Hi All - I'm planning a girl's trip from LA to Carmel via Hearst Castle / Hwy Wed July 1 to Sun July 5. Need some help on 2 questions:

1) Wed night lodging. My friend is coming into LA about noon on Wed. I was hoping to get a jump on the drive so that we could have most of Thurs at Hearst Castle and the surrounding area. That said, but friend is flying in from the East Coast and it will be a long travel day for her. Santa Barbara area was my original idea, but I am not finding a nice hotel that has atmosphere / charm at a reasonable rate. So I thought to drive further north, but don't really like the hotels around the Solvang area. Would anyone have suggestions for a nice spot in the $175-225 / night range (2 qn or dbl) between Santa Barbara and SLO? or should we simply try to push all the way to Cambria which is where we are staying on Thurs night (Moonstone Landing)?

2) I am looking at 2 hotels in Carmel for Fri/Sat night - Lobos Lodge and La Playa. We have the option for a king suite w/ sleeper sofa at Lobos Lodge and for a king room w/ hideaway bed at La Playa (3rd floor valley view). They are only ~4 blocks from one another, so location seems a mute point. Would appreciate your thoughts on the pros/cons of each. Some background on us if it helps with your comments - 2 single professional women (40) who will enjoy a nice meal, the art galleries, the architecture and a bit of fun socializing. I can hear the Hog's Breath in my future if it is still there. Like music as well. Equally happy in this environment or a nice cigar bar with an excellent glass of wine.

Your input is much appreciated!! Warm regards, Hollie

1)Try looking for a place in Pismo Beach. You're almost to SLO, though. Santa Maria's another sweet town - not much to do but you won't have time to do much if you're driving up from LA in the afternoon/evening - and Santa Maria's not that much farther than Santa Barbara.
2) Location wise, you are much better with Lobos Lodge as it's on the corner of the main drag. However, although I'm not familiar with Lobos Lodge, I do know La Playa and it is lovely! It has quite a bit of character and is one of the most endearing hotels I've ever seen. I live only an hour away so haven't slept there, but I've eaten there, and it is very charming with garden and ocean views. If you don't mind walking more, I'd go for La Playa. Just remember that the streets may not have sidewalks, and walking after dark may not be real pleasant. But... La Playa is a very special place.

Have fun no matter where you stay!

Try The Hadsten House in Solvang... they were having some great specials, they have rooms with two beds or in SAnta Barbara, try the Upham Hotel.

In Carmel, La Playa is nice but it's a bit off the beaten path, no street lights and I wouldnt want to be walking around in pitch black darkness.

I just came back from Carmel and made some notes about hotels... I will post back later tonight after my kids are in bed and try to help.

You might want to search Pacific Grove. My sister and I are staying at the Gosby House in Pacific Grove in 2 weeks. Have never stayed there before. There is a jazz festival in the area that weekend so we didn't get to stay at our first choice.

We will eat at the Fishwife Restaurant in Pacific Grove. Everyone says it is great. There is a hotel next to it called the Beachcomber Inn. Don't think it is fancy but may be fun.

In Cambria we are staying at the Frog Palace. It is very inexpensive. They have only 2 rooms.

There is another place I would like to try sometime. Bestwestern Cavalier Oceanfront in San Simeon.

Hi all - thank you for your replies - I thought your suggestions looked great. Looks like we are heading to Pismo Beach for Wed night - probably as far as we can get for our first day drive, but it sets us up better for exploring Hearst Castle the following day. We were interested in doing the garden tour and the house tour...

Still haven't decided between La Playa and Lobos Lodge... pros/cons to both. Lobos Lodge may be better for 2 single gals - we have a suite option so would have somewhat separate rooms. I'm really interested in La Playa though from the charm angle.... tough decision!

Bratsandbeer - I think the Bestwestern Cavalier looks like a good option too. I can't remember if they were booked or just too expensive comparatively for our dates....

Thanks again everyone!

The Santa Maria Inn, the original wing, has nice atmosphere with a nice bar for evening drinks.

Asilomar in Pacific Grove might be worth a look.

We have stayed here twice, its a great place

http://www.cliffsresort.com/

I would stay at La Playa, it is a historic property with many nice amenities. We loved the outdoor pool there, the gorgeous grounds and gardens, they have the Terrace Grill where we enjoyed breakfast with views of the pretty grounds. Our room was small but had an oceanview, loved the charm and quaintness of La Playa. Any questions, feel free to ask! There is also a small spa there if you want a massage. ***kim***

Pismo Beach would be my choice for the first night. Last year I stayed at the Cottage Inn at Pismo Beach and liked it a lot - it is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean. A path along the bluffs leads to some stairs to the beach. Also, it is a quick drive or reasonable walk to restaurants. The room was very comfortable, had a gas fireplace and a balcony. There is also a decent pool.

Thanks for the comments on La Playa Kim.. sounds really nice. I do love places with atmosphere... Thanks for sharing your experience.

And the cottage inn does look like a good option as well. I like the gas fireplace - even in July - for the evenings...

Thanks for the suggestions...

Cypress Inn or Tally Ho Inn in Carmel...great locations