Updated Auto Club Book Describes Atmosphere and Diversity of County Inns
4 August 1999
Southern California's Bed & Breakfast Inns Allure Southland Travelers; Updated Auto Club Book Describes Atmosphere and Diversity of 150 County Inns
LOS ANGELES--Aug. 3, 1999--Looking to get away from the cellular phone, fax and e-mail lifestyle? How about trying a turn-of-the-century getaway, a romantic retreat or a country inn with a homey atmosphere?Travelers can find all these experiences in the Automobile Club of Southern California's "Bed & Breakfast Southern California" just published and available at the Auto Club's 69 local offices. The 80-page book, with a charming acrylic and pen and ink illustration of a B&B on the cover, describes thriving bed and breakfast establishments throughout the Southland.
Country inn escapes located in the heart of major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as B&Bs tucked away in Julian or Cambria, can be found in the guide book. Also featured in the guide are several B&Bs located in the mountains at Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead as well as near the ocean on Catalina Island or Newport Beach.
The book describes country-manor style houses, lakeside lodges, contemporary Cape Cod-style inns and quaint cottages with English gardens. Many have traditional and antique furnishings and some even offer complimentary appetizers and beverages.
The Auto Club has inspected all the B&Bs and county inns listed in the book. The inns are clean and well-maintained and the book explains the atmosphere and style of operation but a traveler will need to ask in advance if rooms have private baths or easy chairs.
The book describes 150 B&Bs and country inns by city and atmosphere. The easy-to-use guide also explains room rates, reservation and deposit policies and provides a list of additional resources to find B&Bs outside of Southern California.
"Bed & Breakfast Southern California" is available at local Auto Club offices. The member price is $3 and the cover price for non-members is $5.95.
The Auto Club offers the following tips when booking a reservation at a B&B:
-- Reservations at bed and breakfast inns are essential and
should be made well in advance. Check each B&B's reservation
policy because they can vary widely.
-- It's wise to leave valuables at home. Don't leave expensive
camera equipment, jewelry or other valuables in the room. On
occasion, the house may be unattended, and unlike hotels, there
is rarely a safe for storing valuables.
-- Off-street parking is not always available. It may be
necessary to park your car along the street.
-- Guests should be prepared to transport their own luggage
between their car and room. While hotels hire staff specifically
to perform such services, B&Bs do not.
-- At most inns, smoking is allowed only on an outside porch or
patio. Some places do allow cigarette smoking in specific rooms.
-- Soundproofing is not always up to the same standards as in a
hotel. Noises from the kitchen and elsewhere may be heard in the
guest rooms.
-- For this type of traveling, pets should stay home. Damage to
antique furnishings, imported rugs or carpeting can bring an
expensive end to an otherwise wonderful stay. Also, some inns
have resident cats or dogs.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
