Planning a family reunion can be tedious. Not only do you have to plan far enough ahead so family members can get it on their schedules, but typically there are several ages with different interests to consider. You have gone the cruise route and are now looking for a different atmosphere for family fun. How about considering a reunion in Paso Robles, California? Paso Robles’s luxury hotels have found plenty of ways to keep all family members engaged and happy.
These three hotels sponsored me, but all opinions are my own. Without that sponsorship, I would not have an understanding of them and be able to help you plan your next reunion.
1. Paso Robles Inn
Sitting on the site of the original inn established in 1889, today, the Paso Robles Inn with its 98 guestrooms continues to embrace visitors from all over the world. If you have always wanted a room with your own spa tub, here’s your chance. Plus, it is on your private patio. If you wish to have adjoining rooms, that can easily be arranged too.
The Inn Is Steps Away From The Town Square
Anchoring one corner of the Town Square is the Paso Robles History Museum housed in the historic Carnegie Library, built in 1908. The perfect stop for history buffs to learn more about the area.
If part of the family likes shopping, there are more than enough boutiques to keep them busy for hours. People who enjoy art and meeting artists will undoubtedly want to stop at Studios on the Park.
The Inn Grounds Offer Plenty Of Places To Stretch Out
Frankly, one of my favorite things to do is to grab a chair and sit under the giant oak trees. The largest one, with its umbrella of branches and leaves, has provided the perfect setting for many weddings. It is the ideal place to be in the middle of town and experience a quiet place to catch up on family discussions.
If anyone is ready to go out exploring, they will enjoy wandering through the rose garden, complete with a bridge spanning over the pond with friendly koi. A little further down the path, it is a delight to run into the chef’s garden and see the herbs he’s growing to enhance your meals.
Cocktails And Dining At The Paso Inn
Even the name Cattlemen’s Lounge conjures up a name that makes you realize this just might be a special place. Newly remodeled, this upstairs lounge is still where cattlemen meet at the end of their long days. One can picture a group of cowboys, dusty from being out on the range, coming in to relax with a beer and learn the latest news from the trail. Now you can meet with family members of your choosing for a conversation over a craft cocktail.
The Steakhouse at the Paso Robles Inn is steps away from your room, still on the grounds. The food is superb, with an extensive menu, though as the name suggests, they are known for their steak dinners. With your reservations made, a long table to hold all your family members in the garden is reserved for you to have a rollicking good time with your entire family. Let there be plenty of laughter and special memories made for all generations.
Pro Tip: Everything is on one floor at the inn, except for the Cattlemen’s Lounge, which can be accessed by an elevator.
2. Allegretto Vineyard Resort
After a long drive from Palm Springs, I admit I broke into a huge smile as I turned off the highway and before me was the magnificent Allegretto Vineyard Resort entrance and a building reminiscent of a European castle. The Allegretto is steps away from Highway 40.
Gracious Welcome To The Resort
The adventure began the minute I walked into the lobby with its stunning winding staircase leading to the second floor. Looking up, I saw a giant chandelier, artfully designed with LED lights changing colors. Cool, refreshing lemon water is waiting for you. You will find check-in is a breeze with competent staff and more than willing to answer the most mundane questions with a smile.
The Ample Room Choices
With 171 rooms and suites, meeting your family’s requirements can easily be accommodated in this spacious resort. My room was lovely on the ground floor, with décor one would expect in a grand European hotel. An exquisite bedspread, complete with monogrammed Allegretto hotel pillow, was proudly sitting among the pillows on the bed adorned with luxurious linens. Beautiful heavy drapery covered the sliding glass doors out to my patio.
The refrigerator is sure to come in handy if you have any treats that survive better in refrigeration. There will be no stumbling over each other in the well-appointed bathroom with a fabulous shower.
An Abundance Of Activities Are Available
One of the things one quickly notices is the abundance of eclectic art. What the owner had in mind when he started designing the resort was that he wanted it to be a showcase for the art he collected through his travels. Thus, in one area, you may see a giant Buddha and in one of the lounge areas is a slice of a giant tree that once stood proudly in our forest until a lumber company helped with its demise. This slice was taken from the stump left behind. Approximately 10 feet in width, I couldn’t help but run my hand across it, trying to absorb the things the tree has experienced in its lifetime.
The family can spread out here. There is a labyrinth to walk accompanied by soft music, a zodiac path with artwork, and a sitting area to meditate. Challenge your grandchildren with cornhole or table tennis games. Then, take a dip in the pool and reserve one of their cabanas to lounge as long as you desire.
Where To Dine And Taste Some Wine
At the Cello Ristorante & Bar, the food is superb, and no matter what you order, you will find their incredible chef can accommodate any special request. Wine tasting from the Allegretto Vineyards takes place in their lounge area with sofas, making it easy to strike up conversations with other guests.
Pro Tip: Valet parking is available. However, there is a great deal of parking that is free. I preferred the free parking because I was much nearer to my room.
3. The Geneseo Inn
As I drove to The Geneseo Inn, the twists and turns to it only piqued my curiosity more about this adventure. I turned into the Cass Winery and was directed to wind my way through the vineyard. Suddenly before me was a Lego-type contemporary building where the sign said to park. I walked up the industrial-like area and into the registration building. There, I was met by the energetic manager, who proved to be not only creative, but had a wealth of information about this unique luxury Inn.
The Inn Is Created Out Of Industrial Shipping Containers
The owners hired an architect who created a concept that makes each of the seven rooms and one suite feel like you are in a luxury hotel. Each one is split in half, and a tall section is inserted with a skylight. One side of the room has an expansive window that provides you with a beautiful view overlooking the vineyard. Thus, you walk in, and it doesn’t occur to you that you are entering a long and narrow space.
There Are Many Activities To Participate In
Yes, you are in the middle of a vineyard, and your hosts have come up with numerous ways to keep the whole family occupied. If you have wanted to take the family on a trail ride, here’s your chance. Of course, you can do wine tasting at the main building for Cass Winery, which is just a short walk down the hill from your room. Perhaps you would like to educate members of the family about bees and their importance to our environment? Sign up for one of their classes. Away from city lights, an evening around the firepit is the perfect time to have some sing-alongs or share those fun childhood memories with your children.
Meals At Geneseo Inn Are Superb
A pleasant surprise and a way to pamper your family is having your gourmet breakfast delivered to your room. Let’s just say a breakfast with a beaker of pomegranate juice and crab eggs benedict is far from your typical fare. At the inn, you place your order the night before and choose one of the two available times. Oh, there is also freshly pressed coffee.
For lunch, wander down to the Cass Winery restaurant at the Cass Winery. Go early, walk the grounds, and be sure to read the cute signs accompanying the garden and the sign above the chickens’ home. As much as possible, the food is grown on the estate.
Pro Tip: Geneseo Inn is about 20 minutes from downtown Paso Robles. They will be happy to help make your dinner reservations. One of my favorite restaurants downtown is The Hatch.
The inn is about 15 minutes from Scensorio, an attraction one should not miss if you are in the area. Go online ahead of your visit to get tickets. Check sunset time, for you will want to get there before the sun sets so you can watch the hills come alive with LED lights.
Now, here’s the question. Which of these three environments best fits your family members’ personalities? Honestly, that’s the only choice you will have to make. You can leave the other planning at all the resorts to the concierge, who will likely have even more suggestions for activities for your family members.
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