My husband and I are trying to use an upgrade certificate from UAL for a long weekend in late October -- would like to come to the coast of CA. What is a great destination lodge/resort/inn? (not a b&b) Preferably on the coast, Carmel/Monterey/ Big Sur area or perhaps further south? We can fly into LAX or SF, head somewhere for 3 nights, then home. Would like the best we can find for $300 - $400 a night.

Hi Chicago999..
I say you come to San Diego and stay in La Jolla, Del Mar or maybe Coronado..the weather will be warmer than Northern California and we have some wonderful resorts..
Hotel Del Coronado
hoteldel.com
La Valencia Hotel
lavalencia.com
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
thelodgetorreypines.com
L'Auberge Del Mar
laubergedelmar.com
Restaurants to enjoy are:
The Marine Room in La Jolla
ljbtc.com
Georges at the Cove
georgesatthecove.com

Keep us posted and have a wonderful time!

I'm a Nor Cal gal, and I think I would vote for San Diego first myself. Weather wise, late October could start to get iffy. Although usually it's still nice on the Central Coast. My selections are more in the $100.- to 150.- range so I won't bother LOL.

I just returned from a 2 week stay at the Four Seasons in Santa Barbara and absolutely loved it. If you do a search on "Santa barbara" my trip report should pop up with some ideas of things to do. I loved it there and intend to return.

I would vote for San Diego if you want to go to the coast. La Jolla is absolutely beautiful!
San Francisco would also be a great place; it depends on what you want to do!

Thanks, all, for the advice -- am now considering Bernardus (carmel valley), Gaige House Inn (glen ellen) , and Quail Lodge (carmel)-- anyone have any experience with these inns? How is weather in these areas around Halloween? Also considering Lodge at Torrey Pines (thanks Tahiti Tams) but would the coast be full of fog at this time of year? (We've stayed at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, before their rates became OUTRAGEOUS, and encountered too much fog for the price.)

We've spent time in SF and prefer to be away from the city on our vacations.