Need to nail down last hotel selection for trip wife and I are taking from LA to San Fran in early October. Our preferences: quiet, romantic, upscale. Will spend one night in Cambria and have narrowed down to either Moonstone Landing or Blue Whale Inn. Would appreciate feedback from anyone who has stayed in either property (or ideally both). Appreciate your guidance. Please be as specific as possible. Thanks.
AL

We stayed at Moonstone Landing recently in a partial view room (I could see the ocean if I stuck my head out the window).

An ocean front room would make this place worthwhile.

The have an afternoon reception with no wine but good things to nibble on, and breakfast is o.k. too.

Blue Whale is incredible! Go to www.tripadvisor.com to read my review and for my pictures. The review was posted early 2006.

We had a lovely room with a fireplace and a porch at Moonstone Landing that was on the 2nd floor facing the water. It was spectacular to watch the boats and sunsets. I love listening to the waves crashing on the beach. There is a small road and a boardwalk between the hotel and the shore so I recommend second floor, ocean view. I like the privacy of a porch off your room as opposed to a public space to view the ocean. Much more romantic.

The Blue Whale Inn is very nice. You will have a very nice breakfast here prepared by the Innkeepers. They were very friendly, there is a wine and cheese reception in the main lobby in the afternoons and it is right across the street from Moonstone Beach.

We peeked in Moonstone Landing when we were in Cambria last Spring and also looks very nice, a bit more upscale than the Blue Whale Inn, they also have a hot tub there which the Blue Whale doesn't have. Have fun! ***kim***

In good weather the outdoor breakfast area is pleasant at Moonstone Landing, and, as I and another have said, a room with full ocean view would be a treat.

Thank you all for feedback. Kim, I was surprised with your comment that Moonstone Landing appeared "a bit more upscale" that Blue Whale Inn. From comments I've read here and Trip Advisor I would have expected the opposite. In fact a couple reviewers referred to Moonstone as higher priced Motel - take it you disagree!!

AL

Just an FYI:
It is my understanding that there is also a place called Moonstone Inn (evidently nothing special) and that some people confuse it with Moonstone Landing. Someone panned Moonstone Landing on this site a while back but gave a link to the other.

You are right mdwest.

Once again thanks to all who offered advice. Made the "tough call" (kinda felt like we couldn't go wrong....) and booked corner suite at Moonstone Landing.

There is also a Blue Dolphin Inn in Cambria, further adding to possible confusion.

Please report back on how you like Moonstone Landing. The Sow's Ear and the Black Cat Bistro are very good for nice dinners in Cambria, as is the Sea Chest for great seafood in the area. ***kim***

IMO Blue Whale is more upscale. It actually has an AAA 4-diamond rating, very rare for a B&B. If you are OK with cutesy charming like floral wallpaper, etc., then Blue Whale is infinitely more charming, especially the ambiance and views from the two public rooms. See my photos on www.tripadvisor.com We have seen Moonstone Landing, which has a much more "motely" feeling even with their nicely done rooms.