Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas

Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas
By Shelley T. Hudson

From the previews to the closing credits, Cinépolis delivers a first-class movie-watching experience that will spoil you for all other theaters. Visit this full-service, ultra-luxe venue just once and you’ll look for any opportunity to catch a flick with a friend, a date, your spouse or the kids.

Cinépolis had me at hello. Take one step into the lobby and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a sleek hotel lounge rather than a conventional movie theater. Leather banquettes and low-slung tables invite you to have a drink while waiting for your movie companion to arrive and to linger after your film ends to discuss plot twists. The full bar with cocktail tables is also an ideal setting in which to unwind after a work day with a chilled, well-measured drink.

Once inside the theater, you’ll understand the allure of Cinépolis’ multi-sensory
cinematic experience. Each theater is equipped with an extra large viewing screen and state-of-the-art audio system, yet the setting is surprisingly intimate with a maximum capacity of 100 guests. The best part…all of this can be enjoyed from a reserved, fully-reclining, plush, leather seat that resembles something you’d find in the finest media room instead of your local theater. Every über spacious seat in the house has enough room for you to cross your legs, eat a meal and recline to an almost horizontal position. The seats are paired, so you can snuggle with a date and still have your own pivoting table, lamp and attendant call button.

Dinner and a movie? Absolutely. Order it directly from your seat and delight in tasty menu items ranging from sushi to sliders. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine or any number of specialty cocktails and drinks from the full bar. Even the popcorn has been elevated to new heights with selections like Spicy Chili, Zebra (dark and white chocolate) and
Caramel – all right at your fingertips. Dessert is also just a call button away and features Cheesecake Factory favorites and ice cream shakes made from scratch. Specialty coffees and teas including Mexican Mocha and Chai Latte are offered as well—so no need to go elsewhere for an after-dinner drink.

Cinépolis gets five stars for their attention to detail and excellent customer service. On a recent visit, I glanced down the aisle to see guests being delivered individually wrapped blankets at their seats. Special touches like these seem to be around every corner.

The serendipitous twist on the Cinépolis story is the value. The entertainment bang-for-the-buck is simply incomparable. No regular movie ticket is priced higher than $19.50 (3-D movies have a $3 surcharge), and that’s for prime time. Matinee showings are as little as $15.50 and even lower for seniors, making Cinépolis a true bargain.

As many of the screenings sell out at Cinépolis, reservations are strongly recommended. The great news – online, advanced ticket purchasing is a breeze at www.cinépolisusa.com. Just cruise to the ticket taker when you arrive with your email confirmation and there’s no waiting in line.If you’re not computer savvy, you may also stop in during business hours and pick up tickets for future shows.

Cinépolis caters to larger crowds as well as families and date-nighters. The lounge and theaters can be reserved for your private event and you can even bring your own movie! Bulk tickets and custom packages are available as well, so a corporate event or child’s birthday party can be easily accommodated.

Thankfully, locals don’t have to travel further than Laguna Niguel’s Ocean Ranch Village to receive Cinépolis’ V.I.P. treatment. The other two U.S. locations are in Carlsbad and San Diego with more theaters expected to open soon across Southern California.

Cinépolis Ocean Ranch
32401 Golden Lantern • Laguna Niguel • 949.487.1900

Cinépolis Del Mar
12905 El Camino Real • San Diego • 858.794.4045

Cinépolis La Costa
6941 El Camino Real • Carlsbad • 760.603.8638