Driving from LA to San Fran over 5 days in fall. Staying night 1 at Simpson House Inn in Santa Barbara. Figuring night 2 somewhere is Cambria area (but am open for ideas), since nights 3 and 4 at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. Plan on night 5 in Carmel/Monterrey area.

Would appreciate your hotel suggestions, or even locale changes. This is a long-awaited romantic get away so prefer quieter, upscale properties.

Appreciate your suggestions.

AL

www.dolphinbayhotel&residences.com in Pismo Beach is one of the nicest places I've ever stayed. Get a room with a full ocean view, and it's just heaven. Enjoy~

sorry, incorrect link. Try www.thedolphinbay.com

Monterey/Carmel would have to be either the Spanish Bay Inn or Pebble Beach Resort.

Look into the Four Sisters Inns. Its a change in various California locations but very nice and romantic.

Oops, I see you've already got Big Sur covered. But I'll put this up here anyway, for the Ventana Inn:

http://www.ventanainn.com/resort_press_innfacts.asp

We absolutely love the Monterey Plaza in Monterey. We've had rooms directly on the water and have been charmed by all the sea life. The location is perfect and the restaurants are wonderful, too. We'd considered the Spanish Bay Inn and Pebble Beach Resort but were blissfully happy with our choice.

www.montereyplazahotel.com

I think that once you've stayed at Post Ranch Inn, not much else will compare. Great choice. Should be a special time!