LKO...Thanks very much for the reply...good information. I will probably try to book directly thru Marriott to get the desired Newpoert Beach Hotel & Spa (cose shopping for the wife PL would be an option to use if I went for the 5 stars in the area (Montage, Ritz) in Dana Point/Laguna...i would definitely stay at those places if I can get them for a song...of course, they probably would not like my singing!