This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday, which means you can schedule a getaway for just about any day of the week and still call it a Valentine getaway.  For Valentine's Week 2012, we’re offering an Ultimate “Pamper Your Valentine” Package that includes two nights in one of our Deluxe Patio View rooms along with roses, champagne, chocolate, a togetherness massage, a therapeutic soak, dinner at French 75 restaurant, a double-chocolate cake dessert in your room, and breakfast in bed the next morning. Normally this would all cost you in excess of $1100, but we’ve packaged it for $899.  In other words, your $200 evening out at French 75 is basically on us. And, because of the way the holiday falls, you can book this two-night package for any consecutive-night stay from Friday, February10 to Sunday, February19 (subject to availability). Go to the package page on our website for more details, as well as important limitations and restrictions. Room selection and dinner and spa times are subject to availability, so book early and book directly through our front desk.

That package too over-the-top for you? Reserve your favorite room for any stay during this period by calling our front desk and tell our clerk that you want to add a “Romance Package” of flowers, champagne, chocolate, and/or spa services. Mention this blog, and we’ll give you $10 off any Romance Package (excluding Breakfast in Bed and Ultimate Valentine packages). Again, full descriptions of our Romance Packages can be found on our website’s Package & Specials page (bottom section). This discount applies only to packages to be delivered in conjunction with a stay during the period February10 through February19, 2012. You must order the package and mention the blog at the time you make your reservation and the discount cannot be applied to orders already placed. No refunds will be given. All packages must be ordered at least 72 hours in advance.

Enjoy four days of special restaurant offers, daily events, cooking demonstrations, prix fixe menus and more at the 2012 Laguna Beach A la Carte Food & Wine Experience, March 8 through March 11. Tickets are now available online. Schedule: On Thursday--Opening Night Events; Winemaker & Chef's Dinners at Various Restaurants. On Friday--A Taste of K'ya Bistro at The Rooftop Lounge & Hotel, La Casa del Camino. Saturday; Laguna Beach Uncorked! - An International Wine & Food Fest takes place on the Festival of Arts Grounds, benefitting CHOC Children's Hospital, from 1 to 4pm; also, Sunset & Savor at Surf & Sand Resort's Pool Deck from 6 to 8pm. On Sunday--Gospel & Champagne Brunch at Tivoli Too! - Featuring Yve Evans & Co. Brunch begins 11am; later, Snack, Sip, and Surf at The Deck at Pacific Edge Hotel 2 -5pm; also visit, Garden to Table: A Culinary Experience at Studio at Montage 6 to 9pm;   and, Chef Demonstration and Cooking Class at Nirvana Grille from 11am to 2pm. A detailed breakdown of events and specials, listed by day, can be found on the event page. Book directly with participating restaurants by going to the event page, and early reservations are recommended.

As happens in the hospitality industry, our inn has recently experienced some changes to personnel. Casa Laguna is proud to welcome our first official Assistant Manager, Lisa Evans.  Lisa’s prior experience is with the Radisson brand, and she will have manifold duties throughout the property, with special concentration on customer relations. Lisa will be responsible for administration of Casa Laguna’s daily operations when General Manager Kathryn Mace is absent from the property.

We also want to welcome Cole Van Hoogenstyn as the newest member of our front desk staff. Cole’s prior experience is with the St. Regis brand, and he came to us upon the departure of front desk co-supervisor, Nick Galantine, who has taken a position with a marketing firm. Nick was a hardworking employee who received many compliments from our guests. He will be missed. Returning guests will be pleased to know that they will still be greeted by the familiar face of our other front desk supervisor, Marchyndia Taylor, who will provide them with her usual dedicated guest-first service; along with the always pleasant and welcoming Trevor Elledge.

We are also delighted to have an accomplished new chef as part of our culinary team. Michell Bretall has come aboard as Chef Allan’s Sous Chef. Michell received her culinary training at the Laguna Beach School of Culinary Design, and is also a chef-partner in The Basement Table, a company that specializes in “underground supper clubs,” recently featured in a Laguna Beach Independent article. Mike Pilpuf is also a relatively new addition to our culinary team and will be backing up Chefs Allan & Michell. We are sad to say goodbye to our lead server, Marissa Koellisch, who is leaving us to follow her dreams in Texas. Thankfully, we still have Chanel McCord, who joined us a few months ago as a breakfast hostess/server, and who always gets praise from our guests for her superb service.

We are proud of all our dedicated hard-working staff, and we have confidence that each one will strive to provide our guests with the best possible service and attentiveness.