Anniversary - April 13 to 21, 2006

The hotel is set on 650 acres, high in the hills of Industry. Only a 5-minute drive from CA 60, the hotel is easy to get to from downtown LA and LAX, although to get there will take about one hour because of traffic. This can be a big negative. Driving up the Azusa Avenue exit, the hotel can be seen on the left side. Self parking is free, but valet parking is $5 per day or $10 overnight.I was impressed first by the lobby, then by the size of our room, and finally by the view from the balcony. Upon entering the resort, the first thing you notice is how massive the two-floor lobby is. I was overwhelmed by the professional look of the place; all associates were wearing black suits (most employees were Asian, given the slight oriental motif of the hotel, in added authenticity).Our room was on the 7th floor, and as we scaled up the building in the dark, quiet, wood grain box, I felt excited. A vase of white orchids greeted us upon exiting the elevator, filling the hall with a most delicious sent of calm.Upon entering the room I was quite pleased. Our room was larger than any other non-suite hotel room we had ever been in. The furniture was contemporary, but not too much to feel weird. Behind the king size bed was a large headboard. It was covered with three sleeping pillows and two large decorative pillows. It also had a light green comforter which connected the bed to the artwork on the walls. The bed was incredibly soft and so comfortable and clean.The nice decor continued with a deep blue chair and matching ottoman, round and square lamps, and a curved desk situated next to the television near the corner of the room.I ventured to the window opening the white paneled balcony doors and stepped outside. I was flabbergasted by the amazing view. Directly in front was one of the golf courses which was under construction. On either side were the valley and mountains. In the middle of the night, it was gorgeous.Now, about the construction, our room was right above it. I had been up since 7am writing this review. At 8 am, the drilling and jack hammering started. So I recommend that you request a room either higher up or on the opposite side of the hotel.

The outdoor pool and hot tub are heated. The view of the valley from them is amazing. And the pool area is covered in flowers and next to a waterfall pond.A note for the women, the bathroom amenities were from Aveda, so that was a huge plus.The refrigerator was loaded with soda, beer, and wine, however, they cost money so don't take anything out unless you are prepared to pay for it. The fridge was totally computerized.And if you need it, USA Today was in front of our rooms every weekday morning.

This restaurant was highly rated and came recommended from many who have been there. I was determined to try the food since I am Cuban and wanted to test the restaurant and see if it's reputation held up.We went on a weekday night and there was no wait for a table, although restaurant was jam packed. The large room was loud from conversation and is not a place for a romantic evening out. There is very little in the way of decorations. The service was incredibly fast. We had our food barely 7 minutes after sitting down. The restaurant offers free refills on fountain drinks.My husband ordered the Lechon Asado (Roast Pork) and I ordered the Famoso Pollo Versailles (Garlic Chicken). Gary enjoyed his meal. However, I was not impressed with mine. My order consisted of 1/2 chicken with maduros (sweet plantains), and rice and beans. I found the chicken itself to be overcooked and hard in some sections. The garlic sauce was poured over the chicken, not marinated, and left much to be desired; it was less garlicy than lemony. The rice was dry and flavorless. The servings were large and for the price, I think it's a good deal all around. Yet, I must say that I have had much better Cuban chicken. If this garlic chicken is their signature dish, then I hate to know what the rest of their menu tastes like. I think you will be able to find better Cuban food elsewhere. It was not horrible, but not great—average at best.There are four other locations around the city, including one express version at Universal Studios City Walk.

We had a terrific experience at this restaurant. Not only was the service staff fast and courteous, the food was great and a good value.The Cafe is located in the historic district of Old Town in San Diego. The street it is on houses many other fine restaurants, stores, and museums. Two blocks away is the Old Town historic state park where you can visit centuries old buildings and purchase authentic Mexican products. It is very close to interstate 5, the main highway in California, which runs from San Diego to Sacramento.We went to this restaurant on Tuesday evening, after a long day at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park in escondido. The wait was about 20 minutes, but the time went by quickly as we sat outside watching people go by. When we were finally seated, we found a bustling place inside.Inside to the left or right of the restaurant there were women making the tortillas by hand on a huge and very hot griddle.Our friendly waiter brought us our drinks rather quickly. As we waited for our food, we could hear mariachis near another table singing La Bamba and La Cucaracha.I had one chicken verde enchilada, one beef taco, and one pork taco. The enchilada was amazingly delicious. The sauce was perfectly blended and went well with the chicken inside. The tacos were filled with so much meat that I couldn't finish them both. And all this for about $12—totally worth the cost.And because of this, the Old Town Mexican Cafe is a wildly popular place. So get there early to beat the rush.

