Save almost 50% on 4-star Santa Monica Beach hotel.

Santa Monica Beach is a fantastic place to unwind, and there are several fabulous hotels that overlook the Pacific.  But as a rule, they’re very expensive, and ocean-view rooms are even more so. 

But if you act fast, you can enjoy the sand, the surf, and the glamorous nightlife for a lot less at the Hotel Shangri-La.

Built in 1939, it recently reopened following a $30 million renovation, and today, it combines the best of old and new.  The sleek, Art Deco interior was designed by Marc Smith and rooms have ocean views.  There’s a fabulous roof bar, private cabanas at the pool, and a fitness center.

Buy two nights, get the third free at Half Moon Bay hotels.

San Francisco, so even if you’re flying in, you can’t spend the weekend and still make a Sunday afternoon or Monday morning flight.

The coastline here is wild and rugged and lots of it is protected, so there are plenty of good beach walks and tide pools for beach combing.  Golfing, biking, kayaking, and whale watching cruises are also available.  And antique stores and art galleries provide additional diversion.

Save nearly 40% at Seattle’s Inn at the Market.

The Inn at the Market is one of our favorite hotels in Seattle.   The lively Pike Place Market is at your doorstep.  And Seattle’s best dining and shopping is a short stroll away.   But you don’t have to leave the hotel to eat well.  The Inn’s three restaurants -- Campagne, Café Campagne, and Bacco -- are all excellent.

Rooms have luxury amenities like Tempur-Pedic mattresses, plush bathrobes, in-room safes, and mini fridges.  And the Elliott Bay-view rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Water-view rooms are ordinarily $255 a night.