Southern California Hotels (Los Angeles, San Diego, Corona: home, wedding, price)

[ExitNY]

Any advice on a weekend getaway from Los Angeles? Preferably a beach Hotel/Resort. I'm looking for nice, but I don't need to be pampered. Historic would be an added bonus. Many of the resorts seem way too high end; like they don't want you sit on the furniture. On the other hand, I'm not looking for a backpackers hotel. I will be there in Mid November and dont mind driving all the way to San Diego, or North for a similar distance.

[californio sur]

Santa Barbara is a nice getaway not more than 2 hours drive from Los Angeles & is especially nice in November. The beach hotels are pricey but less expensive places are available near State street [main drag]. Santa Barbara is an historic city with probably the nicest mission in California and the city has some great Spanish style architecture, beautiful beaches, good food and clubs.

Also Ojai Valley is well worth the side trip for an artist colony, horse ranches and hiking. Or the Santa Ynez valley for wine tasting.

[pacific2]

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo
http://www.renaissanceclubsport.com/aliso-viejo/home.do

It’s a casual sports hotel and spa, but definitely not a “backpacker’s hotel,” so you don’t have to worry about sitting on the furniture, or relaxing around the outdoor fire pits at night. The hotel is located in Aliso Viejo, and the ocean, at Laguna Beach, is about ten minutes away.

BTW, Aliso Viejo is located just off the coast, midway between LA and San Diego.

[JTGJR]

I've heard good things about the Coronado Island Marriott in San Diego.

[1200RT]

Originally Posted by californio sur

Santa Barbara is a nice getaway not more than 2 hours drive from Los Angeles & is especially nice in November. The beach hotels are pricey but less expensive places are available near State street [main drag]. Santa Barbara is an historic city with probably the nicest mission in California and the city has some great Spanish style architecture, beautiful beaches, good food and clubs.

SB is a great weekend getaway. There are great hotels in ALL price ranges.

[smokingGun]

just beware of the traffic on the way back from SB!

personally, I like the Terranea. It's a great resort getaway that's close to home & flies under the radar. The guy at the bar even said the Kardashian's & their entourage were guests a few weeks back before I checked in.

Also a favorite is the Lodge at Torrey Pines. They've got fairly priced packages and it's perfect for family gatherings with stunning beaches, a world-class golfcourse & proximity to Legoland, Seaworld & Wild Animal Park for those with kids.

If you can afford it, try the Montage down in Laguna. I've only been for a wedding but WoW, the site is stunning.

[Londonteacher]

Coronado island( san diego) is lovely- its beach made the top ten beaches in the US recently. We stay in el ranchos motel which is about 80 bucks a night- very basic but clean and walking distance to that beach.