Deal of the week

Hop aboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner in Los Angeles and take a friend for free.

The free-companion deal is valid for trips between Los Angeles and Ventura. The round-trip fare is $30 a person.

If you’d like to spend the night in Ventura, show your train ticket during check-in at the Crowne Plaza Ventura and you’ll receive a special $99 a night rate.

The Crowne Plaza, formerly the Holiday Inn, is on the beach and was recently renovated.

Train tickets and hotel accommodations must be purchased separately, and the special ends May 25. The Amtrak offer -- and a variety of hotel specials -- are at www.ventura-usa.com/coupons or by calling (800) 872-7245 and mentioning the code H553.

For reservations at the Crowne Plaza Ventura, call (805) 648-2100.

-- R.J. McClure