One of the best perks of my fancy former job was that I got to stay in really nice hotels when I traveled for work. Really very nice. There were other perks too—some rather fantastic—and I was pleasantly surprised at how little it bothered me to lose every last one of them when I got bounced. Still, I really dug those nice hotel rooms. I’m heading out to the west coast in a couple of weeks, and the place I booked in LA isn’t crazy expensive, but it does cost maybe more than would be prudent to spend. But it’s right on the beach! So I’m figuring out other ways to cut back/rationalize the expenditure. Like telling myself I’ll avoid accruing room service charges—which are always responsible for such dark moments of truth at check out. To aid in this endeavor, I thought I might do a web search on “Travel Coffee Makers” just to see if such a thing existed. And of course it does. Just as compact and tidy as you please.
I still think what they did was a damn shame.
#TeamKim
I am known far and wide (okay only amongst my dear family and friends) for never, ever traveling anywhere without my French Press. People stand around and watch when I put the press down as if something really magical must be happening. So funny. I mean, is there any other way to enjoy one’s morning coffee – especially over the beach?! Enjoy your trip! I’m heading to the West Coast in 2 days for a no-caffeine, no dairy, no meat, all-day-exercise boot camp in Malibu. So, I’m off caffeine for a week in advance. I miss my dear little French Press!
We always stay at Hotel ShangriLa in L.A. Across the street from the beach, not too expensive and they make you feel like you’re staying in a really luxurious place. Two years without coffee and I STILL miss it and my little French press!!
I have that exact Bodum press and it is a godsend. One warning, the contents will stay REALLY hot a lot longer than you think they will and with the double wall construction you can’t feel how hot it is from the outside. But definitely one of my favorite purchases.
I haven’t gotten bounced yet so still get to stay in really nice spots when I head to LA. I like a beach too. But after getting tired of the scene at Shutters and The Viceroy, I recently found a gem in Huntington Beach: The Shade. And the bonus…free coffee every morning! http://www.shadehotel.com.
After living in Portland, OR for 10+ years I’ve discovered that I’m a coffee snob. The brown water that’s often served in offices and hotels is somethng I only consume when I’m desperate for caffeine. Plus, Starbucks drip coffee is often bitter. I love my bodum and pack it, and some of my favorite local coffee, each time I travel. It occupies valuable real estate in my suitcase, but it’s always worth it.
I, too, love my Bodum travel press. It’s easily the best gift I have ever received. Coffee stays hot for a couple of hours, if you have to leave it alone for a bit.
You know, Kim, I loved mine. Came in handy in rehab! hahha
But seriously, the only drawback is that it’s not a tight seal. I’m a bike commuter and have to bring coffee/tea in a bag and that travel press will leak. Plus, if I go to the movies, I MUST have my own tea(green) and chocolate. It’s a bit of a low-rent move, but that’s my sitch at the moment.
I leave in a few days for Cali as well but I’ll be in the Bay area. So excited to get away.
Safe travels.
Happy New Year!
two of my colleagues use this out in the South Sudanese bush where we’re fighting to eradicate guinea worm disease. the Bodum can handle 116-degree winter heat, bouncing around in the land cruiser, and a complete and utter lack of regular washing: I heartily endorse this recommendation. ^_^