California Dreamin' - Motels for Our Coast Trip

Here's an annotated list of the motels we chose for our California trip.

Days Inn - Lompoc

Days Inn, 1122 North H Street, Lompoc Happy hour with wine, beer, and goodies; extensive breakfast; lovely room; gym, pool and computer available.

Ramada-Marina, 323 Reservation Rd., Marina One of the loveliest rooms for the lowest price of all - $76. Great breakfast, computer, and a convenient location.



Lombard Motor Inn - San Francisco


Lombard Motor Inn, 1475 Lombard Street, San Francisco There was no free breakfast and we had to pay $5 for a refrigerator, but the free parking, excellent location and charming room more than compensated. We highly recommend the Lombard but be sure to ask for a quiet room in the back. The rooms in front have balconies (with no view) which makes them quite noisy.

Knights Inn, 1374 Munras Ave., Monterey This was the only disappointment of the trip. There were holes in the sheets and towels, no stopper in the bathroom sink, and no sound-proofing. There was either a Sumo wrestler or a man wearing ten-pound shoes in the room above us. We would never stay here again.

Sands by the Sea, 9355 Hearst Drive, San Simeon Close to restaurants and a short walk to benches overlooking the sea, this place was a winner even though the breakfast was minimal.







La Serena Inn - Morro Bay 

La Serena Inn, 990 Morro Ave, Morro Bay We fell in love with this place, also known as The Bird Friends' Inn, because Mr. Bartfield has added so many thoughtful touches. Binoculars are available at the front desk, there are two outside decks with great views, and Audubon pictures of birds line the corridor walls. Even if you're not a bird-lover, you appreciate the two sink areas in the bathroom and the beautiful linens and drapes in the bedroom. The breakfast was one of the best, too.

Sand Man Inn, 3714 State Street, Santa Barbara This very old motel has retained its charm even though it's been updated. It's so beautifully landscaped that we loved strolling the grounds to discover the picnic areas, two pools and a spa. The room was comfortable and the breakfast bountiful.

Sand Man Inn - Santa Barbara