Briggsies Blog

Breakfast, poolside, before wine tasting

Breakfast, poolside, before wine tasting, originally uploaded by briggsiesblog.

A hearty breakfast required before a day of wine tasting!

Montecito Inn balcony view

Montecito Inn balcony view, originally uploaded by briggsiesblog.

Front rooms at the hotle open onto a balcony walkway with a breathtaking view

The Montecito Inn

The Montecito Inn, originally uploaded by briggsiesblog.

Built in 1928 by cinema legend Charlie Chaplin, the Inn was originally meant as an escape to paradise for Mr. Chaplin's closest friends.
Today, its a charming hotel that has retained the elegance of a bygone era. It still boasts its original Otis lift built in 1928 and has fan based ceilings for air conditioning.

The decision to keep the fans rather than put in noisy a/c is a rare treat in modern America. It does mean the rooms are a little on the toasty side in summer but during the evening when it is cooler they are are very sufficient. I am not a great sleeper in the heat but was able to sleep very well in the extremely comfortable beds.

There are a couple of fantastic Mexican resturants literally over the road from the Inn and staggering distance back! If you are here go to Cave and Los Arroyos. We had lunch at Cave when we arrived from Santa Monica--superb Mango Margaritas and authentic steak tacos with soft corn tacos and had dinner at Los Arroyos on our last evening.

Neighbours in Montecito include Oprah Winfrey and Steven Speilberg both seemed out when we called round.

I'm still only in Montecito

LA Holiday 052
Originally uploaded by briggsiesblog

Waiting for a mission. Getting softer.

Santa Monica Beach

itec 064
Originally uploaded by briggsiesblog

The 100 year old pier at Santa Monica--strangely its a bit bit of Brighton mixed with a bit of Great Yarmouth--mercifully no Jim "prick prick" Davidson though.

The Breakfast of Champions

The Breakfast of Champions, originally uploaded by briggsiesblog.

Nicky's 30th Birthday breakfast at "Swingers" diner, corner of Lincon and broadway. Awesome!

Flickr

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