The no-frills, budget Bay Breeze Inn has two major selling points: low rates and a location just a 10-minute drive from Oakland International Airport. Its 65 guest rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges, but their dated decor is worn and clashes. Some guests also report that cleanliness isn’t up to par. Another downside? The industrial surroundings are seedy. There aren’t any on-site features to speak of aside from some vending machines and guest laundry. Guests with flexibility in their budget should opt for the nearby Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites, which has more modern facilities and free breakfast.
The no-frills, budget Bay Breeze Inn has two major selling points: low rates and a location just a 10-minute drive from Oakland International Airport. Its 65 guest rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges, but their dated decor is worn and clashes. Some guests also report that cleanliness isn’t up to par. Another downside? The industrial surroundings are seedy. There aren’t any on-site features to speak of aside from some vending machines and guest laundry. Guests with flexibility in their budget should opt for the nearby Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites, which has more modern facilities and free breakfast.
Located in the Santa Cruz highlands, the upscale Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos offers travelers a different perspective of the Galapagos islands. Typically cooler and raininer than the coastal towns, the highlands feel worlds away from the beaches of Puerto Ayora. With polished decor, top-notch amenities, excellent on-site dining, and an estate-like atmosphere, the Royal Palm is an ideal pick for travelers seeking upscale lodging in the Galapagos. However, rooms lacks wow factor and high-end amenities, the fitness center is dated, and the sauna and adjacent massage room don’t really pass as a spa. Still, the Royal Palm has more amenities than most Galapagos hotels, and has established itself as one of the islands’ preeminent properties. Travelers looking for something equally upscale but closer to all the action in Puerto Ayora might prefer Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
Located in the Santa Cruz highlands, the upscale Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos offers travelers a different perspective of the Galapagos islands. Typically cooler and raininer than the coastal towns, the highlands feel worlds away from the beaches of Puerto Ayora. With polished decor, top-notch amenities, excellent on-site dining, and an estate-like atmosphere, the Royal Palm is an ideal pick for travelers seeking upscale lodging in the Galapagos. However, rooms lacks wow factor and high-end amenities, the fitness center is dated, and the sauna and adjacent massage room don’t really pass as a spa. Still, the Royal Palm has more amenities than most Galapagos hotels, and has established itself as one of the islands’ preeminent properties. Travelers looking for something equally upscale but closer to all the action in Puerto Ayora might prefer Finch Bay Eco Hotel.
The mid-range Fairfield Inn Anaheim Hills Orange County offers good value for travelers seeking a hotel outside the immediate Disney District but still near the attractions. Adjacent to the Riverside freeway, the hotel is about a 20-minute drive to Disney. A renovated fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, free parking, and a laundry room round out its features. The 163 rooms are spacious and include microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, but they're reached by motel-style exterior corridors and pick up ambient outdoor noise. For a hotel closer to Disney attractions, travelers could try the Hotel Fullerton Anaheim, which has a shuttle service to Disney and only slightly higher rates.
The mid-range Fairfield Inn Anaheim Hills Orange County offers good value for travelers seeking a hotel outside the immediate Disney District but still near the attractions. Adjacent to the Riverside freeway, the hotel is about a 20-minute drive to Disney. A renovated fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, free parking, and a laundry room round out its features. The 163 rooms are spacious and include microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, but they're reached by motel-style exterior corridors and pick up ambient outdoor noise. For a hotel closer to Disney attractions, travelers could try the Hotel Fullerton Anaheim, which has a shuttle service to Disney and only slightly higher rates.
Just a five-minute drive from downtown San Jose, Barcelo San Jose Palacio offers the amenities of a mid-range business hotel in a dated package. The hotel's large outdoor pool, three restaurants, and a cocktail lounge with live entertainment are noteworthy highlights, but much of the decor -- including pleather seating and lots of wood paneling -- feels a decade or two past its prime. The 254 rooms are likewise outdated, though they at least feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars -- some also have private balconies. The generous free breakfast and free airport shuttle add a good bit of value to a stay here. Check rates at the similarly priced Best Western Irazu for a more modern alternative with a casino and traditional tapas bar.
