Trying to plan a fun weekend outside of San Francisco, but coming up blank...

Ideally I'd like to spend the weekend at the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay, but I'm just not certain that will work out. Does anyone know of a hotel similar to the Ritz in terms of location + luxury? I'm limiting my search to within 2 hours of San Francisco, so I'm open to anywhere from Mendocino to Napa to Monterey, but my ultimate goal is to find a fabulous hotel where I can lounge on the balconey in a plush robe, watch the sun set with a glass of good wine, and retreat to my big bed with fine linens.

So far, I've looked up a ton of B&Bs, but I'm not quite convinced there's anything like the Ritz I'd greatly appreciate your input if any hotels or inns come to mind!

with your tastes, Mendocino is not for you.

Why would the R-C not work for you? If you can give more clues, perhaps we can help. In my mind, that is the perfectg answer. When are you going? Otherwise, Napa - Auberge du Soleil and Meadowbrook, Sonoma - the Sonoma Mission Inn.... But the Ritz is great!

Well, the Ritz would be great...but it's only 20 minutes away, and I'm having a hard time convincing the boyfriend that anything less than an hour away actually constitutes a vacation! Although I would *love* to stay there, it might be easier to compromise and head further up the coast.

I'll be headed out in June, so I really want to stay somewhere with a gorgeous view and a nice outdoor area...the fine linens/plush robes are negotiable Really, I was just looking for a romantic getaway, without actually using the word "romantic." Thanks for the suggestions thus far; I'll definitely check them out!

Post Ranch Inn or Ventana Inn would be the most luxurious on the coast (Big Sur)

Here Ya Go Jtankers.......My wife and I love this place so much we have been three times all the way from Mississippi.............

http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/

And you can visit their other resorts in South Carolina, Los Cabos, Rancho Velenicia or try out their new resort near Calistoga. It may be finer than Auberge.....Esperanza is outstanding. We were there last fall.

http://www.aubergeresorts.com/

In fact if I return again I will stay at Calistoga Ranch. A good friend visited and was swept away....Have a nice trip.

http://www.calistogaranch.com/

Thanks for the suggestions thus far; I've checked them all out, and unfortunately none will work (either already booked for the night I want, or require a 2-night minimum on weekends...).

Any opinions on the following?
(1) Howard Creek Ranch in Mendocino (specifically, the Beach Cottage)

(2) Greenwood Pier Inn in Elk (south of Mendocino)

(3) Milliken Creek Inn in Napa

Thanks for the input!

What about Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa in Sonoma. I have not been there for the night but we had lunch there. Interesting place.

http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma

Post Ranch

I LOVE Howard Creek Ranch, but given your preference for "Ritz" kinds of lodging, I fear you'd be disappointed. It's very rustic - but incredibly beautiful surroundings.

From their website, it looks like Howard Creek is actually in Westport, which is a ways north of Mendocino. It's a gorgeous location, but it's a *tiny* town, and well over a 2 hour drive from SF, that's for sure.

I stayed at the Albion River Inn just south of Mendocino about 2 weeks ago and loved it--I think it would be great for a romantic weekend. It's not the Ritz, but it's very comfortable with a great view and nice features like soaking tubs and fireplaces. It will take around 3 hours to get there though (or anywhere near Mendocino) and that's going 101 to 128.

I stopped in and looked at the rooms at the Harbor House in Elk and thought they were quite nice, but I liked Albion River Inn better. I didn't get a chance to see Greenwood Pier though.

Sonoma Mission Inn is very nice, we have stayed there 3 times. In Monterey, you may like the Monterey Plaza Hotel, it is right on the ocean.

The Highland's Inn in Carmel is also great, they have balconies with gorgeous views of the coastline and large jacuzzi tubs in the rooms.

Post Ranch Inn is a good suggestion in Big Sur, we haven't stayed there but loved the property when we dined at Sierra Mar. Have fun! ***kim***

Google MacArthur Place and Spa in Sonoma. Also The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort and Spa, or Inn at Sonoma.

Less than an hour from San Francisco with the advantage of a pretty historic town where you can browse around the Plaza. Also good restaurants.

The Avalon B&B in Sebastopol is very nice. Not as luxurious as the R-C - but in a beautiful location with very nice rooms.

http://www.avalonluxuryinn.com/

Check out the Heritage House. We've enjoyed this place since the 1970s & were there in February for a long weekend.
http://www.heritagehouseinn.com/

I stayed at the Milliken Inn, it's not to par with the RC. If you have money, I'd go for Post Ranch Inn and Ventana Inn. The 3 places you mentioned are not up to the RC level.

Try the Inn at Spanish Bay or The Lodge at Pebble Beach--they were in Conde Nast's top ten resorts in the US--and certainly qualify as location +luxury.

Maybe Calistoga Ranch Inn?

http://www.calistogaranch.com/html/o...operties.shtml

I, too, love Howard Creek Ranch, but it is not a luxury place in relation to the Ritz kind of luxury. You might like Highlands Inn in Carmel Highlands or Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg.

Hotel Healdsburg is very nice, there is also the Le Mars Hotel that is very elegant, you could dine at Cyrus! ***kim***