posing on the rocks in front of the Pirate Tower.

If you keep walking along the coast you’ll walk into the Montage neighborhood. After exploring some rocks we settled for a couple of hours tanning (aka burning) in the sun. Make sure to go up the hill for a glass of wine and some oysters at the Montage Beach Resort. Montage is an upscale hotel with a few great upscale restaurants. We sat on the veranda looking out onto the ocean for a glorious couple of hours. Sadly this last stop was the ending of the weekend but I’m looking forward to going back and seeing more of this scenic coast.

Address: 647 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

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