Just a five-minute drive from downtown San Jose, Barcelo San Jose Palacio offers the amenities of a mid-range business hotel in a dated package. The hotel's large outdoor pool, three restaurants, and a cocktail lounge with live entertainment are noteworthy highlights, but much of the decor -- including pleather seating and lots of wood paneling -- feels a decade or two past its prime. The 254 rooms are likewise outdated, though they at least feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars -- some also have private balconies. The generous free breakfast and free airport shuttle add a good bit of value to a stay here. Check rates at the similarly priced Best Western Irazu for a more modern alternative with a casino and traditional tapas bar.
King George Hotel is a historic three-pearl property with a great central location right next to Union Square and close to attractions, restaurants, shops, and public transport. Its 153 elegant rooms come with flat-screen TVs, work desks, tablets, and coffeemakers, though not all have air-conditioning and some get bothersome street noise. Other downsides include dated interiors and no proper restaurant, but there is a breakfast buffet available (for a fee), as well as a bar, 24-hour room service, and meeting rooms for rent. Travelers might also want to consider Hotel Union Stay which has a more modern style and a free wine hour.
King George Hotel is a historic three-pearl property with a great central location right next to Union Square and close to attractions, restaurants, shops, and public transport. Its 153 elegant rooms come with flat-screen TVs, work desks, tablets, and coffeemakers, though not all have air-conditioning and some get bothersome street noise. Other downsides include dated interiors and no proper restaurant, but there is a breakfast buffet available (for a fee), as well as a bar, 24-hour room service, and meeting rooms for rent. Travelers might also want to consider Hotel Union Stay which has a more modern style and a free wine hour.
The Keating Hotel by Pininfarina is most notable for its striking red and black interiors designed by the Italian car company behind Ferrari and Maserati. Just like the cars, this historic hotel's makeover is sleek and chic, with a sexy ambience. The industrial-style rooms have Italian luxuries such as Lavazza espresso machines and custom-designed glass rainfall showers. Not everyone will appreciate the lack of privacy some of the showers offer, though, and guests have to pay for upscale amenities (Wi-Fi, turndown service, the Lavazza espresso and tea, and a welcome amenity) by way of the nightly resort fee. The Gaslamp Quarter location is great for partying, but travelers who don't want to be in the same building as Coyote Ugly, which is bumping late into the night, should check out the nearby Andaz San Diego, or the eco-friendly Hotel Indigo.
The Keating Hotel by Pininfarina is most notable for its striking red and black interiors designed by the Italian car company behind Ferrari and Maserati. Just like the cars, this historic hotel's makeover is sleek and chic, with a sexy ambience. The industrial-style rooms have Italian luxuries such as Lavazza espresso machines and custom-designed glass rainfall showers. Not everyone will appreciate the lack of privacy some of the showers offer, though, and guests have to pay for upscale amenities (Wi-Fi, turndown service, the Lavazza espresso and tea, and a welcome amenity) by way of the nightly resort fee. The Gaslamp Quarter location is great for partying, but travelers who don't want to be in the same building as Coyote Ugly, which is bumping late into the night, should check out the nearby Andaz San Diego, or the eco-friendly Hotel Indigo.
With 454 rooms and meeting space galore, this upper-middle-range Hilton property caters to both business travelers and vacationing families drawn by its proximity to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. Business features like a stocked business center and 30,000 square feet of meeting rooms are impressive, while dining options are plentiful, and the pool and hot tub allow for a nice dip. Room decor is so-so and could use a refresh, but rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers, plus some have microwaves and mini-fridges. Wi-Fi costs a pesky fee, as does parking. A free shuttle to and from Disneyland is a nice perk, though by comparison, Hotel Menage has one too, plus a pool with views of Disney’s fireworks as well as free Wi-Fi and breakfast -- at a cheaper price.
With 454 rooms and meeting space galore, this upper-middle-range Hilton property caters to both business travelers and vacationing families drawn by its proximity to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. Business features like a stocked business center and 30,000 square feet of meeting rooms are impressive, while dining options are plentiful, and the pool and hot tub allow for a nice dip. Room decor is so-so and could use a refresh, but rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers, plus some have microwaves and mini-fridges. Wi-Fi costs a pesky fee, as does parking. A free shuttle to and from Disneyland is a nice perk, though by comparison, Hotel Menage has one too, plus a pool with views of Disney’s fireworks as well as free Wi-Fi and breakfast -- at a cheaper price.
The Carlsbad Seapointe Resort's large, modern condos are convenient for families, with full kitchens and (in most) ocean views. It's across the street from the beach and has lots of kid-friendly activities, including a family pool with a water play area, a playground, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, and miniature golf. But it's a 10-minute drive to the restaurants and shops in downtown Carlsbad, and the beach could be nicer.
The Carlsbad Seapointe Resort's large, modern condos are convenient for families, with full kitchens and (in most) ocean views. It's across the street from the beach and has lots of kid-friendly activities, including a family pool with a water play area, a playground, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, and miniature golf. But it's a 10-minute drive to the restaurants and shops in downtown Carlsbad, and the beach could be nicer.
The mid-range INN at Europa Village is a Mission-style bed and breakfast surrounded by wineries in Temecula Valley’s Wine Country, a brief drive from Interstate 15. Its 10 individually decorated rooms are clean, spacious, quiet, and TV-free, and most have private patios or balconies. Some have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. The lovely grounds have a whirlpool and gas fire pit, but there’s no fitness center or spa. Overall, it's relaxing and romantic, but a stay here doesn't come cheap and weekends require a two-night minimum. Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula is a more affordable mid-range alternative a brief drive from the wine country.
The mid-range INN at Europa Village is a Mission-style bed and breakfast surrounded by wineries in Temecula Valley’s Wine Country, a brief drive from Interstate 15. Its 10 individually decorated rooms are clean, spacious, quiet, and TV-free, and most have private patios or balconies. Some have whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. The lovely grounds have a whirlpool and gas fire pit, but there’s no fitness center or spa. Overall, it's relaxing and romantic, but a stay here doesn't come cheap and weekends require a two-night minimum. Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula is a more affordable mid-range alternative a brief drive from the wine country.
This upper-middle-range, business-friendly property is situated within walking distance to Old Pasadena, the convention center, and Paseo Colorado mall. Convenient location aside, the hotel’s offerings are standard for a Hilton; the 296 rooms are on the small and generic side but have lovely city and mountain views, and guests can find a decent outdoor pool, gym, coffee shop, and two restaurants on-site. Breakfast and parking fees can be expensive. Dated decor throughout the rooms and common areas dampen the atmosphere, but property-wide renovations (underway as of summer 2017) do promise a more modern look that justifies the pricey rates. The DusitD2 Hotel Constance Pasadena has an equally stellar location, and offers much more stylish rooms and features at similar rates.
This upper-middle-range, business-friendly property is situated within walking distance to Old Pasadena, the convention center, and Paseo Colorado mall. Convenient location aside, the hotel’s offerings are standard for a Hilton; the 296 rooms are on the small and generic side but have lovely city and mountain views, and guests can find a decent outdoor pool, gym, coffee shop, and two restaurants on-site. Breakfast and parking fees can be expensive. Dated decor throughout the rooms and common areas dampen the atmosphere, but property-wide renovations (underway as of summer 2017) do promise a more modern look that justifies the pricey rates. The DusitD2 Hotel Constance Pasadena has an equally stellar location, and offers much more stylish rooms and features at similar rates.