No matter what part of the country you live in, there are two words synonymous with summer: Pool Party! Even in a beach town like Santa Cruz, there's absolutely nothing wrong with kickin' poolside it at Hotel Paradox. Who says you have to be checked-in to check out such an awesome outdoor space? Yelp South Bay got the 5-star guest treatment a few Sundays ago, at our Summer Splash Elite Event.
Hotel Paradox is a most unique experience that explores an urban forest set inside a beach town. That's the paradox of Hotel Paradox. Designed by acclaimed designers Orlando Diaz-Azcuy Design Associates from San Francisco, the boutique Hotel Paradox prides itself on genuine hospitality, and a design-forward experience delighting the senses. This sophisticated hotel combines guest rooms, suites, modern amenities, unique meeting spaces, and Solaire Restaurant Bar to create the ultimate guest experience in Santa Cruz, California. Experience Santa Cruz from a whole new perspective at Hotel Paradox, everything but ordinary.
Close to 200 Yelp Elites and their guests partied poolside on one of the hottest, sunniest days this summer in Santa Cruz. It really was the perfect setting for an outdoor event! "The sun was shining and instantly brought us back to our island state-of-mind and happy-to-be-sunkissed, feel-good vibes after high-tailing it out of the city in SF where we were freezing our okoles (that's Hawaiian for hineys!) all weekend," exclaimed Giselle P. "Why hello there beautiful sun," squealed Ly D. "It was so nice of you to join us during our pool party."
Food sponsors included Solaire, Pacific Thai Santa Cruz, The Picnic Basket and The Penny Ice Creamery, all of which were a huge hit with the Elites! Denise L broke it down for us. "Pacific Thai – tasty spring rolls and mango curry with shrimp. The Picnic Basket – delightful mini BLT's! The Penny Ice Creamery – fennel peach flavor, what what?" Vi T was was equally as impressed: "Paradox's on site restaurant and bar, Solaire, provided grilled beef wrapped scallions with a dandelion greens salad. Interesting combo! Pacific Thai's tofu springrolls were delicious, yet light while their rich shrimp and mango curry was apparently so good my +1 went back for fourths! Lol… The Picnic Basket dished out BLTs made with meaty heirloom tomatoes and the absolute BEST bacon I've ever had. In. My. Life. Penny's Ice Creamery scooped up cone after handmade cone of deliciously sweet yet savory fennel peach ice cream."
No summertime soiree is complete without boozy bevies! Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing was there to serve up their Casino IPA, Pale Ale and Amber Ale. Dee L couldn't believe her eyes, "Santa Cruz Mounta Brewing-organic beer? Say what!" And Mike H thought "the English style IPA was really smooth, and not too hoppy, perfect for a pool party." Not to be outdone, Bonny Doon Vineyard was also there with a crisp, refreshing selection of wines, which Ly D found to be "very light and summery." Daisy Z was almost too excited for words when they busted out an unexpected vino: "Bonny Doon Vineyard had a great rose and they directed me to a *sparkling moscato* that they have. My liver will never be ready for this news."
Last but certainly not least, Segway Santa Cruz was onsite offering Segway demos! Elites (who hadn't yet sampled the drinks!) were allowed to drive around a mini course in the parking lot. "The absolute thing I was most excited to try was the Segway- that was on my bucket list and because of yelp I got that chance," exclaimed Desiree C. Initially, Dee L thought there would be some sort of "an elaborate segway show. Who would have know they would let us test drive a Segway?! Eh hem, I ran over a cone and I still passed with flying colors. I loved the instructors' energies. "It's all in the hips. Yah feel that? It responds to your body." (Wish other things in life followed that mantra.)"
There to capture all of the action with their green screen photo booth was Exposure Entertainment. "Who doesn't love photobooths??? Love the backdrop of the waves superimposed," said Amanda L. Jennifer H also commented, "The picture quality though was AMAZING. Our pictures came out great, the prints they gave were super nice. It was such a cool way to remember this yelp event (:"
To top it all off, Yelpers raised money for a wonderful Santa Cruz non-profit, Grind Out Hunger, who aims to eradicate childhood hunger and malnutrition in the US! Warm, sunny day and warm fuzzies all around. Read all of the glowing reviews from the Yelp Elites and their guests – by all accounts it was a fabulous day in the Santa Cruz sun. All of our event photos, courtesy of Alex Liu and Exposure Entertainment are on the Yelp South Bay-Peninsula Flickr page.
Until our next YEE, enjoy your summer!
Abby S (With Janet O and Kevyne R), Community Manager
