I partnered with the Claremont Tourism Board recently and learned so much that I didn't know about the city! I grew up in the neighboring city of Upland California, but never really ventured out to Claremont much. I was too busy in my high school rebellion phase, trying to hang out with the Asian Gangsters in Diamond Bar.
I learned so much about Claremont! It's known as the "City of Trees and Ph.D.s" but many also know it as a college town. It's also Southern California's first fair-trade town. The Fair Trade movement is a sustainable, consumer driven movement that makes Fair Trade products available for sale as a means to protect the planet and reduce poverty. Fair trade protects are produced by small farmers and artisans all around the world.
Money Magazine also voted Claremont Fifth in Money Magazine's best places to live in the United States.
I stayed at Casa 425, one of the few boutique hotels in the city. Casa 425 is an ideal hotel to stay at as it is located right in the heart of Claremont Village, there are literally dozens of restaurants and shops within walking distance.
All the rooms at Casa 425 are located on the second floor. In the middle of the first floor courtyard is the Lounge 425, which serves breakfast and dinner. Many nights there are also featured performers in the courtyard, making for a very lively atmosphere.
Earplugs are included as Lounge 425 is pretty active at night. It closes at 10pm on the weekdays and at Midnight on the weekends.
The design of the faucet is pretty unique, with the slanted controls.
I love that Casa 425 is featuring small artisan brands such as BeeKind
I frequently forget my makeup remover when traveling, so I love that the hotel supplies you with makeup remover/cleansing towels.
Casa 425 Lounge
Casa 425 serves free breakfast for all Casa 425 guests and has a small plates menu available at night.
Source: Instagram @pseudonombre
Instagram: Source @photojenic85
Casa 425 Breakfast
Recommended Restaurants
These three restaurants are all just a 5 minute walk away from Casa 425!
Viva Madrid!
Make sure to stop by Viva Madrid early, it gets super packed every night. It's one of the most popular restaurants in town, featuring an authentic Spanish tapas menu.
Viva Madrid | Address: 225 Yale Ave Ste B Claremont, CA 91711 | Phone: (909) 624-5500
Oh hey, its calamari yet again! Also featuring: Pollo Barbacoa (BBQ Chicken), Rabo de Toro (Oxtail Stew), Pan Con Tomato (Bread with Tomato)
Source: Instagram @food.enabler
Tutti Mangia Italian Grill
Have you noticed yet that I have an affinity for Calamari? Tutti Mangia has an amazing happy hour menu that is a must stop foodie desitnation
Tutti Mangia Italian Grill | Address: 102 Harvard Ave Claremont, CA 91711 | Phone: (909) 625-4669
Aruffo's Italian Cuisine
Make sure to stop by Aruffo's for it's amazing bread, which comes free with every meal.
Aruffo's Italian Cuisine | Address: 126 Yale Ave Claremont, CA 91711 | Phone: (909) 624-9624
Recommendation Day Destinations
Vom Fass
If you are a foodie, make sure to make a pit stop at Vom Fass, located right next to the hotel. My favorite part of this little shop is that all the olive oils and vinaigrettes are featured on the wall and you can sample the different combinations right then and there. My favorite was the garlic olive oil and red wine vinaigrette. You can purchase glass artisan jars to bring home your selections in and they make for great gifts.
Vom Fass | Address: 101 N Indian Hill Blvd Claremont, CA 91711 | Phone: (909) 399-0256
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Just a 5 minute or so drive from Casa 425, make sure to stop by the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. It's open daily from 8am to 5pm and is just $9 admission for adults, and $4 for children. It's is the largest garden created for the preservation of California Native Plants, many plants living in the garden are protected or endangered. A big highlight of the garden is the Butterfly Exhibit.
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden | Address: 1500 N College Ave Claremont, CA 91711 | Phone: (909) 625-8767
