Stepping into the Crystal Cove cottages is like taking a time machine to a simpler time.
You won’t find a television, radio, phone or even a clock in any of these beachside retreats – even internet connection is spotty. But what you will find is a treasure trove of history and plenty of downtime to build memories with friends, family and loved ones.
“It’s not a luxury hotel. It’s not about that,” said Randy Gamache, project manager for the Crystal Cove Management Company, who gave a sneak peek at some of the newly-renovated North Beach cottages being readied for overnight stays. “The whole idea is to relax, enjoy your family and enjoy the beach. And that’s why it’s so important to us, bringing family and history together.”
Eight newly-renovated units that have been shuttered since 2001 will be up for grabs starting Monday, Nov. 13. But be warned, it will be no easy feat to nab one of these coveted coastal cottages.
The more than two dozen on the south end open since 2006 are among the most in-demand State Parks “campsites,” gobbled up within seconds of reservations opening. The North Beach cottages are expected to be just as hard to reserve for people wanting a unique overnight stay right on the sand.
Here’s what to know if you want to give it a shot:
A month of reservations will open at 8 a.m. on Monday at reservecalifornia.com. The overnight stays start on Nov. 20 through Dec. 20, a soft opening so the Crystal Cove folks can work out any kinks with the newly restored cottages.
Then, by the end of the month – no exact date has been announced – another wave of reservations will open for the period between Dec. 20 through March 1, 2024.
Tip: Be logged in and have your credit card ready to go, know which date and cottage you want and be ready to have very fast fingers right when the clock strikes 8. You might want to have a back up cottage or dates in mind in case the one you want gets scooped up or even enlist friends and…
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