This has been discussed a few times in the Los Angeles thread, but just thought I'd take a few minutes to write about our trip to Oxnard, CA.
This small town is on the map, in my opinion, mainly because of the local Herzog Winery and its great restaurant, Tierra Sur. Going to LA is hardly a vacation in my book, due to the noise, traffic, commotion, and "LA nonsense." The opportunity for some relaxation with wife and kids, and access to great kosher dining, seemed like a worthwhile combination.
We stayed the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach, booked using HHonors Points. We got a suite overlooking the beach on the ground floor. When you exit the living room, you have a small patio and grassy area, and you are 30 feet away from the beach! This was very nice.
Hotel is older but this bank of rooms was renovated. They have a series of presidential suites that are 1600 sq ft or so. When I called in before arriving, I was told by an agent there that as a HHonors Gold member, I would be able to upgrade to these suites based on availability. I should have gotten this in writing! When I got there, they double checked with management and said that they don't do that. Anyway, not wanting to make a stink over something I couldn't prove, I just took the regular beachfront room and got on with it. They waived the self parking fee (!!) with HH Gold. We asked the check in guy about local activities, and he advised us to check the rack of fliers and advertisements. His manager heard this and reprimanded him, then walked us over to the rack of fliers and gave us his personal overview of activities in the area.
The room itself was clean and modern, but nothing overwhelmingly special. This was fine for this family trip. The grounds are very nice, the beach is pretty, and you can't beat sitting on the beach or patio and watching the sunset with a glass of Champagne (that I brought). Hotel service is adequate but not great, which is expected for the brand. One humorous incident was sending a skinny girl to take our luggage to the car. She then told me that she couldn't lift my suitcase as it was too heavy for her. Thanks a lot!
As far as activities go, there is not much to do in Oxnard at all, as it's a farming and harbor freight terminal town. We did rent a boat and putter around the non commercial harbor, which was a pleasant activity. We rented the boat from Hopper Boat Rentals (805) 382-1100 and the lady there was very patient with our kids. There is also a Childrens Museum which isn't that exciting if you are above age 3.
We ate at a local Coffee Bean which is adjacent to a beautiful development of shops and condos along an extended waterfront park. This is called Seabridge and was great for breakfast. There is another Coffee Bean by the 101 fwy that has freshly made oatmeal and parfait.
The Tierra Sur restaurant was pretty good. It's certainly fine dining but we went late for lunch and early for dinner as not to bother anyone else with our kids, even though they behaved just fine and there were a good amount of other families there. The food is good; make sure to get a side order of lamb bacon. The best things we had there were the Chicken Sandwich with Lamb Bacon (lunch), Caesar Salad (lunch and dinner), Grilled Ribeye (although way too much gristle), and Lamb Chorizo Pizzetta (dinner). Desserts aren't that exciting; even the server hard a hard time being enthusiastic. As far as wine goes, stick with the selections that are not typically available; older bottles and winery only brands. Great selection of artisanal chocolates in the gift shop!
Hope this review helps in your vacation planning! Let me know if I left anything our or if there are questions
