Paso Robles assesses quake’s toll

Hearst Castle in San Simeon escaped harm, but Paso Robles, known for its wineries and historic mission, sustained major damage last week in a magnitude-6.5 earthquake that killed two people in Central California.

U.S. 101 and California 1, the major highways into the region, were unaffected at the Travel section’s deadline Tuesday. There were construction delays on California highways 41 and 46.

In Paso Robles, about 20 miles east of the epicenter, the roof of the historic clock tower collapsed. Scores of other downtown buildings were being inspected for damage Tuesday. At nearby Mission San Miguel Archangel, the church, front courtyard and cemetery were expected to be closed for several weeks.

Hearst Castle, the estate of publisher William Randolph Hearst that draws 860,000 people a year, closed after Monday’s quake but reopened the next day. The steel-reinforced concrete structure was undamaged, although a dozen items, including vases, broke, a spokesman said.

Most wineries and hotels in the region were open, and Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was undamaged, according to the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau, which posted updates at www.sanluisobispocounty.com.

Security alert may affect travel

Holiday travelers last week were warned to prepare for delays after the nation’s terrorism alert was raised from yellow (elevated) to orange (high). Tightened security at airports, bridges, tunnels and train stations could further slow already congested holiday traffic, federal and state officials said.

The U.S. government raised the alert level after receiving indications that the terrorist organization Al Qaeda might be plotting attacks against the U.S. during the holidays.

The U.S. State Department reissued its worldwide caution, warning that restaurants, hotels, beaches and other public areas where foreigners gather could be targeted. It urged American travelers to “maintain a high level of vigilance.” For updates, visit www.travel.state.gov.

From Associated Press

Airlines loosen up on flier miles

There’s holiday cheer for the most frequent fliers, as airlines liberalize elite programs starting Thursday.

American will boost the points that business and many economy-class fliers can earn toward elite status. Business class will go from 1.25 to 1.5 points per mile, full-fare economy from 1 to 1.5 and discount economy from 0.5 to 1; first class, at 1.5 per mile. What the airline calls “deep discount economy class,” at 0.5, will stay the same.

Delta, which inspired consumer ire a year ago when it began linking elite-earning miles to fares paid, will make it easier to earn elite miles and promises “unlimited, complimentary upgrades, subject to availability” to elite fliers. United, starting Thursday, and US Airways, starting March 1, will also get freer with miles or upgrades for their steadiest customers.

There may be a lump of coal in this stocking, though, said Tim Winship, editor and publisher of FrequentFlier.com. The changes will result in “more people vying for the few available upgrade seats,” he said.

Resort at South Beach is putting on the Ritz

After $200 million worth of restoration, the former DiLido Hotel was to have opened last week as the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, in Miami, fetching $299 and up per room per night.

Besides the sweeping curves, Art Moderne design and black terrazzo floors of the original 1953 lodging, the 21st century retread on the beach sports water-ballet shows; the only La Maison de Beaute Carita spa outside Paris, with 14 treatment rooms, scheduled to open Thursday; and the DiLido Beach Club, also scheduled to open Thursday.

At the club, open to the public, Prada-clad “tanning butlers” will circulate with sunscreen. There will be private cabanas, renting for $500 and up per day, with concierge; some include lunch and spa treatments. (Lounge chairs are free.)

The 375-room hotel also has three floors of VIP rooms. (800) 241-3333, www.ritzcarlton.com.