The 49-room Timber Cove Resort is a rustic seaside hideaway set on cliffs overlooking the rugged Northern California coast and the Pacific Ocean. The resort has a wilderness-lodge feel, with an abundance of exposed timber, grand Sequoia trees, wild grasses, hiking trails, and a large fire pit where guests can play billiards and listen to the waves below. A farm-to-table restaurant, Coast Kitchen, generally receives high marks from guests. Rooms are cozy and have some luxury amenities, including LP record players and fireplaces. There is no cellphone service, making the Timber Cove Resort an ideal place to unplug, and a handful of state parks, filled with hiking and biking trails, are within driving distance.
The 49-room Timber Cove Resort is a rustic seaside hideaway set on cliffs overlooking the rugged Northern California coast and the Pacific Ocean. The resort has a wilderness-lodge feel, with an abundance of exposed timber, grand Sequoia trees, wild grasses, hiking trails, and a large fire pit where guests can play billiards and listen to the waves below. A farm-to-table restaurant, Coast Kitchen, generally receives high marks from guests. Rooms are cozy and have some luxury amenities, including LP record players and fireplaces. There is no cellphone service, making the Timber Cove Resort an ideal place to unplug, and a handful of state parks, filled with hiking and biking trails, are within driving distance.
The Agave Inn is small roadside motel that's had a hip makeover, which turned its basic rooms into fun crash pads with iPod docks, Mexican blankets, and Lucite chairs. Wi-Fi and a simple grab-and-go continental breakfast are free, but there is nowhere to sit and eat, nor are there any other facilities to speak of. Direct outdoor room entry from the parking lot makes the noise on busy State Street somewhat of an issue. Leisure travelers on a budget might also consider the Sandpiper Lodge down the street, which lacks the personality here, but has a small outdoor pool.
The Agave Inn is small roadside motel that's had a hip makeover, which turned its basic rooms into fun crash pads with iPod docks, Mexican blankets, and Lucite chairs. Wi-Fi and a simple grab-and-go continental breakfast are free, but there is nowhere to sit and eat, nor are there any other facilities to speak of. Direct outdoor room entry from the parking lot makes the noise on busy State Street somewhat of an issue. Leisure travelers on a budget might also consider the Sandpiper Lodge down the street, which lacks the personality here, but has a small outdoor pool.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Quail Lodge & Golf Club is an appealing option for golfers, corporate groups, and other travelers seeking a picturesque setting close to downtown Carmel. Its 77 guest rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and have attractive -- and high quality -- contemporary decor. All units feature patios, and contain flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and tubs, and free Wi-Fi, and many boast gas fireplaces. Features are extensive, with an outdoor pool, golf and tennis courts, a fitness center, and a full-service restaurant and bar, where breakfast is free, but limited. Travelers looking to stay downtown can consider the Candlelight Inn.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Quail Lodge & Golf Club is an appealing option for golfers, corporate groups, and other travelers seeking a picturesque setting close to downtown Carmel. Its 77 guest rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and have attractive -- and high quality -- contemporary decor. All units feature patios, and contain flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and tubs, and free Wi-Fi, and many boast gas fireplaces. Features are extensive, with an outdoor pool, golf and tennis courts, a fitness center, and a full-service restaurant and bar, where breakfast is free, but limited. Travelers looking to stay downtown can consider the Candlelight Inn.
The upper-middle-range Embassy Suites by Hilton La Quinta Hotel & Spa is well situated for tourists who want to be walking distance of Old Town La Quinta's dining and shopping. It's also a short drive to nearby golf courses, tennis courts, and hiking trails. Its 146 rooms have plenty of space with separate living areas, sofa beds, and kitchenettes with microwaves and mini-fridges. For guests who don't want to cook, breakfast is included with rates, and the on-site restaurant provides lunch and dinner. Other features include a full spa, gym, and pool surrounded by palm trees. But there's nothing fashion-forward about this chain hotel, and travelers looking for a hipper scene could consider Ace Hotel and Swim Club, which is hip and high-design, but rates can be higher.
The upper-middle-range Embassy Suites by Hilton La Quinta Hotel & Spa is well situated for tourists who want to be walking distance of Old Town La Quinta's dining and shopping. It's also a short drive to nearby golf courses, tennis courts, and hiking trails. Its 146 rooms have plenty of space with separate living areas, sofa beds, and kitchenettes with microwaves and mini-fridges. For guests who don't want to cook, breakfast is included with rates, and the on-site restaurant provides lunch and dinner. Other features include a full spa, gym, and pool surrounded by palm trees. But there's nothing fashion-forward about this chain hotel, and travelers looking for a hipper scene could consider Ace Hotel and Swim Club, which is hip and high-design, but rates can be higher.
The 233-room Allure Resort is located right in the heart of Orlando, on the attractions-packed International Drive. It's part of an eight-hotel group that looks pleasant enough, but often doesn't deliver. Maintenance issues and a generally forgotten-about approach to everything from rooms to features are hard to overlook, even with the hotel's big pool and rock-bottom rates. Rooms look pleasant enough, with light tones and wood accents, but are often short on supplies such as towels and pillows and some come with broken appliances. Hidden fees for standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and shuttles, a lack of secure parking, and the buffet breakfast are also disappointing. For a hotel without hidden fees and an overall better experience, try Rosen Inn International instead, which has similar rates.
The 233-room Allure Resort is located right in the heart of Orlando, on the attractions-packed International Drive. It's part of an eight-hotel group that looks pleasant enough, but often doesn't deliver. Maintenance issues and a generally forgotten-about approach to everything from rooms to features are hard to overlook, even with the hotel's big pool and rock-bottom rates. Rooms look pleasant enough, with light tones and wood accents, but are often short on supplies such as towels and pillows and some come with broken appliances. Hidden fees for standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and shuttles, a lack of secure parking, and the buffet breakfast are also disappointing. For a hotel without hidden fees and an overall better experience, try Rosen Inn International instead, which has similar rates.
Located just south of Hollywood Boulevard, Dream Hollywood is a trendy, four-pearl property with plenty of high-style flourishes. The hotel’s 178 rooms and suites are luxe and contemporary, decked out with Smart TVs, iPads, and lavish minibars. But most guests aren't drawn to the property for its rooms, rather they come for the fun nightlife scene thanks to its popular bars, nightclubs, and restaurants attracting a glam crowd of locals along with guests. A large gym and rooftop pool round out the on-site features. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with W Hollywood, which has a similar party-centric vibe and stylishly modern rooms.
Located just south of Hollywood Boulevard, Dream Hollywood is a trendy, four-pearl property with plenty of high-style flourishes. The hotel’s 178 rooms and suites are luxe and contemporary, decked out with Smart TVs, iPads, and lavish minibars. But most guests aren't drawn to the property for its rooms, rather they come for the fun nightlife scene thanks to its popular bars, nightclubs, and restaurants attracting a glam crowd of locals along with guests. A large gym and rooftop pool round out the on-site features. Travelers may want to compare rates and amenities with W Hollywood, which has a similar party-centric vibe and stylishly modern rooms.
The 7 Springs Inn & Suites is a clean, playful budget property with a retro, mid-century modern feel, outdoor lounge space, and large rooms. The hotel's outdoor area is a highlight, with a courtyard and landscaped yard featuring a small pool, a big whirlpool, BBQ grills, lounge and dining areas, and even a fire pit. That's about it for amenities, though: There's no restaurant, bar, or gym. The hotel's 52 guest rooms tend to be roomy with funky decor and functional amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Upgraded suites add full kitchens, plus extras like dining space, living areas, or balconies. The hotel is just a block from Palm Canyon Drive and within a 10-minute walk of downtown restaurants and shopping. Not keen on retro decor? The Alcazar Palm Springs offers a chicer look, but tends to be pricier.
The 7 Springs Inn & Suites is a clean, playful budget property with a retro, mid-century modern feel, outdoor lounge space, and large rooms. The hotel's outdoor area is a highlight, with a courtyard and landscaped yard featuring a small pool, a big whirlpool, BBQ grills, lounge and dining areas, and even a fire pit. That's about it for amenities, though: There's no restaurant, bar, or gym. The hotel's 52 guest rooms tend to be roomy with funky decor and functional amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Upgraded suites add full kitchens, plus extras like dining space, living areas, or balconies. The hotel is just a block from Palm Canyon Drive and within a 10-minute walk of downtown restaurants and shopping. Not keen on retro decor? The Alcazar Palm Springs offers a chicer look, but tends to be pricier.
The upper-middle-range San Diego Marriott Del Mar is a business-oriented hotel that also appeals to discerning vacationers with a lovely pool area and other upscale amenities. It’s located just off Interstate 5, giving access to central San Diego in about 20 to 25 minutes. The elegant wood and marble lobby is impressive, and its acclaimed restaurant and sushi bar are popular with visitors and locals alike. The free area shuttle service also takes guests to Del Mar landmarks, restaurants, and shopping. Rooms are clean and spacious with modern decor and mini-fridges, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee for non Marriott Rewards members, plus parking is pricey. Rates are competitive, but numerous area alternatives exist, such as the four-pearl San Diego Marriott La Jolla, which offers similar rates and amenities and is closer to downtown.
The upper-middle-range San Diego Marriott Del Mar is a business-oriented hotel that also appeals to discerning vacationers with a lovely pool area and other upscale amenities. It’s located just off Interstate 5, giving access to central San Diego in about 20 to 25 minutes. The elegant wood and marble lobby is impressive, and its acclaimed restaurant and sushi bar are popular with visitors and locals alike. The free area shuttle service also takes guests to Del Mar landmarks, restaurants, and shopping. Rooms are clean and spacious with modern decor and mini-fridges, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee for non Marriott Rewards members, plus parking is pricey. Rates are competitive, but numerous area alternatives exist, such as the four-pearl San Diego Marriott La Jolla, which offers similar rates and amenities and is closer to downtown.
Located in the city's vibrant Castro neighborhood, this mid-range bed-and-breakfast is housed in a charmingly restored Victorian with views of the Bay and Diamond Heights. The eight guest rooms and three apartments are decorated in a colorful and eclectic style, but not all have en-suite or private bathrooms. Apartments come with full kitchens. Breakfast, which gets enthusiastic reviews from guests, is included in the rate, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Apart from that, there's little in the way of features, but the location does allow for travelers to tap into San Francisco's gay and lesbian community and nightlife. There's also a Zen-style garden in the back with a luscious collection of plants. Another inexpensive option that's full of personality is the Inn at the Presidio, though its location is far more remote.
Located in the city's vibrant Castro neighborhood, this mid-range bed-and-breakfast is housed in a charmingly restored Victorian with views of the Bay and Diamond Heights. The eight guest rooms and three apartments are decorated in a colorful and eclectic style, but not all have en-suite or private bathrooms. Apartments come with full kitchens. Breakfast, which gets enthusiastic reviews from guests, is included in the rate, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Apart from that, there's little in the way of features, but the location does allow for travelers to tap into San Francisco's gay and lesbian community and nightlife. There's also a Zen-style garden in the back with a luscious collection of plants. Another inexpensive option that's full of personality is the Inn at the Presidio, though its location is far more remote.
The Chanric Inn is a seven-room bed-and-breakfast in a luxurious Victorian house. It's on a main boulevard on the outskirts of Calistoga, with impressive landscaping and a front porch that insulates it from most of the local traffic. Around back there's a pool and a garden patio, and the owners grow much of the produce used in their cuisine on the grounds. The rooms are small and lack TVs, but are impeccably decorated, and rates include a gourmet home-cooked breakfast. Guests looking for more privacy can find private cottages (and cheaper rates) at the Cottage Grove Inn on the north end of town, but the Chanric Inn's breakfast is tough to match.
The Chanric Inn is a seven-room bed-and-breakfast in a luxurious Victorian house. It's on a main boulevard on the outskirts of Calistoga, with impressive landscaping and a front porch that insulates it from most of the local traffic. Around back there's a pool and a garden patio, and the owners grow much of the produce used in their cuisine on the grounds. The rooms are small and lack TVs, but are impeccably decorated, and rates include a gourmet home-cooked breakfast. Guests looking for more privacy can find private cottages (and cheaper rates) at the Cottage Grove Inn on the north end of town, but the Chanric Inn's breakfast is tough to match.