BonvoyTraveler

            After leaving Santa Cruz I drove down to Ventura and checked into the Ventura Beach Marriott just before sunset.  There is ample street or onsite parking at the property located right by the beach and park.  Friendly staff checked me in and I dropped the bags in the nicely renovated room with pool view before heading right out on a great walk along the beach trail, though not on the beach as dogs were not allowed, and onto the pier.  Once back at the hotel I checked out the great M Club Lounge with good dinner appetizers in a large lounge space just off the main lobby which itself was modern and split level making it open and airy with a nice outdoor seating area.      The room was standard sized, very modern and standard renovations, with a nice view over the pool.  The gym was large and well equipped just off the pool.  Bicycles were onsite as well.      After a go...

         After leaving the Westin Versa Napa I drove over the Golden Gate Bridge and into San Francisco, stopping at the waterfront and Fisherman's Wharf for a long walk.  After I drove on down to Santa Cruz and the Hotel Paradox.  The hotel is a stylish renovated motel style property with all room doors opening onto hallways and walkways.         I was greeted by very friendly front desk staff, though no room upgrade was on offer.  There is cheap valet parking at $18 or self-parking for $15.  A very dog friendly property, the quoted $75 dog fee was lowered to $50.  There were doggy poo bags at all of the property exits as well.       As a Titanium amenity I was given a breakfast voucher and a $10 food and beverage credit, but they just let me take whatever  I wanted from the pantry.       There is a nice outdoor pool on the back si...