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San Diego Staycation with Embassy Suites by Hilton™

June 23, 2016

IMG_1292 The boys, soaking up their very first ocean view.

As much as we need structure, consistency and a schedule to operate at our very best as a family: all four of us get anxious for adventure. We are a family on the move. We like to visit new places, experience new things and break the monotony of our everyday lives. Which is why we are strong advocates of the staycation getaway! Rather than plan a big family vacation this summer, we have decided on a handful of local staycation adventures. There are so many reasons why staycations work for our family right now!

More Affordable: Forgoing the cost of airfare, baggage fees, car rental and all other expenses that come along with traveling long distances.

Little Prep: I dread packing! It’s THE worst! When we go on a staycation, I love being able to throw a bag together last minute with just the things we’ll need for the next few days.

Minimal Travel: Traveling with young children is never a ton of fun in our family. So keeping our travel time to a minimum is always a safe bet for a happier experience.

Relax and Recharge: Staycations have given our family just the right amount of time to get away from the obligations and responsibility of real life and recharge our batteries. We each make an added effort to be fully present for one another and soak in all the memories we are making with the people we love most.

Sometimes getting away from real life helps remind us what matters most. We recently had the opportunity to relax and recharge at the Embassy Suites by Hilton™ at San Diego Bay Downtown. We had an absolute blast! Guys: every single room at this hotel is a 2-room suite! I can’t tell you how amazing this was for Ben and me to truly get the most out of our getaway. So often it can feel like our trips are only about the kids–but having our own space during our stay gave us the opportunity to relax too! We had our own master suite and the kids had their own space (and their own TV) in the living room. The hotel room was bigger than our first apartment together when we got married, lol. IMG_1526 Our suite also had a microwave, a mini-fridge and a wet bar area
! So we were sure to pack some food and drinks for our picky eaters because there was a place to store and prepare them–so convenient! IMG_1299 First thing on our agenda when we arrived: the pool! We don’t have a pool at home and the boys always look forward to swimming their hearts out when we stay at a hotel. I headed to the hotel gift shop and picked up some shark shaped goggles and they spent the afternoon swimming and laughing. IMG_1336 IMG_1307 And picking wedgies! IMG_1528 After swim time, we came back up to the room and the boys took a hot bubble bath in the most massive tub I’ve ever seen! We got dressed in our cozy sweats and went exploring outside the hotel. The Embassy Suites at San Diego Bay is located right in the heart of downtown San Diego–across the street from the ocean and walking distance to tons of shops and restaurants. IMG_1367 After exploration and a pizza dinner, we headed back to the hotel. There was actually a Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin Donuts inside the hotel, so obviously the kids had donuts for dessert! The hotel offers complimentary drinks and snacks in their reception area every evening to help families relax, unwind and connect. FullSizeRender-1IMG_1439 The view from our room at dusk was absolutely breathtaking! IMG_1382 The next morning we woke up early to prepare for a day of adventure at LEGOLAND. We headed down to the reception area to fill our bellies with a warm breakfast. Eggs, potatoes, fruit, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, sausage, bacon: you name it, they had it. And it was free! Every morning, complimentary made-to-order breakfast! It was such a relief as a Mom to not need to plan breakfasts every morning – not to mention the money we saved! IMG_1409IMG_1426

LEGOLAND was only a short drive from our hotel so we decided to make a day of it since the boys are obsessed with all things Lego. We had an amazing time! IMG_1652IMG_1591IMG_1658 At the end of an exhausting day it felt so good to come back to our relaxing suite. This time we bring our snacks and drinks up to the room and watched the sun set from our balcony and window. We took a moment to remind the boys about how blessed they are, and about the importance of giving thanks for the little and big opportunities and experiences we are given in this life (and on this staycation). Then we snuggled into bed and drifted off to sleep. FullSizeRender IMG_1437 IMG_1434The next morning the kiddos slept in while Ben headed downstairs to fill up trays with breakfast and bring them back to room for a fun last morning of breakfast-in-bed. The boys thought that was pretty cool! IMG_1493 Wes with leftover green face paint from the day before. IMG_1469 IMG_1465 IMG_1485 Our last day in San Diego happened to be Memorial Day, which was extra special because our room had a view of the infamous USS Midway, which was all decorated in honor of those who have defended our freedom. IMG_1524 So often our vacations end up more stress than the trip is worth. But our staycation at Embassy Suites was an absolute pleasure. I felt like so many of our needs as a family were anticipated and met by the hotel’s accommodations. Any trip that allows me to take a break from some of my responsibilities is my kind of vacation! I am so grateful that Embassy Suites by Hilton™ selected our family for this experience–and you bet will be back for another visit soon!

Click here for special offers from Embassy Suites.

Tell us why you’d love a mini-getaway and you could win a $100 Visa gift card!    

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. 

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. 

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 6/23/2015– 07/23/15

Be sure to visit the Embassy Suites by Hilton™ home page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts! 

TAGS:Giveawaytravelvacation
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Ashley Stock

I'm Ashley. Sometimes I craft, occasionally I cook, everyday I write, and I'm always Momma. This is my blog. I keep it real while still seeing the rainbows and butterflies in all of life's lessons.

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  • Mindy
    June 24, 2016

    We are from Chicago so a stay cation would be fabulous! I actually just returned from SD and loved reliving it through your recap!

    Reply
  • Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian
    June 24, 2016

    The boys are getting so big! They are going to be lady killers for sure with those dimples!

