Is anybody familiar with Fog Catcher Inn, Cypress Cove Inn or Best Western Fireside Inn? Would you know which is the nicest? Is this a good place to stay after visiting Heardst Castle?( before heading to Carmel)

Last year during a stay in Cambria, our friends stayed at the Fog Catcher and it was very nice- kind of an English cottage look & feel. Not sure how it compares to the others you mention. We stayed at the Sea Otter Inn, on the same street as Fog Catcher- it was okay, pretty basic. All the hotels along that drive seemed pretty nice.
We visited Hearst Castle- can't remember exactly how far it is- maybe 1/2 hour? Cambria is a beautiful and charming town. Hope you have time to visit the wineries in the nearby Paso Robles Valley- that was the true highlight of our trip.

You're talking about Moonstone Beach, and yes, all of the hotels there are fine. We've stayed twice at Fireside Inn---it's kind of an upscale motel type place, but very comfortable. Fog Catcher is a little prettier. About 20 minutes from there to Hearst Castle. Stop on the way back at the "wildlife viewing" turn off and see the elephant seals. BTW two good restaurants in Cambria are Sow's Ear and Brambles.

Thanks for the information about the Fireside. I think it will be fine for one night. By any chance would you know how long it will take to get to Carmel Area? Any suggestions on lodgings in that area ???

Two weeks ago we checked out several hotels/motels on Moonstone Drive in Cambria and decided on Whitewater Inn. Beautifully kept and our room had a jacuzzi tub for two with breakfast delivered to our room. We had the luxury of going mid week off season so were able to shop around once we arrived. Most places were discounting their rates. Be sure to walk along the water early in the morning and see the harbor seals. There are some lovely little shops in Cambria. The small grocery in the center of town is a wonderful, friendly place to pick up sandwiches!

We stayed at the Pelican Suites across from Moonstone Beach and it was lovely. Each room was decorated in a victorian style with fire places and big puffy comforters. Every evening a cheesecake buffet with wine was held in the lobby area. It was wonderful. I would recommend dinner at Robins. Great meal at a reasonable price.

Many of the cottages along Moonstone Beach looked nice. We stayed at the Whitewater Inn (mentioned by sj above), and were very pleased. But, a word of warning. A little bubble bath goes a LOOONG way in the hot tub!

Fran,

I would allow myself a couple or three hours (depending upon the traffic, weather, road conditions, and the number of times you round a bend and say "Oh my!" and decide to stop and look around. It's roughly 90 miles or so from Hearst Castle to Carmel Valley and the ride is breathtaking.

There are a whole bunch of really nice inns in Carmel, however, if you are planning a couple days or so then perhaps you might want to look in Pacific Grove (Lighthouse Lodge & Suites perhaps, or for just basic lodging, the Pacific Grove Motel, Wilkies or any of a number of places. Do a search on Google.com for Pacific Grove and you will find all kinds of info. The reason I suggest PG is because it is right between Carmel and Monterey and easy to get to either place.

Don't forget to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (www.mbayaq.org).

Ron