Donna1185

Yes, its amazing...
Just e-mailed the Tradewinds Inn, seems they have specials in April, they got a better review on trip advisor then the LaPlaya, lets see what they say.
Suggestions for Cambria? Was thinking of the J. Patrick House, seems out of the way though...

kimamom

I think it would be nicer to stay across the street from the ocean, it's so pretty there. We like to spend the day down by the water reading, taking photos, and watching the sea lions. Moonstone Beach is gorgeous! ***kim*** If you can get a good rate for the Tradewinds, go for it! I would love to hear a report on this place, it looks very Asian-elegant! ***kim***

Donna1185

Moonstone beach is in Cambria?

kimamom

www.cambria-online.com would be a good website for you! Have fun! ***kim***

uuhhhh

just offering a word of caution, Donna.... people are not always as they appear....

babs001

Donna: take a look at one of the mapping sites like mapquest to get an idea about Cambria. Cambria is basically divided by hwy1. The main part of town with shops and most restaurants is to the east of 1. Moonstone Beach Drive is on the west side of 1, and runs right along the water. It is, however, on the bluffs, not down at water level. The views from all of the lodging establishments have the same view with the exception of the very end one - name has 'Pines' in it, I think. The road is short and walkable from one end to the other. There are two good restaurants among the motels, so you can walk to dinner if you wish. There is a very well maintained walkway and places to get down to the beach. This area if lovely. The motels vary in price a bit, depending on how deluxe they are, but I think they are all decent. We love the area.

Donna1185

Has anyone stayed at either the Fogcatcher or Cypress Inn? They both seem to be within our budget.
Should I spend the xtra and get an oceanview on Moonstone Beach?
They both have a special where you get dinner at Brambles, ever eaten there?

PamSF

I'm with uuhhhh. Be careful.

moneygirl

I love La Playa for the beautiful property and the great views. AWe stayed three nights several years ago and loved the service and the room was very comfortable, although not luxurious. The location is a plus because you are close to the beach and just a few blocks from busy downtown Carmel. I don't think this property has ever been known for the restaurant... it is average at best. Another plus is that they have their own parking, which is always a challenge in Carmel. The Pine Inn is another one of our favorites, again, nice and comfortable, not luxurious. If you like older, historic hotels, than you would be happy at either of these.

The Fogcatcher in Cambria is a wonderful location, much better than the J. Patrick House. (The Patrick House is in a residential section and the rooms looked worn to me. Also, the proximity of the rooms was very close together... to much so for my taste. We chose not to stay there.) The Brambles is a nice tadtional restaurant that serves the classics like Beef Burgandy and other things that are usually not on more modern menus. We have eaten there several times and the food is consistently delicious. I would not pay the extra in Cambria for an ocean view because for most of the properties, Fogcatcher included, your "view" is across a road and many times it is so foggy you really can't see anything. On the other hand, I live at the beach and see it every day! I certainly understand the concept of wanting ocean views everywhere on vacation... I did the same when we went to Australia.

lindafromNJ

Recently did a trip to Monterey, Carmel and that area. Stayed at the Tickle Pink Inn which was nice but next time would pick a different room. We would also stay at Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch. It is serene and beautiful and the restaurant there was very nice. Also there are some places in Big Sur. I don't know where they are. When we were there we went to Point Lobos which we just loved. It is an all day event. Wish we would of spend more time in Big Sur. Found that area to be the most beautiful. If you stay in Carmel it is not far to Big sur.

Donna1185

I was under the impression that the fogcatcher & cypress Inn were right on the cliffs with water below. I didn't realize that there was a road in between.
How far is the Mission Ranch from town?

kimamom

Yes, spend a little extra and get the oceanview. The Cypress Cove Inn is very nice! ***kim***

Donna1185

Can anyone recommend sites to see that should not be missed on the way up North.
Leaving Dana Point and first stop Santa Barbara.
Then heading up to Cambria and then to Carmel.
We are planning one night in each stop.
Currently we do not have an intenerary and would love to hear suggestions.

babs001

Yes Donna, there is a road between the motels and the edge of the bluffs. However, it is not a busy road, it's really a residential type street. Because of this, any lodging that has a balcony/patio/window overlooking the water is also closest to the street. Keep that in mind if you are paying a premiun for a water view. And moneygirl is exactly right - fog can be a factor also. Personally, this is one place I would economize and get the least expensive room I could along Moonstone. All lodging is decent, some are just plainer and some are alittle more deluxe. The ocean is the same no matter what.

Donna1185

Found $79.00 for King no view at Cyress Inn, sounds like a good deal...
I appreciate the info.
Can you suggest things to see on our way up the coast.
I feel like we really don't have much time with just 3 nights.

babs001

The only reason we went to Cambria initially was to tour Hearst's Castle and in the process really liked Cambria. If HC is not in your plans I recommend it. Each tour takes about 2 hours. There are several to choose from, but Tour 1 is recommended for first timers. We did 3 tours while there since we weren't sure when we'd be back again. Only about 10 minutes up the road from Cambria. Once done there you can be back on the road and headed further north. Across the road from the HC entrance is an old village that you may find interesting. There is a little gift/snack shop/post office there if you need stamps (they don't sell them at HC). Very pretty area - I think you'll love it.

Donna1185

Thanks Babs001, we are planning to stop at Hearst Castle from Santa Barbara, tour one, o.k..
Is there anything else in the Cambria/San Simeon area to see?
On the way to Carmel from Cambria we'd like to stop at Point Lobos. Want to see Monterey and Pacific Grove also. Do you think we could do that in a day and stay the overnight in Carmel? Is that enough time?
Whats with the fog I keep hearing about? Is in on the coast all of the time? Were going the 1st week in April, not sure what the weather will be like.

babs001

You will pass Pt Lobos before you arrive in Carmel. By the time you are done at PL, go check in to your room and depending on the time you might be able to drive over to Monterey/Pacific Grove (only about 30 min away). Otherwise, use what time you still have that day to explore Carmel and have dinner. You can always drive over to Monterey the next morning. I hope you will include the 17 mile drive as part of your visit. It's beautiful.

Donna1185

The next day we will be driving up to Oakland to catch a flight out @ 3:30.
Should we change our itenerary and drive straight up US1 from Santa Barbara to Carmel with a stop at the castle? Then we'd spend 2 nights in Carmel and skip the night in Cambria.
Any idea how long the drive would be?

babs001

If I was going to skip anything, I'd pass on the drive over to Monterey, but unless you are going to be up and gone at 5:00 am or something, you really are close and could just drive by and keep going. Then again, you might be less rushed to just stop at HC, do the tour and keep going and not stay in Cambria. There is more to do in the Carmel area than in the Cambria area. Pt Lobos will take alittle time if you are firm on that.