Westin Monache Resort In Mammoth Lakes, CA: You Had Me At Kitchenette

Optimized-wes1562ex.92698_lg — The Westin Monache Resort at Mammoth Lakes is perfect for families.

When traveling with kids, there’s always that one big decision to make when looking for lodging. No, I’m not talking about “Are there enough power outlets to charge everyone’s cell phones and iPods,” although that’s equally important. I’m talking about the decision as to whether to book a regular room, a suite or rent a condo, and lately the condo has been winning out – although more expensive, it gives us the option of preparing food ourselves rather than having to eat out at every meal. With two adults and two growing teenagers, the price of three restaurant meals a day is usually what breaks the bank.

But recently we stayed at the Westin Monache Resort in Mammoth Lakes, Calif. and found the room of our dreams – their Deluxe Studio Suite (the most economically priced of all their rooms) that comes with a fully-equipped kitchenette. Unlike most rooms that only come with a coffee maker and an ice bucket, this room had the following:

Mini refrigerator w/freezer
Two-burner stove top
Full-size microwave
Dishwasher (!)
Coffeemaker (with Starbucks coffee)
Blender (Hello, homemade margaritas!)
Toaster
Tea kettle
Pots, pans and skillets
Set of dishes & silverware for four
Mixing bowls, measuring cups and serving platters
Full set of knives
Full set of kitchen utensils

While it’s always nice to escape from the drudgery of cooking and cleanup while on vacation, this setup was a welcome sight after almost ten days on the road. We were all just craving a simple home-cooked meal. Here’s our awesome kitchenette in action. Yes, we made bacon. Don’t judge:

Optimized-westin-kitchenette — Who needs room service? I got your bacon right here.

Sure there were other wonderful things about the room: The cozy fireplace, the modern and tasteful furnishings, its location right in the middle of the new Mammoth Village and of course the gorgeous views right out side of our window. But ask me about the hotel and chances are I won’t mention the sun-flecked mountains or the towering pines that greeted us every morning – no, I’ll be too busy telling you how my husband and I cooked up a full breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and coffee for four without setting foot outside the door. Best of all – with the noise of the pans sizzling and the coffee brewing we didn’t even hear the teenagers fighting over the power outlets.

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