B&B REVIEW: SAN DIEGO'S BLOM HOSE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

Byline: Susanne Hopkins Daily News Travel Editor

Sometimes, it seems the world of bed-and-breakfast inns is populated only by stately 1880s Victorians whose rooms are festooned with lace, velveteen and gold leaf.

But high on a bluff overlooking San Diego's Hotel Circle and Fashion Valley Mall, there's a 1948 powder-blue cottage called Blom House Bed & Breakfast that's more like home than like a movie set.

Which explains why I felt I was pulling up to an old friend's house when I arrived one evening at dusk.

That feeling was reinforced by owner Bette Blom, a vivacious former schoolteacher who gave me an enthusiastic greeting and proceeded to show me around.

``This is just for guests,'' she said, waving her arm toward the living room with its cushy chairs, television, electric fireplace and an impressive view of the valley, which just then was all a-twinkle with lights. My eye lit on a platter of homemade chocolate-chip cookies - a treat for later, I decided.

Blom slid open the glass door to the deck outside and noted where the deck lifted up to reveal a bubbling hot tub. ``There are robes in your room and I have extra bathing suits if you left yours at home,'' she instructed.

Blom House has three guest units, each with its own bath: the honeymoon suite; the lovers' suite, a split-level affair with a sunken tub; and the family suite, where I had a choice of two rooms.

It was a tough choice. Both were outfitted with TVs and VCRs, telephones and amenities such as pots to heat hot water for tea or coffee and chocolates nestled in small dishes on the dressing tables. The one room, the Queen's Room, was decorated in deep rose hues and boasted an elegant white wrought-iron bed. A refrigerator was outfitted with wine, crackers and cheese. But I ended up in the sunny yellow and white room with its yellow rose accents and king-sized brass bed.

``Tomorrow morning, we're having stuffed French toast with strawberry sauce,'' Blom said, as she left me to my own devices. Just as I was mulling that appetizing thought, she added: ``If you need anything at all, just call.'' And she disappeared into her own quarters on the other side of the house, where three cats waited eagerly for her attention.

I spent a pleasant night (though I never did get that hot tub moment) and awoke to tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen.

Blom talked as she cooked. She's operated Blom House for four years, she said. She opened the b&b just before she retired, renting rooms only on weekends at the beginning to see if she liked it.

She did.

It's quite a change from her 34-year teaching career in Azusa, but it's been a marvelous experience. Especially since many of the guests at her cottage on the bluff have become dear friends.

On Location

Address: Blom House Bed & Breakfast, 1372 Minden Drive, San Diego, Calif. 92111.

Phone: [phone].

Price range: $69-$100 per night, single and double.

Number of rooms: 3 (including suite), all with private bath.

House rules: Smoking on the deck, children welcome.

Money matters (credit cards, cancellation policy): Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal checks, cash, 10-day cancellation notice required for full refund; refund if room can be rented.

Check in/check out: 11 a.m./11 a.m.

Telephones, television: Phones, television, VCRs in rooms.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: (Color) Rooms at Blom House in San Diego are outfitted with comfortable appointments, such as TVs, VCRs, even refrigerators.

Susanne Hopkins/Daily News

Box: On Location (See text)