MichelleY

Check Paso Robles, Best western Black Oak. About 45 min. to Cambria:

http://www.bestwesternblackoak.com/

We have stayed here and it was fine. If you can swing something on the coast, that would be ideal. Paso Robles or Morro Bay will do on a budget.

Tomsd

Here are some condo suggestions for Monterrey, etc.

Again, if you can get a 1 BR or 2 BR - you might like having a meal in, more living area, etc.

http://www.montereyrentals.com/vacation-rentals

tomfuller

Never stayed there but the Embassy Suites has rooms for 3.
http://www.hotels.com/ho122009/embas...united-states/
They seem to get good reviews.

Tomsd

Yes, as noted - Seaside would be fine - and we stayed in one of the 2 to 3 star "chain" places in Seaside (might have been a La Quinta? http://tinyurl.com/c7drgqu, ). It was clean and reasonable, even with a continental breakfast - and an easy short drive/walk from a couple of nice state beaches/parks.

Also - for condos in the Monterrey area - this one at Pacific Grove (2 BR - 2 BA with views/balcony/patio/laundry) - looks nice for $249 - and even if it is booked at the moment - you never know when cancellations occur - and again, you might check out other condos that could be available.

http://www.montereyrentals.com/vacat...reat/alls-well

Many seem to require a 3 night minimum (the very best rates require the full month's booking) - but Carmel/Monterrey is a great place to spend three nights, with so much to see and do in the area.

easytraveler

On the Central Coast, if you don't want to be as far north as Paso Robles, try San Luis Obispo. We have family down in the "beaches" area (Pismo Beach, etc), but we prefer to stay in San Luis Obispo.

Lots of good and inexpensive hotels there, our favorite is the La Cuesta Inn. But there's also the Apple Inn or the quirky Madonna Inn. Downtown SLO is walkable (which is why we stay there) and there are plenty of good restaurants.

Speaking of Pismo Beach, there are also some good oceanfront beach hotels there - many moons ago, they used to be pretty inexpensive too, and still might be. You might find something there to your liking and within your budget.

MichelleY

Easytraveler, we always stay at La Cuesta Inn also! Another place we like in Pismo Beach is Cottage Inn by the Sea. Check the websites for deals for any place you are considering.

For the Monterey area, as others have suggested, Seaside, Marina for lower cost places. But also check Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel.

easytraveler

High five, Michelle!

When in season, they have that bowl of oh-so-tasty, local apples from trees that are decades and decades old. Sooo good!

lincasanova

We enjoyed this lovely place mentioned above. they have great deals all year long. Here is a coupon for you to check out.

http://www.hotelcoupons.com/hotels/c.../print-coupon/

lincasanova

Closer to the date you can google or call that number to see if there is anything equal or better for Cambria Pines Lodge.