INN WITH CAPE APPEAL

The Beach House at Half Moon Bay

If you have the money, the perfect weekend getaway from San Francisco might include the lavish Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. If you prefer someplace a little more rustic and comparably affordable, the Beach House is a great alternative to its pricier neighbor. Perched on a stretch of land between Highway 1 and quaint Pillar Point Harbor, the Cape Cod-style inn offers an array of ocean-view rooms and beautiful grounds to take in the scenery.

Comfort zone

The spacious ocean lofts are nicely appointed and inviting of long and leisurely spells of ocean gazing (preferably with a glass of wine in your hand). All have balconies that can accommodate two chairs, which makes the upgrade to ocean-view rooms all the more worthwhile. Each has a separate bedroom (king bed) and living room (queen sleeper sofa), two TVs, a wood-burning fireplace, a wet bar and full sink, microwave, refrigerator and stereo system, making the hotel a great option for indoor picnics (bring your own food). The noise from nearby Highway 1 can be heard from nonocean- view rooms but not very loudly. Temperatures can get quite chilly because of the marine layer.

Bath and beyond

You can choose between a relaxing bath or a quick shower (go with the bath because the showers are small) in the larger-than-average bathroom. The two separate sinks were a luxury, as was the lily plant that separated them— always a nice touch, as are the Aveda bath products. Bathrobes are provided, but they are not on the plush side; towels are plentiful.

Grounds for approval

Management pays particular attention to the grounds of the property, perched on a lush green cliff with flowering shrubs everywhere. A large patio with modern furniture is a good place to read a book or simply gaze at the view. The small heated pool is a nice option on a sunny day; a separate Jacuzzi is your best bet to warm up on chilly days, while still soaking in the view. There's no spa, but the resort does have a room set up for spa treatments, also available in rooms.

Geared up

Basic TV, phone and alarm clock, plus a fivedisc CD player with a connection for plugging in an iPod. The kitchen area offers a small twoburner stove with a small collection of pots and pans in case you feel the urge to cook something up. Free Internet access is available throughout the property.

In the vicinity

The main Half Moon Bay beach is a quick walk to the south. To the north is Pillar Point Harbor, which offers several popular restaurant options and water activities. Half Moon Bay's old-fashioned Main Street is about 10 minutes away by car; the wider region offers great hiking trails, golf courses, wineries, surfing and marine activities.

Good to know

As cozy as the Beach House and its fireplaces can be when enveloped in coastal fog, the property and its surrounding environment are best experienced under sunny skies. Keep the Beach House high on your "spur-of-the-moment getaway" list and try to take advantage of lastminute Internet specials on warm days. And if you really love the place, you can always buy your own unit: All of the rooms are privately owned and available to their owners for several weeks a year. No pets.

Highs and lows

It's a short drive from San Francisco, yet you'll feel as if you just arrived at a cozy little inn on Cape Cod. You'll wish that the hotel management spent a little more money on the room furnishings, but the ocean views make up for the lack of decor.

4100 N. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay.
(650) 712-0220, (800) 315-9366.
www.beachhouse. com.
Fifty-four suites (three wheelchair accessible), most offering ocean views, $245- $365, including complimentary breakfast and free Internet access; online specials available. Two-night minimum required only for major special event weekends such as the Half Moon Bay pumpkin festival.