monterey

Art lovers will find delight in the posh Hotel Pacific and Monterey Museum of Art's "Mini-Me" deal. It focuses on the museum's annual exhibit of "small" paintings, photographs, prints, drawings and sculptures, all 7 inches by 9 inches or less and all up for auction, as donated by the artists. The special includes two tickets to the museum, two auction raffle tickets, and a night's stay in a deluxe suite, complete with cozy fireplace to keep the ocean chill at bay.

courtesy of Hotel Abrego

The moon has received no shortage of press in recent weeks. Now, she's even inspiring hotel deals. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first lunar landing, which took place yesterday, the newly opened Hotel Abrego has rolled out a monthly "Moon Over Monterey" special through the end of the year.

The Monterey Bay: A beautiful way to wake up in the morning.

Time: 2.5-hour drive
What you get: Windswept coast, world’s best aquarium, rickety charm

The Gosby House Inn, Pacific Grove

Photography courtesy of DealBase

Here’s a common element of modern-day travel that can baffle even the most seasoned globetrotters among us: the hotel deal. In times like these, they seem to appear at every turn and on every travel web site. Some are good, decent, all-American deals that give us the chance to go, see and do for less. But just as many are gimmicky, glossy temptresses without much real value.

The Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove

It's true there's no place like home for the holidays...but sometimes you just want to get away from it all before the chaos ensues (or rather family togetherness--or in-laws--becomes just too much to bear). The current state on the economy has put a damper on many people's travel plans, but hotels are beginning to take note of this by significantly lowering their rates to an affordable level and creating packages that allow you more bang for your buck this holiday season. Check out these amazing opportunities before it's too late.