There are fewer than 300 hotel rooms along Highway 1 between Carmel and Cambria (yes, I've counted: the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce lists all hotels and I added the rooms up by looking at the various hotel websites one rainy daiy), so the lodging operators in Big Sur have wide latitude to set prices and terms.

You didn't mention when you're going, as it may make a difference. Winter tends to be the slow season, while summer is packed. Many people on this site report difficulty booking a 1 night stay in Big Sur, but you might have better luck during a slow season or at a large property like the Big Sur Lodge. You may want to contact the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce at http://bigsurcalifornia.org/contact.html to see if they have any ideas. While you're in Big Sur, this goList might give you some ideas of things to do and see:

tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i14592-Big_Sur_…

Thanks Scooterboss. Here is the big picture. We get off a cruise ship in LA morning of 26th Dec. Make way to airport to pick up car to drive up to SanFran. We are booked in SanFran on the 28th so we have 2 nights on route. Family of 4, with 2 teenage boys so need accommodation with seperate beds. Do not want to pay big bucks though. How far do you think we will get 1st day? Pismo beach or could we get to Cambria easily? We want to spend time at Hearst Castle and big Sur region. The sun will set around 5pm, so want to get as close to castle as possible to get max out of 2nd day. Thinking of 2nd night at Monterey or the like. Also what do you think the chances are of us just not booking anything and just risking turning up. Just after Christmas could this be a major problem? Regards

Going to Cambria would put you right by San Simeon where Hearst Castle is. You could get a room at the San Simeon Cavalier Resort, a Best Western property right on the ocean. In nearby Cambria, go for one of the Inns on Moonstone Beach Drive, I would make a decision and book a room just to be safe.

In Monterey, consider either the Monterey Plaza Hotel, the Spindrift Inn or the Best Western Beach Resort which is an oceanfront property about 5 minutes away from downtown Monterey. Have fun with your trip and your planning! :)

Thanks for the added details; these help. I highly recommend advance reservations for this part of the world at any time of year. The lodging options are limited and you could waste hours that you don't have driving around trying to find a place. Forget what I said about winter being the slow season - the days of your trip may be busy, as it's the Friday and weekend after Christmas, when many others will be on vacation. You're smart to factor in sunset times too, because the roads can get really dark at night, you won't be able to see any of the great views, and driving at night in unfamiliar territory is never fun.

I would vote for staying in Cambria over Pismo Beach. It's about 4-4.5 hours (maybe more depending on LA traffic) from LAX to Cambria, and Hearst Castle is only a few miles up the road. The 26th of December can be a BIG shopping day in the US with much traffic, because many people go to the malls to take advantage of after Christmas sales and exchange unwanted presents. The LA area may be busy, but traffic usually fades after Santa Barbara.

Syrahgirl is right that the Best Western Cavalier in nearby San Simeon is popular, but I've just never liked San Simeon, as it's just a strip of motels along the highway that exists mostly to serve Hearst Castle tourists. Cambria is a real town, with a walkable, pleasant center.

Make sure you reserve tickets for Hearst Castle too, as it may get booked up. Hearstcastle.com allows you to book tickets up to 55 days in advance, I believe.

dcol0654

Look into the Cambria Pines Lodge for suite rooms that will accommodate your family. This is a lovely property in a beautiful wooded area above the main town.

Thanks all for your info, it looks like Cambria is the go. Thank you for giving me actual driving times. I believe we will actually be able to make it even if we do get in late the first night. The trip up from Cambria is the important day. regards