Hi!

Does anyone have feedback on choosing among the following hotels: See Otter Inn, Best Western Fireside Inn, San Simeon Pines Resort? We are a group of 5 adults and 5 children. We would like access to the beach, a pool and fun for all. Are these locations good? Any favorites for families?
Can we easily go to Hearst Castle from here? Is Cambria better than staying in San Simeon? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

I really enjoy Cambria. The Fireside Inn is great for families. There is a wonderful heated pool, jacuzzi, breakfast each am and coolers in the rooms. It is directly across the street from Moonstone Beach.

You may also want to check out the Fogcatcher Inn. Cambria is just a short drive to the Hearst Castle. Have fun!! ***kim***

SSpines is nothing fancy but does have access to the beach and a "picnic area" type feel to it. Great spot for families but the pool is probably not open until April.

kimamom, The Fogcatcher Inn got great reviews, but can I bring kids there and not have to worry? The reviews I read were for romantic weekends, and this unfortunately will not be one! Have you stayed there? Would you pick it over the Fireside Inn with kids? Thanks for your opinion.

We have not had had our kids (three teens) with us. We stayed at their sister property, The Cypress Cove Inn which is right next door.

I would say the Fireside Inn is definitely more for families. It is also more economical. How many rooms are you getting with this large group? ***kim***

We will be getting three rooms. 2 adults, 2 children, in two and grandma and 1 grandchild in another. Is the BW Fireside Inn right on the beach....should we get oceanfront rooms? Can we walk to Cambria restaurants or do we have to drive? Any opinion on the BW Fireside Inn vs. the BW Cavalier Oceanfront Resort in San Simeon? Is Cambria better than staying in San Simeon? Thanks again!

The Fireside Inn is located right across the street from Moonstone Beach. You do have to drive to the restaurants in Cambria. They are all within a few minutes.

The Moonstone Bar & Grill would be perfect for a meal with your large group. Dine outside and take in the beautiful oceanviews from the patio.

Your kids will love the bakery items at Linns, located in downtown Cambria. They are famous for their ollalieberry products. My kids love their chicken pot pies, they are delicious!

Go to Fermentations and do some wine tasting. It's a gourmet shop and they do have some very good wines to taste/buy. Make sure you leave Cambria with a few moonstones! If you don't find any on the beach, The Emporium antique shop sells them or you can go look at them to try to find them yourself on Moonstone Beach. Have fun! ***kim** ")

One last thought on Cambria. You will probably want to buy a lot of souvenirs, if you're like me and I would suggest you check out the Shell gas station, on the corner for all your Cambria souvenirs at half the price of the downtown boutiques.

It's great for t-shirts, hats, mugs, magnets, etc. Your kids will love shopping in there and you'll love the prices!! Just a little inside tip!! ***kim***

Definitely stay in Cambria, not San Simeon, which is just a bunch of motels for people visiting Hearst Castle. Cambria is very close to Hearst Castle. On the drive to the castle be on the lookout for a sign for the sea lion sanctuary on the west side of highway 1. There is a beach that, in Spring, is literally covered with sea lions sunning themselves. You'll see lots of newborn pups. It's a great sight.

Also on Moonstone Beach, the sea lions sun in groups of about six to eight, you can walk up very close to them and take pictures! Now I'm yearning to go to Cambria! Maybe after Healdsburg! So many beautiful California places, so little time! LOL ***kim*** As Jack Nicholson says, "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!!"

Thanks for the tips! I'm actually planning way in advance for a trip for the 10 of us in July. If we stay at the Fireside Inn is it easy to park in Cambria? If we were at the Fog Catcher Inn, would we still have to drive into Cambria or does that have an advantage in terms of location. We are renting a large passenger van that will be tough to parallel park! Thanks Again...I can't wait for our trip!

FYI!
I've never been there, but am probably going to book the Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort. It is in San Simeon near the HC, and is right on the beach. We are thinking of a "family room" with 3 queen beds for $159/night. I saw it recommended in Travel and Leisure as a best buy beach vacation. The staff seems very nice, and I read one good review of their restaurant. You could check out their website: www.cavalierresort.com
Have fun!

The Fireside Inn and the FogCatcher are just a few doors down from each other. They both are located directly across the street from Moonstone Beach.

You still have to drive into Cambria to get to the shops, restaurants, etc. San Simeon will put you even further down from Cambria but you will be closer to Hearst Castle.

The BW Cavalier isn't my cup of tea, but it may suit your needs with your large group. This property is very spread out unlike the Cambria properties. Good Luck and have fun!!! ***kim***