Jan 20, 2010 0:12 - By: Jill K. Robinson

Have you ever been excited to check into your beachfront hotel, only to have the lulling sound of waves be drowned out by highway traffic while you tried to sleep? That won't happen at the Inn at Mavericks, in Half Moon Bay's Pillar Point Harbor. Perched on a quiet beach, it's close to activities, yet far from city and noise-your own California beach retreat.

Just a short distance along the sand is the big-wave surfing spot, Mavericks. During the winter months, the waves can crest as high as 60 feet, and surfers all over the world travel here for a chance to brave the world-class break.

With the beach just outside your door, plus nearby biking and hiking trails, surfing spots, kayak rentals and tours, and deep-sea fishing opportunities-the Inn at Mavericks is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

But if you'd rather spend your time shopping, visiting a day spa, or eating at a handful of local restaurants (like the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Ketch Joanne Restaurant and Bar, and Mezza Luna), all are within walking distance as well. To relax, just curl up in a lounge chair and enjoy the view-each of the six guestrooms has a private veranda with ocean views.

Rooms are named after local surfing spots-from Flat Rock to The Jetty to, yes, Mavericks. All guestrooms have 500 square feet of living space, a memory-foam bed, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTV with DVD, iPod docking station, fireplace, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Five of the rooms have deep soaking tubs, but all six of them have rain showers. If you want your best canine buddy to share in your experience, ask for one of the three pet-friendly rooms, with fenced-in ocean-view patios. There is no extra charge for pets.

Rates range from $182 to $299, depending on season and availability. Regular specials are offered, sometimes extending to opportunities not listed on the Web site. The best way to get the best possible rate is to call and ask.
Inn at Mavericks 650-728-1572
346 Princeton Ave., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Photos courtesy of Jill K. Robinson (top, bottom) and Inn at Mavericks (middle).