Californian Hospitality

My first trip of 2020 was to Newport Beach, California! This is my third time visiting the Golden State, and I was thrilled to go back again. I recently got a new job at a national membership association for nurses, and within the first few months of working there, they sent me on my first business expedition. My boss, Larry, and I staffed a regional state leadership workshop. It was a pleasure getting experience in meeting planning and working directly with the hotel staff on putting the workshop together.

Newport Beach is a coastal beach town in between Los Angeles and San Diego. Disneyland Anaheim is a short 30 minute drive away. The airport I flew into was the John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA). Temperatures were in the high 60’s and the sun was shining so it felt warmer.

The hotel where we stayed at and where the meeting was held was the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. I strongly recommend anyone who is looking for a weekend beach getaway to come here. The resort was beautiful and not over the top lavish which I liked. What is important for me to note was that the hotel staff was outstanding! They went above and beyond to take care of us and see that our event was a success. They even anticipated what we would need ahead of time. For example, they offered to assist me with getting meals in the buffet line without me having to ask someone. When I first got to the hotel, I had requested an early check in to my hotel room. It wasn’t ready right away, so for having me wait, they gave me two vouchers for free drinks at their bar! In addition, Larry and I each received a $50 gift certificate to use at their lounge or onsite restaurant. Having connections with the hotel staff came in handy when requesting room accommodations. They provided two step stools with no issues – I had one to use for getting on the bed and another to reach the bathroom sink.

Most of the meals were eaten at the hotel during the workshop, but I did get to squeeze in some good seafood! On the first night, Larry and I had dinner at Bluewater Grill. It was chilly outside, but the restaurant provided blankets for anyone who needed to keep warm. That was a lovely touch!

The leadership workshop went very well. Our attendees gave a lot of positive feedback. One of the things they mostly enjoyed was the hotel food – the menus I chose were a hit! I made sure the menus had a variety of options and accommodated for people with dietary restrictions. After the workshop ended, Larry and I had the evening to ourselves. We drove down the Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) and marveled at the Californian landscape. Then we enjoyed dinner and waterfront views at the Rusty Pelican. Overall a super fun trip!

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is best if everyone follows the guidelines set by CDC and avoid all non-essential travel. Since California was one of the first states to contract the virus, I am not ruling out the possibility that I could be carrying it without showing symptoms. With that being said, I will be ceasing my traveling temporarily so I don’t increase the risk of getting sick and getting others sick. I hope all of you are staying healthy and safe!