Terranea Resort

[dentam]

Anyone know anything about this resort. I understand that it just opened and I am going there in sept.

[clmonaco]

Just returned from the Terranea Resort and Spa in Palos Verdes, CA. I won a 4 night package from Luxury Link which included breakfast for 2 each day, a $200 credit to be applied toward spa services or golf course, valet parking and resort fees/taxes. The resort and surrounding bungalows are located on a penisula, at the end of a very long road (approx. 12 miles w/ many stoplights) from the main highway. Here are the

PROS:

1.) Nice room facing the ocean with great showerhead in shower.

2.) Lovely walking trails throughout the resort.

3.) Beautiful lobby and spa. Personnel at both the front desk and spa were very professional.

4.) Nice adult pool to get away from screaming kids.

5.) Good breakfast buffet with large assortment of fruits, hot entrees and breads.

6.) Spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Incredible sunsets every night.

CONS:

1.) If you want to go to Los Angeles or Orange County, it's a long, slow drive to get there.

2.) Although my package included valet parking, it's $30.00 per day for others.

3.) My package included breakfast for 2, but others must pay $24.00 per person for the buffet ($10.00 per child). If you only want yogurt and cereal, it's $12.00 per serving. The breakfast buffet is a better deal as opposed to a la carte items.

4.) Since it's a new resort, some of the workers are not trained properly. Housekeeping forgot to clean our room one day, so when I returned from a long day of sightseeing at 7:00 pm and noticed no one had come to clean the room, staff had to be dispatched. Housekeeping quick to respond but I didn't get back into the room until 8:15 pm.

5.) One of the hostesses at the Catalina Kitchen was eating something while showing me to my table. Although she was trying to be discreet I could see she had something in her mouth and was trying to swallow it before she sat me down.

6.) Landscaping is new, but lots of weeds throughout.

7.) Spa services are very expensive. My 1 hour facial was $165.00 plus a recommended 20% tip. I could have selected a hour massage at the same price.

SUMMARY:

The new Terrranea Resort is a beautiful, isolated eco-friendly resort located less than 20 miles from Los Angeles, yet because of where it's located can take as much as 45 minutes to get anywhere. The rooms and property are beautiful but after 2-3 nights, my family and I were ready to leave. Although Terranea was offering 50% discounts to attract people (another guest even heard $99.00/night), I'm not sure that's a great deal once you factor in parking, resort fees ($25.00 per day) and taxes, food, etc. I'm aware that all 5 star hotels do charge astronomical prices, but most have the reputation to support it. I'm not sure Terranea is there yet but perhaps with strong training and more time, it will achieve that rating. Definitely only 3.5- 4.0 rating.

[omegaet]

clmonaco....great write up. Now the question is would you consider a return visit?

[clmonaco]

Although it's a beautiful resort, I wouldn't plan on returning anytime soon. Perhaps in 2-3 years when the staff has been properly trained. Terranena does need a more seasoned staff as most workers are 20-30 years old. Also the landscaping should be more mature, not small buds or bushes when I was there. Terranea does has the potential to be a renowned spa destination as the services and setting are spectacular. The spa services are definitely on the high side, but perhaps par for a luxury resort.

[CMDAVILACLI]

Thanks, clmonaco, for the excellent write up. I've been looking at the LL deals for Terranea and have wondered about this place. I know EXACTLY what you mean about getting off the PV penisula... it can take forever.

How was the beach there?
cmdavilacli

[clmonaco]

There is a paved path that leads you down to a very rocky beach area where one can launch a kayak or small watercraft. If you want to sunbathe, there is an area on the way down to the beach with sand, lounge chairs and umbrellas to use. This area is approximately 50-75 feet from the ocean. I didn't see any guests playing or swimming in the ocean since there are too many rocks before one can jump into the water. Definitely not an area where you can remove your flip flops or sandals and take a nice stroll on the water, with small waves breaking at your feet as with other beaches. I don't believe the Terranea Resort was ever marketed as such.

[CMDAVILACLI]

Hi Clmonaco,
I was guessing as much in regards to the lack of "real" beach, as you are right... they haven't really marketed it as such. For me, it's tough to go to the ocean and not go to the beach!
Again, thanks for the comments.
cmdavilacli