I think we'll stay at the San Simeon Pines Resort in Cambria because it sounds just right. But Santa Barbara and Carmel are a different story; it seems I have spent hours on web sites and at a book store trying to figure out where to stay. There are four of us and we'll be staying midweek for just one night each place, spending around $200 including tax for one room with two queen beds or one queen and a sleeper sofa. We are flexible about downtown or the beach, a view, a pool, but not about traffic noise. It would be a big plus if the lodging had charm! Santa Barbara choices: Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach, Hotel Santa Barbara, Franciscan Inn, Cabrillo Inn at the Beach, Casa del Mar,Country Inn by the Sea. Would any of these be a good fit? Any other ideas? So far for Carmel I've found the Vagabond's House Inn as one possiblity. Any others? I would like to be within walking distance to Ocean Ave. and the beach. I've been to Carmel but haven't a clue about Santa Barbara. Thanks for any help.

I think that is a good choice for Cambria if it is the place right at the end of Moonstone Beach Drive. Haven't stayed there, but anything on MBD is a wise choice. The view is incredible, with a good boadwalk at the top of the bluff. No one is on the water side of the road, so everyone shares the view with no obstructions.
Carmel will be a little trickier because so many places only have king or queen beds, rather than 2 beds, in a room. I think Vagabond is a good choice, it's pretty and the location is good. We've stayed at the Carriage House Inn, which is fine, and a good location. The Cobblestone Inn is right next door. The Inns by the Sea group and the Four Sisters group both run their inns well, with FS being alittle more upscale.The group that has the Vagabond also has a few others, most within a couple of blocks of Ocean.
In Santa B we stayed at Country Inn because it was one of the Inns BTS. It is was not quite as nice as Carriage House, but was on a side street that ran to the water about half way between the pier and the marina. While Carmel and Cambria are quite small, Santa B is bigger, but not BIG. Things are spread out alittle more.
You might also consider Montecito which is right next to SB.

Just for clarification, San Simeon Pines Resort is not in Cambria, it is located about one and a half miles north of Cambria in San Simeon.

In Santa Barbara, you might want to check out the Hotel Oceana on Cabrillo Blvd. www.hoteloceanasantabarbara.com It is a few doors down from the Harbor View Inn where we stayed and looked quaint and is in a great location if you want to be across the street from the ocean. ***kim***

Babs and Kimamom, thanks for your input; I'll check out both of your suggestions. I am looking for something with a bit of character. I've found a couple other Carmel lodging choices: Colonial Terrace Inn, Candle Light Inn/Dolphin Inn/Wayside Inn, Green Lantern, and Carmel Wayfarer Inn. Too confusing! Thanks in advance for any help with Carmel and Santa Barbara.

Colonial Terrace is quite nice. A bit more of a walk from Ocean, but that's really relative...Carmel is small! You mentioned that you have been there before so you are aware that Ocean slopes down toward the water. Depending on where you stay you may be doing a bit of up and down when you shop or dine. BTW, are you aware that a lady in town gives a walking tour a few times a week? It is interesting and you will discover a few places in town that you might miss on your own.I don't remember how I heard about it but she has a web site if you are interested in a little sluething.
As Kim pointed out, the San Simeon Pines Resort is not the place I had in mind.I don't know what other criteria you have but I do recommend Moonstone Beach Drive as a good location if the other doesn't work out.

The Green Lantern is close to the ocean, if that's a factor for you. The little cottages look very nice when we have walked by them. (We usually stay in the Carmel Highlands area.)

Let me know if you would like dining suggestions in Cambria, it's one of my favorite places on the CA coast! ***kim***

Hi nyvisitor:
All of the hotels you are looking at in Santa Barbara are within a couple blocks of each other and all close to/ or across from the beach, with the exception of Hotel Santa Barbara. This hotel is just a bit further, but only a couple block from the beach.
Hope this helps.
minnie.

Carmel Mission Inn has some incredibly good rates on weeknights this time of year...check their website...you can even afford two rooms.

