We really like the Best Western Cavalier Resort in San Simeon. We stay, I think, in the building called Kings Row. The sliding patio doors face the ocean. Two floors. We stayed there on our first trip to CA in '93 only because they accept a pooch and have attempted to make a stop there every year since. They have fire pits out back that they light from sunset to sun rise.

Our son and his wife like Cambria Shores Inn, 6276 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, 1.800.433.9179, www.cambriashores.com .

Our web site from our 2000 trip: http://hometown.aol.com/ndenim/CA2000.htm with links to both the Best Western in San Simeon and the one in Monterey, another of our favorites.

In addition to doing 17 Mile Drive, I have one book that recommends driving up and down the street in front of the American Cannery Outlets in Pacific Grove (up from the Aquarium and south) to Asilomar State Beach three times, which equals 17 miles. We always drive it at least once while we're there. It's free and it is lovely.

Again, best wishes for happy travelling,

Peggy