I have just recently been lurking around Travelzoo. I just hit "California" under "lodging specials" on occasion when I feel like getting away and pampering myself. If I see the Sonoma Mission Inn, I'll be sure to post (with attn:kimamom).

tray: ***kim***

Hi, Hope I'm not too late with my suggestion: We've stayed at the Andril Fireplace Cottages in Pacific Grove a few times. Absolutely loved it. They are seprate cottages with porches and are set around a grassy area. In the back grassy area we always say deer right up close to the back porch. You can walk over to Asilomar Beach in just a few minutes. It is a peaceful and beautiful setting. The price is around 135.00 per night. Unless you want a very fancy hotel type accomodation, this is well worth a try.

Just wanted to say thanks to all who replied on this message board! We just got back from California and your suggestions were wonderful. Went down Pacific Hwy 1 starting at Half Moon Bay, through Monterey and the 17-Mile Dr to Carmel.
Stayed in Carmel instead of Monterey -at the suggestion of many. (We wound up at the Comfort Inn - comfortable place for 1 night within walking distance to everything). Ate at Flannery's - good food! Carmel Beach in the AM was wonderful.
Drove to Point Lobos the next morning- another great suggestion! -- and then down to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the McWay Falls. We absolutely loved the area -- the scenery is breathtaking - much different than the East Coast!
Got back to San Francisco on time -- before 5 PM!
We also enjoyed touring San Francisco for the next couple of days. Weather was perfect!
Thanks so much for all of your input!

I'm so glad that you posted and that you had a good trip. I know that even a little bit of carmel/monterey is better than none at all and now you'll probably be like everyone else - ready to go back for a longer stay!