my wife and I can go anywhere in continental us for a wknd in august...we think we've narrowed it down to Northern california or martha's vineyard/Nantucket...need quick recommendations for the best romantic hotels in those 2 areas...cost not really a factor..not looking for a real active weekend, rather a destination type resort

thanks for the help

The best inns/resorts in these areas (beyond the city of SF itself) are:

Wauwinet on Nantucket (which will have been totally booked for August months ago; 800-426-8718) extremely peaceful, picturesque setting; rooms a bit underdone for the $$ in my book, but you pay for the setting)
Charlotte Inn, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard (the better rooms will also have been booked in all likelihood (508-627-4751) very unique and expensively done antique rooms, very romantic, but formal feeling)
Norther Calif:
Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach (beautiful setting, but most enjoyable if you're golfers)
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur (spectacular views from the better rooms ('tree house rooms' are amazing) with fireplaces and jacuzzis, private, very romantic)
Ventana Inn, Big Sur (amazing views, big rooms, relaxing private atmosphere)
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel (no spectacular views but all suites with fireplaces, cabin style and more casual feeling than others on my list)
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley (more formal feeling, but very nice)
Meadowood, Napa Valley (also formal feeling and expensive, but very nice for a getaway trip)

Pelican Inn-Muir Beach 20 min from SF
Hotel Majestic in SF

otherwise Napa Valley is beautiful and there are tons of cute B&Bs to stay in-but can be crowded in August.

Sonoma Mission Inn in Sonoma Wine Country if cost isn't a factor. Great spa treatments and outdoor natural spring water pools.

Mendocino is cute town 1 1/2 hour north drive from SF.

I'd suggest staying closer to San Francisco Bay or the coastline as opposed to Napa. While Napa's beautiful, it tends to get pretty hot in the summer months.

Eden something in Rockport, MA for two nights would be fantastic. It is a B&B in the water on the edge of town. Scenic and relaxing beyond words. If you can't find anything out, e-mail me.

The Centerboard on Nantucket is beautiful, walking distance to town, and you can rent a 4 wheel drive to drive along the beaches.

Very easy island to get around.

Since it is now aug 30th, I hope Robert has made his plans by now.

I know it's an old post, but I find such useful info going through other's posts, that I thought the recommendation might be helpful for others.

The Sonoma Mission Inn does not belong in the list of hotels above. Overpriced, underdone, not what you'd expect for the setting.