We are planning a 7 day driving trip starting in San Diego and ending In San Francisco. We have 4 older kids, 21, 20, 18 and 15. We will probably spend 2 nights in San Diego going to the zoo, 2 in the LA area visiting Universal studios and hollywood, 1 night somewhere between LA and SF stopping to see Hearst Castle and then 2 nights in the SF area. It is difficult to find reasonably priced accomodations for 6 people. Does any one have suggestions, any specific hotel recommendations?

What is "reasonable"?

Curious

There are several Residence Inns in that area. We stayed at the downtown location once, which was very nice and in a great location.
PS. I love your name

Reasonable would be under or around $200 night. Many places don't allow more than 4 in a room but booking two rooms brings the nightly total to close to $300.

You could get two rooms through Priceline and stay within your budget.

I've never used Priceline? Were you happy with what you got?

Priceline does not guarantee you two beds in a room. Therefore I don't think it is a good suggestion for families.