THE $85 DEAL

Explore California with Cruise the Coast, which offers rates starting as low as $85 a night, plus a $25 gas rebate, continental breakfast and other perks.

The deal: The five participating inns include the Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica (from $265 weekdays, $285 weekends, [800] 538-8147, www.georgianhotel.com); Wine Valley Inn, Solvang ($85 weekdays, $149 weekends, [800] 824-6444, www.winevalleyinn.com); Inn of the Spanish Garden, Santa Barbara ($365 weekdays, $395 weekends, [866] 564-4700, www.spanishgardeninn.com); Inn at East Beach, Santa Barbara ($135 weekdays, $235 weekends, [805] 965-0546, www.innateastbeach.com); and Orchid Inn, San Simeon ($109 weekdays, $129 weekends, [800] 451-9900, www.orchidinnatsansimeon.com). The special includes a bottle of wine, given at check-in; a gas rebate (taken off the total bill at check-out); free parking; and continental breakfast.

Details: The special continues to the end of August. For reservations, call and ask for the Cruise the Coast deal or see the websites.

-- Rosemary McClure