California dreaming? Joie de Vivre Hotels, a line of boutique hotels that dot the coastline from the Bay Area to Orange County, is offering a new Road Trippin’ California package that promises up to 50% off normal rates, as well perks such as dining and gas credits or vouchers for attractions.

Right off the bat we noticed a huge disparity in package value from property to property.  Some participating hotels are offering hefty add-ons, while others are coughing up very little comparatively. We saw no evidence of a 50% discount, but we occasionally found some substantial enticements.

At Santa Cruz’s 165-room Dream Inn, for instance—one of the few beachside Joie De Vivre hotels—the package rate and the regular rate are identical at $325 a night. But if you stay four nights, you'll also get a $350 dining credit and a $50 gas card. That means a four-night stay would still come to $1,300, but you'd get $400 in credit to spend on things you'd definitely pay for otherwise. More good news:  The hotel, a quick walk from the boardwalk, is the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz, and every room has a view of Monterey Bay.

We also price-checked the Hotel Tomo, a partnership with Best Western in San Francisco’s Japantown. Again, the package rate and regular rate were the same—$139 for a room with two queen beds and a balcony. The package also includes two tickets to the Shanghai Exhibition at the Asian Art Museum (worth $17 each) plus free breakfast at the hotel's cafe. While those perks won't blow most families' socks off, this property is a cool option for tech lovers, with a decor themed on Japanese animé, featuring murals, a lobby wall of TV screens and glow-in-the-dark desk blotters in rooms. “Gaming suites” come equipped with PlayStation 3, Wii, bean bag chairs, and a six-foot LCD projection screen.

The Road Trippin' package is good for travel through September 15. As usual, a few blackout dates apply. When booking online, start on the specials page, or click on the “Select a Room Inclusive Package” tab after you've entered dates on the reservations page. If you book by phone, mention the California Road Trippin’ package when calling 831/426-4330.