I am struggling with accomodation choices for a trip to the coast in May. We will be on our first anniversary trip, so we want it to be special, but not insanely expensive. In Carmel, we are torn between the Cypress Inn and the Tickle Pink Inn...I know one is in the little town and one is a few miles south. Overall, which is better?
Also, any recommendations on Santa Barbara accomodations would be great...

Can't help you with accommodations in either, but if you want a great inexpensive lunch in Santa Barbara, go to La Super-Rica Taqueria -- it's so delicious! My boyfriend and I drove up the CA coast in July, and even with all the fantastic things we saw and ate and did, we still talk about that little taco stand and sigh. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. (Frommer's says Julia Child eats there.) Also, if you get tired of all the touristy stuff while you're in Carmel, we loved the nearby town of Pacific Grove (there are some lovely inns there too). It feels more like a real town than Carmel or Monterrey, has a very pretty walk along the water, and some yummy places to eat too (we had a really good meal at Pepper's Mexicali).

If you do two searches on this forum with the words "Carmel" and "Santa Barbara" you will bring up lots more threads with recommendations for places to stay.

We were in Carmel area just a few weeks ago and stayed at the Grand View Inn in Pacific Grove. This is the sister bed and breakfast to Seven Gables Inn. We loved it. The rooms are beautifully decorated and most have views of Monterey Bay. Their is a fruit and candy basket waiting for you in your room when you arrive. Wonderful views of the bay from the common areas - parlor and dining room. There is also an outside garden with sitting area where you can view the bay. The breakfast which is included was delicious. They also have afternoon tea for their guests. The inn is near seventeen mile drive, Monterey Aquarium and Carmel. Also it is within walking distance to Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. The Old Bath House restaurant is located there. We had a wonderful, but expensive, dinner there. Just about all tables have a wonderful view of the bay and when its dark you can view the lights of Monterey. If you want more information, you can contact the Inn at (831)372-4341. They also have a web site at www.7gables-grandview.com. Have a great time on your trip!

Thanks for your responses....anyone else have thoughts???

I was also looking into places to stay in Santa Barbara and found an interesting hotel called Pacifica Suites. Rates seem reasonable at $135 to $165 for rooms that seem quite nice. Has anyone stayed here and what are your impressions? How is the location relative to central Santa Barbara? Their web site is pacificasuites.com.

I still need help with where to stay?? Anyone else have an opinion?

There are lots of B and Bs in Santa Barbara. I would do a search on this forum for some specific recommendations.
I have heard good things about the Simpson House and I have stayed at the Upham and enjoyed it, but I think it was more than $100 a day ( I wasn't paying).

I know the Fodorites will help you out...do a search for more info.

Thomas:

Have stayed at the Villa Rosa in Santa Barbara ("18 rooms, 84 steps to the beach"). Cozy, private, no TV, affordable (less than $100/night), friendly.

Thomas, in CArmel, it depends on whether you want to be "in town" or a little outside. I would choose the Cypress Inn over Tickle Pink because we love to leave our car and walk around this wonderful little town. Cypress is owned by Doris Day, so don't be surprised to share the hotel with some wonderful and totally spoiled pooches, but they only add to the charm. In the "which is better" catagory, I would say they are a toss up. You can easily go with either and have a wonderful stay. Have a great time in Carmel. In Sta. Barbara, we find the B&Bs to be just too cute.(and I think you would want to be more alone on an anniversary!) We have liked the Biltmore and El Encanto but never were happy with any of the recommended B&Bs. Can also recommend the Montecito Inn, just south of Sta. Barbara in Montecito. It has a lot of history and would be great for an anniversary trip.

Thomas,

We've been going (east coasters) to the Monterey area for about 15 years now. Although we love staying in Pacific Grove, Butterflytown USA, I have to agree with kam in that you would be better suited to stay in Carmel itself if your choice is between the two listed. Park the car and leave it. There is so much beauty in walking the streets. You also have to hike it down the hill to Carmel Beach and get your feet wet in the wonderfully "cool" Carmel Bay. Wander over under the greens and fairways of Pebble Beach and look for some errant golf balls. Bully III at Delores St and Eighth Ave will give you a very good lunch or dinner and you might try Katy's Place on Mission St between 5th and 6th for a breakfast. Friar Tuck's is good for breakfast and lunch also.

