Whether you stay at home, visit the relatives, or venture out this holiday season 2011, there’s joy to be had and hotels deals where you can find room at the inn during the Christmas season. San Luis Obispo is located halfway between L.A. and San Francisco, making holiday travel an affordable, fun option for Christmas and other winter celebrations in 2011. Don’t look for snow–but do check out the beach! And be sure to light a candle for someone at Mission San Luis Obispo in the heart of downtown.

A recent tourism conference hosted by the Santa Barbara Visitors Bureau and Film Commission invited guest experts to discuss Central Coast, California tourism’s outlook for 2012. Bruce Baltin of Colliers PKF Consulting said that most Westerners view travel as a right, not a privilege, and will not abstain from traveling altogether, but look closer to home for their vacation destinations. The Central Coast’s San Luis Obispo has recognized that trend, taking note when travelers arrive from the Central Valley, Southern California and the Bay Area.

Highlights 2011: Holiday Parade December 2, Santa's House beginning November 25, Craft Fair December 3-4, and Classic Carousel beginning December 5.

SPECIAL HOTEL DEALS:

• Madonna Inn – Christmas Dinner at the Madonna Inn features hotel rooms from $179. Adult Dinner $33.95; Child's Dinner $20.95. Call (805) 543-3000 for reservations and details.
  The bright pink hotel that looks like a ski chalet contains glitzy decor and festive appeal year-round, but for the Christmas Day holiday dinner, over 80 Christmas trees, fiber optic lights, animated elf dolls, and Santa and his reindeer raise the bar on Madonna Inn’s opulence and pizzazz. Themed hotel rooms named Matterhorn, Swiss Chalet and Rocky Mountain (a blue room accented with rustic lodge-style furnishings and a natural stone waterfall shower,) offer a special present away from the home, the chores, and ordinary living. A festive holiday dinner includes Roast Tom Turkey, Baked Honey Cured Ham and Roast Long Island Duckling served from noon until 9 p.m.

• Apple Farm Inn – These are a Few of our Favorite Things Holiday Package, $199+ tax Sun-Thurs, $239+ tax Fri – Sat for stays Nov. 27 – Dec. 31, 2011. Call 1-800-255-2040 for reservations & details.
  Apple Farm Inn is known for its holiday magic. Lighted trees, a unique gift shop in a millhouse which is an exact replica of an old working grist mill from the turn of the century, and great dining all are afforded in one place. Here’s what offered in the holiday package: One night stay in deluxe accommodations at the Apple Farm Inn, $50 dining or shopping credit to use on property, Two traditional holidays commemorative t-shirts, Sugar Plum Turndown Service including holiday cookies and hot cocoa and Daily guest wine reception.

• Embassy Suites – Christmas at the Castle & Tour Hearst Castle Package From $254 per night valid August 20, 2011 – August 20, 2012. Call (805) 549-0800 for reservations, details and exclusions.
  Embassy Suites is the beginning of good times in a package that includes: Transportation to and from Hearst Castle where you’ll see two 18-foot Christmas trees in the Assembly Room and holiday decor throughout during The Wine Wrangler tours, The Hearst Castle Experience Tour, National Geographic’s Experience the Dream IMAX film, A picnic lunch overlooking the Pacific shoreline, A stop at Piedras Blancas to see the elephant seals, A stop in Cambria for coffee, shopping or a taste of the local wines time permitting. For more details about hotel accommodations, hotel packages, events, and attractions in San Luis Obispo, CA, visit: SanLuisObispoVacations.com.