By Melissa Wynn
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[/media-credit] One of my favorite outings is an overnight trip to Chico. The drive down Hwy 32 is an emerald world of aromatic forest greenery sprinkled with water falls, weeping walls and continuous encounters with Deer Creek. Relaxing and therapeutic, getting there is half the fun.
Our trip to Chico included revisiting an amazing animal park which I hope you will also enjoy reading about.
Normally I wouldn’t stay in the heart of all the shopping area, but then a friend told me about the Oxford Suites. Tucked away in the corner, just down from the Red Lobster, passers by may not even realize it was there. This gem of a hotel is like a treasure hidden in plain sight.
Lovely garden flora and small patches of lawn decorate the exterior of the Oxford Suites and the shaded entry is a welcome sight on a hot summer afternoon. Several sitting areas in the beautifully decorated lobby beckon to take a load off and enjoy the view. Complimentary iced tea and lemonade and a comfy arm chair leave little reason to rush to your room.
There is always a smiling face, like that of Salvador Garnica, to greet you at Oxford Suites and all the comforts of home are close at hand. A small convenience store can be found right in the lobby and offers a wide variety of snacks, beverages, ice cream and of course microwave popcorn to enjoy with the movie you can rent there as well. Several tempting dining options are within walking distance, as are many local favorite night life hot spots. If you would rather stay in, there is still plenty to do. A swim in the outdoor pool or a good workout in the fitness center, followed by some time in the steam room, are just a few of your choices. The evening reception, with appetizers and wine, are a great way to meet other guests or just while away an hour or two.
When the fun has ended and the day is done, Oxford Suites offers a superb ‘home away from home’. A coffee pot and a deep soaking bath tub are included; I am ready to unwind. Four thick pillows lined up like little soldiers on cloud soft bed will have you drifting off and dreaming of your day as quick as a wink.
The free wifi helped for a quick check of the morning email before wandering downstairs for the full hot complimentary breakfast. Scrambled eggs with bacon, yogurt, fruit, hot and cold cereals and plenty of juice and coffee are some of the choices at this great meal served buffet style every day.
Rates start at $115 per night for these spectacular suites and reservations can be made online at oxfordsuiteschico.com or by telephone at 530-899-9090. Spoil yourself with a night or two at Oxford Suites and see for yourself; how suite it is!
Melissa: shame on you for staying across from Wal-Mart, In-and-Out Burger, vacated Kresby-Creme donuts, there are soooo many terrific places in the downtown historic area to lay your head for a night. you should have called me, there are three just down the street a few blocks from Hotel Diamond that are clones of Oxford Suites. Maybe coming from Westwood, it seemed like the thing to do. Since you only mentioned one place to eat, the Red Lobster (within walking distance of hotel), i bet you had dinner there. The Hotel Diamond makes this place look like a shit-hole, especially inside the two bars, restuarant and rooms. Maybe i can get a room comped for the night at Hotel Diamond since i mentioned it in my story and you did not use it up. thanks, talk soon. richard barlupi