Gasoline prices are the highest they've ever been in history and seems to be continuously rising. Due to this many people are not traveling very far these days. However, there are many great places to visit within just a couple hours' drive from Los Angeles. And hotels in those places are often especially designed for fun rather than business, and so are great for a weekend trip, or even a week-long vacation.



A destination that comes to mind first is Catalina Island because most of the trip is by boat rather than by car ? so gas prices aren't as much of a concern.

One of the best hotels on the island is the Avalon Hotel. It is a boutique hotel, situated on top of a hill overlooking the island. It only has 7 rooms, ranging from just under $200 a night for a small garden view room (in off-season), to almost $500 a night for an ocean view room with wrap-around balcony (in high season). Everything in the hotel is designed to help you enjoy your time: a roof-top deck with breathtaking views of the island and the bay, a garden patio where you can hear nothing but the quiet chime of the beautiful fountain, tasteful hand-crafted decorations, artwork in the rooms, incredible service. All this helped the hotel to win numerous awards, such as the 2008 "Best for Romance", and the 2006 "Best Hidden Gems" award.

You can view more information about the hotel and the island, and book a reservation on its website at http://www.theavalonhotel.com/.

For a trip to Santa Barbara, a really nice choice is San Ysidro Ranch. It is a very expensive hotel, which will run you almost $800 a night for a room, and as much as $6,000 a night for the Warner Cottage ? a 2-bedroom house with a formal dining room, a spacious living room, and 3 fireplaces. But it is one of the most unique resorts in the US.

The Ranch is located in the hills of Montecito, an exclusive enclave just south of Santa Barbara. It overlooks the Channel Islands and offers an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is rich in history and classical luxury. It served as a getaway for many celebrities. John F Kennedy honeymooned there in 1953, as did Julia Roberts exactly 50 years later.

If you feel like spending for luxury, you can't go wrong with this hotel. For more information, see http://www.sanysidroranch.com/.

If you're thinking about a trip to San Diego, take a look at the Pacific Terrace Hotel. It is located on a bluff overlooking some of the best beaches in the continental USA, and away from the crowds. Its rates start around $400, but it is the money well-spent. With complimentary wine reception in the evening, outdoor pool and spa, sundeck adjacent to the ocean, an excellent fitness center, and a modern meeting facility, the hotel combines comfort and luxury in a perfect balance.

Go to http://www.pacificterrace.com/ to read more about it.

Among other excellent choices for a weekend trip from Los Angeles are Orbit in Oasis in Palm Springs, Pacific Terrace Hotel in San Diego, and Inn of the Spanish Garden in Santa Barbara.