Heaven Is A Comfy California B&B

Who doesn't love being pampered? Ah to wake up and have the coffee brewed, warm pastries and breakfast at the ready-such a lovely treat and very romantic. I love hotels, but they can be a little impersonal and there is nothing cozy about most of them. Sure they can be very posh and mod, but there is something not so fun about sharing the space with several thousand other guests.

The answer my friend is to forgo the typical stay and look to the myriad of choices out there in the bed and breakfast world. It is an understatement to say that there are hundreds of choices in every city and every scenic site in this state, in fact in researching this I was so overwhelmed at first it was hard to narrow it down-I could literally write a book.

I've decided to work my way up the coast, much like a drive that you would take if you were a tourist on a vacation along the gorgeous California coast. I have driven from San Diego all the way up to Washington state following highway 101 and it is an amazing trip-yes it's long, but so worth the effort. I recommend it, I know that it's not cheap or environmentally correct to drive, but the coastline is beyond description.

The Britt Scripps Inn, 406 Maple Street, San Diego, California

This is a Victorian jewel beyond compare. This landmark property is meticulously restored, with incredible attention paid to its historic roots, while bring- ing it in to the modern era with the luxuries you have come to expect. Period antiques, rugs and fixtures adorn the lobby, parlor, dining room and private guest rooms. A stunning original hand-carved oak staircase with restored woodwork, a two-story original stained-glass window wall, claw-foot bath- tubs, a covered wrap-around front porch, beautiful bay windows and seven roof gables. Modern luxuries include flat screen LCD televisions, high speed Internet, heated towel racks, 1,000 thread count sheets - and velvety soft bathrobes and towels. Complimentary full breakfast is served each morning and wine and artisan cheese welcomes you back from your day's journey. Ideal for anyone looking for an alternative to typical hotel stays. For reservations call toll free at 888.881.1991, or go online to [email protected]

Casa Laguna Inn, 2510 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California

Expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, gorgeous tropical gardens, and towering palms surround this 1920s Mission-style historic beauty. Luxurious rooms with antique furniture, subtle colors and fireplaces to curl up by and numerous secluded patios for whiling away an afternoon. Expansive views abound from their ocean-view pool deck and they even have a bell tower for the most romantic sunset view you will find or walk the lovely Victoria Beach, just 10 minutes away. Sleep should come easily in their tastefully appointed rooms, with their signature 10-layer bedding (hello princess!) and every amenity you could need. If you can't find relaxation on your own, they have an on-site spa to pamper you; choose from numerous massage techniques (they even do couple sessions), have a therapeutic soak in their specialty tubs, a salt polish or a hot rock treatment and peel away life's stresses. They serve an award winning gourmet breakfasts every day and have a wine and cheese social in the evenings. Take a trip back in time and enjoy a place where time stands still. For reservations or more information call 949.494.2996, or toll free 800.233.0449 or online at [email protected]

Sowden House, 5121 Franklin Avenue, (Los Feliz Neighborhood) Los Angeles, California

Okay I'm going off the cliff on this one, probably the most expensive stay you will have on this trip, but you will never forget this place nor have a more unique, one-of-a-kind experience. Built in 1926 by architect Lloyd Wright (son of Frank) for John Sowden, this Meso-American masterpiece is unlike anything that you will ever see. Built of ornamental concrete blocks, it truly looks like a Mayan temple rising out of the Hollywood hill that it sits upon. Beautiful views, stunning interiors, with all rooms facing a central courtyard with it's pool and Jacuzzi. Artfully renovated in 2000 and used often as a Hollywood set, the house is truly (and I mean it) one of the masterpieces of American home de- sign. Conveniently located next to the best of Los Angeles shopping, nightlife, and dining, once inside this unique 6,000 square foot house, you will feel as though you've entered a different world. For reservations and information call 323.522.3492 or 818.636.3820 or go online at sowdenhouse.com

Inn on Summer Hill and Spa, 2520 Lillie Avenue, P.O. Box 376, Summerland, California

Located a short 15 minutes from beautiful Santa Barbara, this little coastal community has a laid-back, cozy, comfortable feel. A craftsman-style bed and breakfast with beautiful ocean views from every room, each one offering fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, luxurious canopy beds, TV/DVD/VCR, wireless Internet, stereo, and antiques with a European elegant country decor. Along with all this, you get a gourmet breakfast every morning ($5 gets it to you in bed), afternoon hor d'oeuvres with wine and cheese, evening desserts, fresh baked cookies, and pastries served in their candlelit dining room. Top that off with an award-winning spa and all the attractions that are a part of the "American Riviera" that is Santa Barbara, Montecito, and Summerland and you have a posh wonderland to enjoy. For more informa- tion call 800.845.5566 or go to innonsummerhill.com

The Cass House, 222 N. Ocean Avenue, Cayucos, CA 93430

Built in 1867 for Captain James Cass, one of the early founders of Cayucos who spend his early days traveling and working in central California. The house has been meticulously restored over the past fourteen years this historic property opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2007. Small and intimate, the inn has five guestrooms with beautiful furnishings, with luxurious linens, antique fireplaces, private baths and individual terraces with stunning ocean views. Only 20 minutes from the central coast wine trail in Paso Robles with over 200 wineries, just 30 minutes from the fantasy that is Hearst Castle. It is a perfect, very private home away from home where you will be pampered with gourmet foods, breakfast every morning and a wine and cheeses for your afternoon repast. Contact by phone: 805-995-3669 or online at casshouseinn.com

Monte Cristo Inn, 600 Presidio Avenue, San Francisco,California

Feeling a little tart-like? Do you have a craving for a little sassparilla? Then this little gem of a inn is the place for you. They say that this is one of, if not the oldest hospitality structure in San Francisco-when I say old I mean it. Built in 1875, this little saloon (and former bordello) has been part of the landscape for 136 years-if those walls could talk! Located in the Pacific Heights area, the Monte Cristo offers beautiful antiques, Persian rugs, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs, a complimentary breakfast, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property. It is two blocks to the elegantly restored Victorian shops, Vogue theatre, top-rated restaurants and San Francisco antique stores on Sacramento Street and within walk- ing distance to shopping on Union Street and Fillmore Street-everything else is just a bus or cab ride away. Go ahead and lose your heart and take a trip back in time at the Monte Cristo Inn. For reservations and informa- tion, call 888.666.1875 or go to: bedandbreackfastsf.com