We're planning a first anniversary trip mid-October for 4 days. We are looking for a romantic inn ($250 per night max.) Has anyone stayed at: Inn at Playa Del Rey, Blue Lantern Inn (Dana Point), Gold Mtn Manor (Lake Arrowhead), Snug Harbor Inn or Villa Portofino(Catalina Island)? Your comments and other suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Hello Debbie --

I've not familiar with the inns you mention but I can recommend this small hotel as delightful and tres romantic:

El Encanto Hotel & Garden Villas
1900 Lasuen Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
$200-$300

Second the El Encanto in SB. I know the Blue Lantern--very nice, romantic? maybe, pretty harbor. There's a book entitled "Weekends for Two in Southern California: 50 Romantic Trips" I have the Northern CA version and they are right on. Should give you lots of ideas. Is the Inn at Mt. Ada out of price range? If not, it's great. Also look at the Hotel Del Coronado in SD, on pretty Coronado Island with a view back to San Diego. Have fun.

Hi Debbie! Last summer, my husband and I celebrated part of our 1st anniversary at the Cheshire Cat Inn in Santa Babara. It was very intimate and they served a delicious breakfast on their outdoor patio. If you are interested in a good restaurant, Citronelle in Santa Barbara was a terrific dining experience. California/French cusine and a great wine list. A friend of mine stayed at Blue Lantern and seemed to really enjoy it. Congratualtions and enjoy!

I don't know how far "south" you want to be, but recommend highly the Ballard Inn, just outside of Solvang. Tiny town in the middle of the Santa Barbara area wine country. Only 15 rooms from $175 to $300, very romantic and quiet. Breakfast included, restaurant for dinner at the Inn and across the street too.