I think the budget could work for the road trip part, it's when she's in San Francisco for 2 days at the beginning that $100/night lodging is going to be hard to come by.

Regarding inexpensive places to stay in San Francisco, I stayed in this hostel once just to see if it was as good as it looks. It was. http://sfhostels.com/fishermans-wharf

But, I repeat, Airbnb.com will be your best bet overall to get the most for your money.

I've stayed in that hostel, MmePerdu, and I loved the view!

We've walked around that hostel and wondered if it would be nice to stay there. Glad to hear from those who have. Love the location.

No availability at Fort Mason Hostel. I agree that the location is PRIME!

Also keep in mind if you want to spend $100 per night, the nightly rate will be significantly less than that, due to tax rate. at 17% tax and per night $.25 tax you are looking at about $85 per night. Perhaps you can cut the trip down a few days and bump up the nightly rate.

People who whine about "Cali" are a lot more annoying than the people who say "Cali".

(And the people who whine about the people who whine about "Cali" are right on.)

What's the car situation, are you driving into San Fran and needing to park a car? If so, Chelsea Motor Inn or Lombard Motor Inn prob your best best since other places charge $40 or more for parking.

Heading south, booking.com has good rates at the Bayside Inn Monterey or Carmel River Lodge , $89 on those weeknights. Further south, the little Shell Beach Inn would be perfect, , $95, short stroll to the ocean.

Just south of Santa Barbara, Coast Village Inn is a good spot in Montecito Village at $129.

Unfortunately $100 per night isn't going to do it, it's the last week of summer........but maybe fodorites can help you save on the car rental or recommend some dining bargains.

To stay within your budget, you might consider staying in outlying towns. Instead of staying in Monterey, there is a Motel 6 in Marina, midweek rate is $55.99/night; it is close to Marina State Beach.

Do you think, she will ever come back?

I'd love to know if megan found places to stay for $100 a night. If so, I'd like to know the names.