Cheap and chic, The Inn at East Beach brings modest rates and modern style to Santa Barbara travelers.
By Vince Font
California’s great to visit year round, even in winter. Although some of the locals in the northern parts of the state may warn you away with tales of temperatures that plummet to near 30 in the middle of the night, some of you flying in from colder climes may find that outright balmy. In addition, contrary to popular belief there are plenty of cheap California hotels that give you the opportunity to take in the sights without having to worry about filing Chapter 7 on your return back home. Here are three of the best, starting south and heading north.
Northern California: Clarion Collection Lodge, Calistoga
If you think all there is to California are movie stars, redwood trees and blinding smog, think again — and plan a visit to Napa Valley, one of the premiere wine producing locations in the world. If your picture of an ideal vacation is wine tasting in beautiful surroundings, book a stay at the Clarion Collection Lodge in Calistoga. Considering that other lodgings in this part of the country demand an arm and a leg for an overnight stay, the Clarion’s asking rate of $95 per night puts it on my short list of impeccable cheap California hotels. When you’re done wine tasting, price out the cost of a local mud bath. You’d be surprised how relaxing it really is.
Southern California: The Inn at East Beach, Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara coastline is breathtaking. Words could attempt to describe it, and photos do a decent job, but the view is really one that has to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Located 95 miles north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is the gateway to the Channel Islands National Park and a premiere location for the California vacations of many. Some of the best rates can be snagged at The Inn at East Beach, which is just a block from East Beach and overlooks the stunning foothill mountains. With nightly rates around $146 , this hotel puts others in the same league to shame — both by way of quality and affordability.
Central California: Sea Breeze Inn and Cottages, Pacific Grove
Perhaps no other city gives Santa Barbara a run for its money in the coastline beauty category than Monterey, a quaint city rich with literary history. John Steinbeck wrote extensively about this part of the country, and helped give the downtown historical area of Cannery Row an aura of mystique with his novel of the same name. When looking for lodgings, bear in mind that there are so many things to see in Monterey — the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, for one — that you’ll likely only return to your hotel to rest up until morning. For this reason, and to leave room in the respective budgets of your California vacations, I suggest the Sea Breeze Inn and Cottages in next-door Pacific Grove, which has nightly rates around $65 and is a short walk from several beaches on the gorgeous tip of the Monterey peninsula.
Interested in heading out west? You can find cheap tickets to California that will prevent you from sapping your savings before you even arrive. You can even double up your efforts by booking a flight and hotel together.
Insider tip: Traveling with the tykes? Book a room in San Diego — the unofficial family capital of California — for up to 35 percent off or free nights at select hotels by Feb. 28.
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Vince Font is a freelance writer born in Puerto Rico and currently escaped to Utah. When not dreaming of interstellar travel, he’s on the hunt for weird, wacky, and off-the-beaten-track vacation destinations. Next stop: The Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast.