I never heard of any place where Happy Hour meant free drinks and snacks at the poolside; until I visited the Embassy Suites in Oxnard.

This resort offers complimentary cocktails, popcorn, chips and crackers at the Surf Room, located conveniently next to the pool, from 5.30 pm till 7.30 pm daily. Parents relax while watching their kids play and laugh in the kidney shaped swimming pool as they sip their cool drinks and converse with parents occupying the chairs next to them.

The Embassy Suites could not have picked a better location for the beachfront resort. From the ocean view rooms, one can indulge in the scene of palm trees rhythmically waving in the light ocean breeze, and the unmistakable smell of sand and sea. Those staying in rooms without ocean views can walk outside the gate and find themselves on the sandy Pacific Coast.

 A bike path filled with colorful individuals stretches along the beach. Toddlers build sand castles road side while the dads watch them, families ride their bikes together, elderly woman roller blade, a crusty old man power walks with a radio at his ears broadcasting the baseball game, while younger couples stroll the sand barefoot.

The Embassy Suites in Oxnard, a proud member of the Hilton Family, is a perfect and affordable family getaway destination. The packages they offer are very reasonable. The resort has bikes to rent, features a spa facility, a Jacuzzi next to the kid's pool, lounge area and a restaurant.

The resort's Mediterranean style architecture mixed with waterfalls and lagoons throughout the property provides an offshore experience without having to travel to far away countries. The Embassy Suites is located an easy drive away from most Southern and Central California cities, making it a convenient choice for a summer getaway.

 I booked the the Ultimate Romance Package for my husband and I a few weeks ago. The Embassy Suites in Oxnard offered a package including a couples massage, a $100 dinner voucher redeemable in the Capistrano's restaurant, an ocean view room, chilled champagne and dark raspberry chocolate in the room upon our arrival; all for less than $500.

I was extremely pleased with the receptionists welcome at the front desk, they treated everybody like royalty. Our rooms walls were painted with friendly tones, the furniture could have come from our house, and the beds were really comfortable.

After situating ourselves, I headed to the lagoon for a long awaited drink and relaxation. I kicked back on a bed at the edge of the water and watched the montage of people surrounding me. There were old and young, black and white, families and singles around me. I truly enjoyed being part of such cultural diversity.

After lazily watching the sun setting, we got dressed and headed to the restaurant in the quest of nourishing our bodies. We were seated next to a family of four from Bakersfield, the Mawads. They said it was their first time in the resort, as a friend of theirs, who comes here all the time, suggested they visit. "I really like the convenient location, the pool, also that it has a gym and it offers easy access to the beach," said the mother. They agreed they will most likely return because the package deal they had was well worth it.

The food was O.K.; however I felt the price did not reflect the quality. We ordered a lettuce wrap appetizer, to share, and a glass of red wine to work up our appetite. I was charmed by the zinfandel. It balanced fruits and alcohol just perfectly, making it the best part of our dining experience.

I had the Seared Ahi Tuna with Coconut Rice and Jack ordered the Filet Mignon. We agreed that the prices were "Hilton like," however the taste of the meals were not quite.

 We agreed on taking a stroll under the stars on the beach to walk off the calories we compiled by eating a chocolate cake for dessert. The air temperature cooled down considerably and the beach's relaxing scene changed to be a romantic one in the dark. Couples were holding hands as they were sitting on the sand dunes, watching the full moon smiling back at them.

After our walk we were still not ready to sleep, so we opened the chilled champagne on our terrace and spent hours quietly talking; something we did not have time to do in a long while.

The next morning we walked downstairs to get something to eat and to acquire the much needed, life saving caffeine dose. It was one of the coolest complementary breakfast rooms I have ever set foot in. My favorite was the fact that one could make her own waffle. I never made a waffle before.

To my disappointment, however, I could not get coffee. I mean real coffee - espresso. Being European, the dripping tea looking thing, or the vanilla latte coming from a machine, was just not cutting it. Call me a coffee snob, if you like, but ask any European and they will all stand by me on this matter. I would have gladly paid for an espresso, but there was nothing available to purchase from the restaurant before 11.00am.

 After breakfast, it was finally time for the long awaited massage. We booked a strong Swedish deep tissue massage. Unfortunately, neither one of ours was as strong as we would have liked it, but never the less, it was relaxing and refreshing.

All in all, our stay at the Embassy Suites in Oxnard was very enjoyable. We discovered a special brand of hospitality and indulged in it from the moment we walked through the front door until the minute we waved goodbye to the beach resort. I will surely recommend a stay at this pleasurable resort to friends with family.