Many Discounts for Seniors at Southland Resorts

Mature travelers who would like to take a short holiday without making a long trip can visit the Embassy Suites Hotel Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard, where they can receive a reduced-price special with an unwieldy title, “The Senior Suite Life Goes to the Beach.”

The rambling and beautifully landscaped all-suite resort is directly on the beach.

Suites have bedrooms and living rooms, wet bars, microwaves, refrigerators and coffee makers, with complimentary tea and coffee packets. Rates include a free two-hour cocktail hour each evening and a full cooked-to-order breakfast each morning.

The complex features a large outdoor pool, two whirlpools and two lighted tennis courts. Numerous recreational activities are offered, including tours to nearby attractions. Beach-equipment rentals are available.

Proof of Membership

Rates are $165 for courtyard rooms, $185 for ocean views and $205 for ocean fronts. However, for mature travelers, all rooms are $99 for two people at any time, depending on space availability.

At least one person must be 55, or give proof of membership in AARP or another recognized senior organization. For more information or reservations, write to Sales Department, Embassy Suites, 2101 Mandalay Beach Road, Oxnard 93035. Or call collect, (805) 984-2500.

The weekend of May 20-21 is Oxnard’s sixth annual Strawberry Festival, and seniors can take a free shuttle from the hotel to the festival site at Channel Islands Harbor. Seniors can get discount rates for the festival.

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Another resort hotel offering discounts for mature travelers is the Emerald of Anaheim, which features a $68-a-night rate, or almost 30% off its regular $95 rate.

The discounted rate applies seven days a week, on a space-available basis. Grandparents take note that children 17 years or under may stay in the same room at no charge (limit four people per room).

Shuttles Available

Free shuttle service is available to South Coast Plaza and other nearby shopping centers, as well as to Disneyland. The Emerald has a heated outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and access to tennis and golf facilities.

For information and reservations, call toll-free (800) 321-8976 or contact a travel agent.

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The new Sharona Lodge in Palm Springs is offering mature travelers a Senior Saver discount card that provides substantial savings off regular room rates.

All rooms have refrigerators and color TV, and suites have spas, wet bars and coffee service. A free continental breakfast is included, as well as free limousine service to and from the airport.

Discounts are 40% off the regular room rate Sunday through Thursday, 15% on Friday and Saturday. Regular rates (May 1 to June 30 and Sept. 16 to Dec. 21) are $70 minimum for single or double rooms, $80-$135 for suites. During the summer season (July 1-Sept. 15) it’s $45 for rooms and $50 to $75 for suites.

For a free Senior Saver discount card call (800) 346-5714. Or write to Sharona Lodge, 222 Indian Ave., Palm Springs 92262. When using the discount card, patrons will be required to show evidence that they are over 50.