There's No Lovin' like SLO Lovin'

Making plans for you and your honey on Valentine's Day? Why not plan a special stay in one of our local hotels. San Luis Obispo (SLO) has many fine hotels for couples on Valentine's Day. Romantic, funky, nurturing...whatever you're looking for, you can find it in SLO.

If you're into the romance of a by-gone era, check out The Garden Street Inn. Built in 1887, the Italianate/Queen Anne building was once home to a family of German/Jewish immigrants, Morris and Helena Goldtree. Hanging above the piano in the Goldtree library is a picture of the house as it looked back in 1888. Descendants of the Goldtree family have all been guests at the Inn.

The home changed hands in 1898, and the new owners added a second level. From 1923 to 1965, the home (by that time divided up into a small apartment complex) was owned by Dollie McKeen. One of the suites is named for her. Be sure to check out Dollie's "House Rules."

To make your stay even more special, be sure to reserve the hotel's Romance on the Beach special package ($329.00 plus tax). The package includes accommodations and a bottle of sparkling wine from a local vineyard with two flutes and two red roses. Then you'll head down to Avila Beach where your own private bonfire and butler await you. Extra wood is provided for the fire. Blankets, a table, and chairs are also provided for your comfort.

The Garden Street Inn is located at 1212 Garden Street, SLO, CA 93401. For more information and to make reservations, call: (805) 545-4802 or, toll-free: (800) 488-2045. You can also visit them on the web.

"Comfortable elegance" can be found at the Avila Village Inn. Nestled in the Avila Valley, this craftsman-style inn provides a serene retreat on the Central Coast. Beaches, golf, and fine dining are all within a 5 minute drive. This is also a dog friendly establishment (so long as they know ahead of time).

To make your Valentine's Day more special, you can add little extras if you make your reservations at least 48 hrs in advance. Extras include a 1-hour massage at the Avila Bay Club, a single red rose waiting in the room ($15), or a dozen ($100).

The Avila Village Inn is located at 6655 Bay Laurel Dr., Avila Beach, CA 93424. For more information and to make reservations, call: (805) 627-1810, or, toll-free: (800) 454-0840. You can also visit them on the web.

Another historic hotel to consider for your couple's retreat is the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. The resort was established in 1886, and it's been a popular destination ever since, primarily due to the sulfur mineral water's curative effects. In the 1930s, many Hollywood celebrities stayed at the resort on their trips to Hearst Castle.

The resort's Romance Package (starting at $259, Sun-Thurs) includes a night's stay in a one-bedroom spa suite, flower petals on the bed, sparkling wine and chocolate truffles.

The Sycamore Mineral Springs is located at 1215 Avila Beach Dr., SLO, CA 93405. For more information and to make reservations, call: (805) 212-7302, or, toll-free: (805) 234-5831. You can also visit them on the web.

If fun and funky make your sweetie's heart go pitty-pat, The Madonna Inn could be the Valentine's Day destination for you. The Room Features Grid on their website is a hoot. The featured rooms have names like American Beauty, Caveman, Hideaway and Love Nest. Roll over a name and you'll see the accompanying photo. For Valentine's Day, try the Spa & Stay Package ($395). It's a one night getaway for two, available Sunday-Thurs day only. You'll stay in one of the themed suites and a 60-minute "couples" massage in the spa.

The Madonna Inn is located at 100 Madonna Rd, SLO, CA 93405. For more information and to make reservations, call: (805) 543-3000, or, toll-free: (800) 543-9666. Be sure to visit them on the web, if only to experience the Room Features Grid.

If you'd like a taste of the Mediterranean, but can't afford a big splurge, Petit Soleil Bed et Breakfast may be the hotel for you. The owners have recreated a bit of Provence right here in our own little SLO town. There's breakfast in the morning, of course, but wine tastings (featuring both local and imported wines) and appetizers are available in the evening. Visit them on the web, and you'll find recipes under the heading "Food & Wine."

Petit Soleil is located just five blocks from downtown SLO at 1473 Monterey Street, SLO, CA 93401. For more information and to make reservations, call: (805) 549-0321, or, toll-free: (800) 676-1588.

Source: the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau. Web.