After finding this quaint place off of the pacific coast highway, we were very happy to have come upon it.

The restaurant's unassuming exterior has no influence on the delicious food serviced inside. It was built inside an old fire station.

We arrived for a late breakfast and we sat in the tree covered courtyard where we were entertained by the singing of the birds nearby.

The restaurant serves many health conscious, California style items, but all have Mexican style meals as well. I had the Huevos Rancheros - 2 eggs served on tortillas with potatoes, pico de gallo and salsa verde. And it was delicious! This sat next to wheat pancakes and vegetable laden egg-whites on the menu (for what seems to be a lot of body builders). But you know I like all the fat I can get. :)

The meal, with tax and tip, cost about $20, including my husbands breakfast and both of our drinks. Our waitress was not only friendly but speedy.

In the evening, the Firehouse has another dining room that serves Japanese food where you can get sushi and sashimi. Also, from 5 to 7, there is happy hour.

We parked across the street at a parking meter for only 50 cents. Or the restaurant will validate for the lot across the street. And guess what, the beach is only a few blocks away. I suggest leaving the car and spending some time in Venice. The amazing homes and nearby shopping of Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

After driving 4 hours from Los Angeles, you'd think we would have made a better choice for lunch. This buffet was the worst one that we have visited so far in Vegas. The rest of this review is coming soon...

We ate here on a previous visit to Disney and the food was very good so we decided to try it again. The rest of this review is coming soon...

This is an old staple that both Gary and I have visited in the past separately, and together. The rest of this review is coming very soon...

One of the few places in California where you can get true southern dishes for really terrific prices. Adding that it's a part of Knott's Berry Farm Amusement park makes this a great choice for breakfast or dinner.

The friendly waitresses (who wear old fashioned blue, pink and green puffy sleeved dresses with white aprons) lead you from the lobby to one of the large dining rooms. The rooms are old and have crooked floors, but have a terrific cozy feeling. One of the dining rooms has a cascading waterfall feature.

One of the best treats the restaurant offers are their biscuits and gravy. I truly can eat this and this only and be very very happy. The white gravy served with freshly baked light-as-a-feather biscuits is the most comforting thing to eat.

Eating at Knott's Chicken restaurant is like going doing to the south and eating at an old grandmother's table. Large plates loaded with their famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes and endless refillable drinks, this place will definitely fill your stomach.

If you plan on tying the restaurant, I strongly suggest going during breakfast during the week. On weekends you can wait for over an hour, yet work day waits are no more than 10 minutes. And don't even think of going for dinner - when the amusement park get close to closing, the restaurant fills with starving park goers and the line gets impossible long.

Parking is free for up to 3 hours so definitely try this place. Its wonderful atmosphere and delicious, great prices, and large servings of food will keep you coming back year after year.

Breakfast is served from 7 to 11 a.m. Lunch and Dinner is served after 11 a.m.

We went here on a very rainy day and it was packed. After driving an hour to get here and paying $6 for parking we finally made it. The rest of this review is coming very soon...

After driving several hours to get here without directions, and conveniently finding out that this park is not in San Diego, we finally made it—and what an experience. The rest of this review is coming soon.

Oh my lord, what a visit. The crowds and obnoxious people at this park during spring break were a disaster. The rest of this review is coming soon.

Too many crowds, too many nasty little bratty children, too many Disney people trying to take our picture—it added up to a disappointing time. The rest of this review coming soon...

Universal has always been a preference to Disney in my eyes. The faster moving lines, the front of line passes and the single rider lines make for a much happier visitor. The full review is coming soon...