Lisa had some good comments on Pacific Grove and you may be able to tell that she is in love with Point Lobos which is only a couple miles south of Carmel (you see it from the beach at Carmel looking south). We are also, and became members a few years back as well as joining the Monterey Bay Aquarium many years ago (this was their 15th anniversary year).

The Pacific Ocean has amazing curative powers even if nothing neads curing. Watching the sunset is inspiring and something to see. I can think of no better place to spend an anniversary than anywhere along that 100 mile stretch of California between Monterey and Cambria.

Sorry, we've never had a desire to spend much time beyond either boundry because of the beauty within.

Have a very happy anniversary and feel free to email any time.

Ron C.

Haven't been there, but heard Tickle Pink was wonderful by friends who stayed there.... unfortunately, won't get a chance on our next trip in a few weeks...but if they say it's great, I would believe them..

There are a zillion hotels and B&B's in Santa Barbara and fortunately, although there are always tourists here, you're coming just before the height of tourist season.

First a note for Alan regarding Pacifica Suites. Regardless of the street address, they are really located in Goleta. It's less than 15 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara (during non-rush hour times), but you would need to drive EVERYWHERE. It isn't within walking distance of ANYTHING. It would be a great location if you were going to spend most of your time at UCSB. Otherwise, for $135, you can stay in a hotel on the beach!

The Simpson House consistently receives 5 star/diamond ratings and is priced accordingly (or as you put it "insanely expensive"). The Upham Hotel is delightful and has much more moderately priced rooms. There's a wonderful restaurant there as well. The Cheshire Cat is nice too.

You might try calling the Santa Barbara Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers Guild (805)963-8191 and ask for more information. The guild is headquartered at the Old Yacht Club Inn, Santa Barbara's first B&B.

Several times, I've booked family and friends at the Eagle Inn (805) 965-3586. It's a hotel with a B&B feel, one block in from the beach, so it's really quiet. The lobby of the beautiful Spanish building could use some updating, but the rooms are quite lovely. You should be able to book very nice room there for under $100. (Most of the rooms have full kitchens! Ask for one without a kitchen if you want to save a few dollars.)

You might also try Santa Barbara HotSpots free reservation service (800) 793-7666. Feel free to email me directly with any questions about their recommendations.

i hope this helps.

Happy planning!

Hi,

I stayed at the Secret Garden Inn in Santa Barbara a few months ago. Very romantic, with a private deck and hot tub. Money was a consideration so we stayed in the smallest room ($129). Small and cozy and romantic. They serve a great breakfast in the morning and wine, cider and cookies at night. The staff is very nice. Bring candles!
There are many Bed and Breakfast websites for SB. Check them out for a good deal. Also go to a bookstore and look at "The Best Places to Kiss in Southern California". They have a good list of Santa Barbara hotels.

Thank you so much for all of the suggestions. We are not booking until January... so we still appreciate anyone else that has advice to give on either location !! Thanks again.

In Monterey there is a charming adobe hotel named Hotel Pacific. It is in walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf. Lovely--each room has a fireplace, sitting area, dining area.

I live in SB. If yo want hi end stay at Biltmore - 1st class all the way - a bit snooty - LA ritzy stay there for weekend getaways
The DoubleTree (used to be Red Lion) owned by Fess Parker is hi end but low key; both on the water. Doubletree is walking distance to wharf and all waterfront activity.
SB has lots of B&B's but dont know much about them - not my style - Simpson House has had rave reviews for years

Pacific Suites (used to be Embassy Suites) is right at the airport - nothing remotely close to it except UCSB
if you are coming to visit your college kid stay here, if not stay on the waterfront for sure!
There is company here called Hot Spots on State St - call them and they will give you ifo, send you info on several types of porperties, resturants, etc
Any questions, let me know

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