We are going to California in mid October and are looking for a resonably priced (low $100) or less B&B in the Sonoma area. We will be staying a Sunday and possibly a Monday night before continuing our trek down the coast. As Canadians with our dollar at such a low we really dont want to spend too much for a room. Any other suggestions for Monterey, Carmel, San Luis Opisbo or Santa Barbara welcome. Thanks for your help.

Carly, I can't personally recommend a B&B in Sonoma, as we usually stay in hotels, but I got an email from Frommers this morning with a link to some deals on lodging in California:

http://www.findyourselfincalifornia.com/californiafinds.asp

There are some reasonable listings for Sonoma county, and the other spots you're visiting. Might find yourself something there.

Carly,
We stayed at the Camellia Inn in the wonderful town of Healdsburg. A really lovely place within walking distance to the town, shops, restaurants. While most of their rooms were in the 150 range, they had a tiny, cute one called the Demitasse (with private bath across the hall) that rents from 89-99 depending on the day. Check it out! camelliainn.com

Thanks so much for your help Susan and Linda. What hotels do you stay in Susan? We are not just looking at B&B's.

We just stayed at the Lodge at Sonoma and because we had our two kids with us we paid extra for a cottage room. However, you can get rooms at the Lodge through priceline if you play your cards right, for under $100. If you choose to go this route, have a look at biddingfortravel.com and don't be afraid to post there asking for bidding advice. The moderators there will tell you exactly how to bid to get what you want.

We also have stayed at the Best Western Inn at the Vines in Sonoma, for I think $169. I prefer to be in Sonoma town, but Healdsburg is lovely too. My only advice would be not to stay in Santa Rosa, as it is not a charming small town like Sonoma or Healdsburg.

Try the old Sonoma Hotel, a historic building in the center of town. Maya Angelou wrote "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" while staying here.