    We recently took our two little ones to a hotel for the night and I hope that I can always appreciate how cool room service is as much as my kids do.

    Reply
  • Katy Taylor
    June 25, 2016

    What an AWESOME getaway! I would LOVE a mini-getaway because, like you, we have 4 kids and most of our trips are all about them PLUS the packing and planning it takes to pull off 6 people leaving for several days! A mini-getaway would still allow us the “feeling” of a vacation but without all the hassle! BTW…your boys are ADORABLE!!!

    Reply
  • Rachel Luhrsen
    June 25, 2016

    You have described our dream vacation! We have four young LEGO obsessed kiddos, one of whom is also obsessed with panda bears. A family trip to San Diego is in our future and a hotel suite that will accommodate our family of six is exactly what we need. Embassy Suites it will be. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m sold. 🙂

    Reply
  • Mami2jcn
    June 25, 2016

    I’d love a mini vacation because I have a 9 month old baby and haven’t taken her anywhere fun yet!

    Reply
  • Mami2jcn
    June 25, 2016

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/746457329869152256

    Reply
  • Jessie C.
    June 25, 2016

    I would love a mini-getaway so my family could spend quality time together and not feeling overwhelming.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  • Jessie C.
    June 25, 2016

    tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/746468504895795200

    Reply
  • Natalie
    June 25, 2016

    I would LOVE a mini vacation because work has been stressful and I have only used one PTO day so far this year. I would love to get away with my family.

    Reply
  • Natalie
    June 25, 2016

    tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/746480059179991041

    Reply
  • Kelly D
    June 25, 2016

    I would love a mini-getaway because we’ve had to cancel a lot of our plans lately and I know the kids would be happy to go on an adventure.

    Reply
  • Kelly D
    June 25, 2016

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/746522164392656896

    Reply
  • Elena
    June 25, 2016

    I would love a mini getaway because we have been working hard and need a vacation

    Reply
  • Elena
    June 25, 2016

    https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/746522924153077760

    Reply
  • Julie Wood
    June 25, 2016

    I would love a mini getaway to get away from all the day to day pressures with having to take care of others. I need a break to recharge and get my strength back!!

    Reply
  • Julie Wood
    June 25, 2016

    tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/746684060429221888

    Reply
  • Melanie Platt
    June 26, 2016

    We could definitely use a mini getaway. My husband is in the military and is gone A LOT! Military orders are funny and after being on orders for four years, he is required to take a 31 day leave UNPAID, before working another four years on orders. So yay, my husband has a month off, but booo to no pay. We have tons of time for a getaway but not a lot of mulah to finance said giveaway. I would love to take our little ones on an adventure and have some quality time with my husband as well! Looks like you guys had so much fun. We live in Utah and I would love to be close to San Diego for little getaways!

    Reply
  • Bianca @ Sweet Dreaming
    June 27, 2016

    i’m in my last year of med school–and i could DEFINITELY use a little vacation! i don’t even care where it is, as long as i get little R&R 🙂 so a stay cation would be perfect!

    Reply
  • Michelle
    June 27, 2016

    Your boys are too cute! What a lovely vacation!

    https://thedogtribe.com/2016/06/27/finding-the-perfect-engagement-ring/

    Reply
  • Rebecca TertMeer
    June 28, 2016

    I would love a mini vacation because I am a first grade teacher and as much as I love giving my al to those first graders I would love some extra time to spend with my own two children.

    Reply
  • Carla
    June 29, 2016

    A mini vacation would be just what our family needs. It is so great to just escape from the responsibility of cooking, laundry, etc. for a couple days. Your trip looked so special and lovely. Thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  • Meredith
    July 1, 2016

    A little vacation would be so relaxing for my family and I. Our two daughters are 2 and 4, so they keep us busy constantly! Getting away for just a couple of days would be the perfect thing!

    Reply
  • Maria
    July 2, 2016

    I remember staying at Embassy when I took a trip as a teenager with my parents to Disneyland and Magic Mountain. So much space and I’d love a chance to return to one with my boys. They are hotel junkies.

    Reply
  • Kristen
    July 5, 2016

    I would love a staycation for my husband and almost 2 year old. My husband works so hard for us and the extra family time that we could have together would be amazing! Less time traveling and more time vacationing sounds wonderful! Thank you for opportunity!!

    Reply
  • Kristen Logan
    July 7, 2016

    My girls would love this! A hotel with a pool & yummy breakfast that is close to the ocean? Bonus! I think the two room suite would be great for us as well – alone time with my hubby is pretty much non existent on vacations!!!

    Reply
  • Tina W
    July 7, 2016

    I’ve been caring for my 87 year old father for the last 14 months after he had a leg amputation. I love him, but it is basically like having a tempermental toddler in the house. He’s due to go home soon, and we’ve been talking about doing a weekend at the beach, either in Santa Barbara or San Diego.

    Reply
  • Tina W
    July 7, 2016

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/tinawoo21/status/750926107679944704

    Reply
  • amanda whitley
    July 24, 2016

    i would love to have a mini vacation because i am under so much stress and it would be nice to relax.

    Reply
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    I’d love a mini getaway with my family. It would really be great to spend time with my kids and husband and not having to rush around anywhere.

    Reply
  • Margaret Smith
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    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/787427828979687424
    Thanks so much.

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    I”d love a mini vacay because I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and haven’t been able to have any relax time!

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    tweeted https://twitter.com/stephcouponsxx/status/793230667605741568

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