For Santa Barbara....www.theeagleinn.com

Thanks for all your suggestions. Because the Eagle Inn didn't have availability and Hotel Oceana had some mixed comments on Trip Advisor, I'm thinking about the Marina Beach Motel for our stay in Santa Barbara. Since the Carmel Mission Inn is too big for me, I think the Colonial Terrace Inn will be fine for Carmel. It's more than $200, but we do get an ocean view, it evens out with the money we're saving by staying at the San Simeon Pines in Cambria, and I'm good at justifying! Any red flags for any of these places? Any favorite places to eat in these three towns? Thanks.

Oh yeah! Lots of yummy places in all three areas!

Santa Barbara: SB Shellfish Co., The Wine Cask, Olie e Limone, Eladio's @ the Harbor View Inn, The Patio @ the Four Seasons Biltmore and the Los Olivos Cafe in the wine country!

Cambria: Moonstone Bar & Grill (oceanviews here!), The Sea Chest for wonderful seafood (no reservations or credit cards,tho), Robin's (great fish tacos), and the Sow's Ear Cafe (go for the salmon in parchment paper or the chicken fried steak.) The Tea Cozy is very nice for tea and sandwiches.

Carmel: Roy's, The California Market, Pacific's Edge, Casanova, Bouchee. (Haven't been to that one yet, tho!)

Monterey/PG: The White House, The Whaling Station(great steaks), The Old Bath House, Schooner's @ the Plaza (check out the views from the Penthouse spa), on the wharf: Domenico's and Cafe Fina. I'm sure others have their favorites, also! Cheers! ***kim***

There are several really good places to eat in Carmel. One that I never hear anyone mention is da Giavonni's. It's on Lincoln. Small, mediterranean, good service, good wine list. Alittle out of the way. Casanova's is probably the one you'll hear the most about, and for good reason. It's very good.
Remember that Carmel is not flat, you'll be doing some uphill/downhill walking there, although not far. Take comfy shoes. You'll be closer to the beach than to the shops & restaurants so you'll get your exercise. The bright spot is it will be downhill going back to your room!!

Hi nyvisitor:
What type of food/restaurant are you looking for in SB?
There is a fun seafood place at the marina, which is just a short walk from the hotel you picked. Brophy Brothers, good fresh seafood., and if you go at lunch time you may be able to see the fishing boats come in and unload their catch. Fun to see.
If you are looking for Italian, there are 2 excellent spots in Montecito. About a 10 minute drive from your hotel.
Pane e Vino, and Via Vie. Both highly recommended.
minnie.

Just to clarify Kimamom's correction: San Simeon Pines Resort is on Moonstone Beach Dr. just beyond the other Cambria ocean view inns and hotels. I've never stayed there but the location would be in close proximity to Cambria.
The Fransican Inn in Santa Barbara is a short walk to the beach and the rooms and clean and nice. I wouldn't say it's overly "charming" but is a good choice for not too much money.

Yes, I indicated that it was about one and a half miles north of Cambria! It looks like a nice place from the website! ***kim***

Hi. Just a note from a local on the Oceana... don't stay there... looks good from the outside but the inside is funky...
4 of you staying in a room? Are you a family? w/ Children? Couples? That all makes a difference in what you might want. Santa Barbara Hotel is RIGHT downtown amongst the bars...talk about noisy!
For the locals food, go to The Paradise Cafe (good and affordable), Brophy's (expect a lonnnggg wait - but plan to walk around the harbor while waiting), Longboards for lunch at the Wharf, nice dinners our favorites are Emelio's (italian), Louie's at the Upham, Montecito Cafe.

Hello to toneupsb . . . are you familiar with the Eagle Inn? We are reserved there 8/19-8/20 and have been informed it is newly redone? It is in next block from Fransican Inn. That weekend was a full house in SB so not much choice to change. Also, do you know if SB still has the Art-By-The-Sea on Sundays (maybe it was Saturday not certain?) Thanks!!

Cheers!
Deborahg

Any suggestions for lodging in Pacific Grove, CA?? Hopefully near the water

Cheers!
deborahg