About Me:

Aloha! I'm Wendy Kennar. I'm the mother of a seven-year-old son and a wife living in Los Angeles. I was a public school teacher for twelve years until a chronic medical condition made it necessary to leave my teaching career.

I've always been described as "quiet" - really, I'm just biting my tongue. I've got lots to say, and lots of thoughts to share, I just prefer to write them. That's the purpose of this blog. Each Wednesday, I post a personal essay offering my observations and thoughts.

A few fun facts about me: I've wanted to be a writer since second grade, when my teacher, Mrs. Jones, made me a "book" with a yellow construction paper cover. I have never learned to whistle, have always preferred sunflowers to roses, and have spent my life living within the same zip code.

Through the years, my writing has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, United Teacher, GreenPrints, L.A. Parent, DivineCaroline.com, RoleReboot.org, XOJane, and Brain, Child Magazine. Additionally, my personal essays have been included in several anthologies, including: The Barefoot Review, Beyond the Diaper Bag, Lessons From My Parents, Write for Light, Being a Grown-Up: A User's Manual for the Real World, Ka-Pow!, How Writing Can Get You Through Tough Times, Breath and Shadow, The Grey Wolfe Storybook, and Sisters Born, Sisters Found.
I am a regular contributor at MomsLA.com, and you can also find me at Goodreads.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog. Feel free to comment and share my blog with others!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Getting What I Want (At Least When It Comes to Hotels)



                                                       Ryan, on his 7th birthday, relaxing at our hotel in Cambria

   I’m not what you would call an experienced traveler.  But when it comes to hotels, I know what I want.  I want a hotel that is centrally located to wherever I plan on being.  I want a hotel that offers a free breakfast each morning.  And I want a hotel that doesn’t charge for parking.

   I’m fortunate that the hotel we stay at each year in Cambria meets these requirements.  But I had no idea that what I was expecting to receive isn’t the norm at a lot of hotels.  It’s not until I go searching for a hotel in a new destination (we’re planning a summer trip to Santa Barbara) that I’m shocked to discover what hotels do and do not provide.

   First off, the nightly rate at a hotel covers less than 24 hours now.  Check-in isn’t until 3 or 4 p.m. with check-out the following day at 11 a.m.  Now, hotels want to charge for parking.  That is outrageous to me.  Where else are you supposed to park?  You go eat at a restaurant, and unless you’re using a valet service, you park for free in the lot.  Same thing should hold true for hotels.

   And don’t even get me started on these so-called resort fees.  I think it’s absolutely ridiculous how some hotels try to nickel-and-dime their guests for every little thing.  And as a matter of principle, I won’t stay at any of those locations.  Instead, I go searching online, ask friends for suggestions, re-read old travel articles I’ve got filed away, until I find a hotel that will suit our needs. 

   In the movie When Harry Met Sally, Sally was described as being “high maintenance” based on the way she ordered her food.  Meg Ryan’s character replied, “I just want it the way I want it.”  And I’m the same when it comes to hotels.  We don’t go away all that often, and when we do, I want it to be as pleasurable and cost-efficient as possible.


By the way, if any of my readers are planning a trip to Legoland, just thought I’d mention the West Inn and Suites in Carlsbad.  We stayed there last summer and enjoyed free parking, free shuttle service to Legoland, free breakfast, friendly staff, and an overall really nice hotel.


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3 comments:

  1. honey7214May 20, 2015 at 10:41 AM

    Great picture of Ryan(not a care in the world).I don't get the part of hotels charging for parking.Staying at a hotel should for sure include parking.It seems they want to get you for every little item they can come up with.I know you love the hotel in Cambria,and I hope you will be just as pleased with where you stay in Santa Barbara.I love you and I am proud of you.
    love,mommy

    ReplyDelete
  2. msfraseMay 20, 2015 at 1:46 PM

    Ryan is a real little man. He loves to travel just like his mommy. Hope your trip to Santa Barbara will be great. Your mother & I are proud of you.
    Love, dad

    ReplyDelete
  3. Paul KennarMay 20, 2015 at 8:58 PM

    Honey,
    I can't wait for our next trip together! Your writing is wonderful and insightful. I Love You!
    Love, me

    ReplyDelete

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