While showing some age, Bahia Resort Hotel still has a lot of character and nice extras. A beautifully restored sternwheeler ship offers free cruises around Mission Bay for guests, and kids like watching the rescued seals kept in an enclosure on the well-maintained grounds. The rooms are a little bland, but the property is an ideal spot for families who want to take advantage of the calm bay waters and the sandy beach. While located on quiet peninsulas stretching into the bay like other hotels, the Bahia tends to have lower rates than its competitors. 

Historic charm sets Gaslamp Plaza Suites apart from the rest, with the hotel located one block away from Horton Plaza in San Diego's hip Gaslamp Quarter. At 11 stories, the property was the city's first skyscraper and still has fantastic views from its rooftop terrace, where you can partake of the free continental breakfast. Rooms vary in size, decor, and layout (some are time shares), but renovations have preserved their character while updating the furnishings. Noise from the surrounding neighborhood is common at night and the hotel's own wine bar may add to it, especially on weekends.

Although its name may conjure up the image of a dusty dive off a southwestern interstate, the Buena Vista Motor Inn is a charming, newly renovated budget hotel within walking distance of San Francisco’s marina. The 50 rooms are rather plain and compact; some have views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The hotel has a quaint garden and rooftop deck, and offers free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and parking -- a rarity in San Francisco. However, some rooms can be noisy, and much of the decor is dated, as renovations are ongoing. This inn is a better deal than most comparable properties in the city, although booking early can be key to getting lower rates.

The Days Hotel - Hotel Circle is a mid-range, motel-style property located just off the freeway in San Diego's Mission Valley district. While the immediate surroundings are unattractive, its central position makes for an easy drive to most San Diego attractions. Rooms are well-maintained, but they do get some noise from the freeway. There are a swimming pool and a hot tub on-site, and Wi-Fi and parking are free. While there are plenty of similar lodgings on this stretch of road, the Days Hotel is one of the better values.

The Hampton Inn is a standard mid-range property located just off a busy freeway interchange in the unattractive Kearny Mesa area. Clean, modern rooms feature useful touches such as bedside charging points and lap-desks. Free hot breakfast is a welcome bonus and the pool terrace is a pleasant place to hang out in the sun. While the location is far from convenient for exploring San Diego's attractions, this chain hotel offers a perfectly pleasant place to spend the night for those stopping through Kearny Mesa. 

This artistic, three-pearl, 82-room hotel appeals to adult tourists and couples looking for a stylish, boutique experience. Rooms are on the small side but are quirky and modern, some with exposed brick or historic masonry walls. The hotel has a Charlie Palmer restaurant and craft cocktail bar, plus a spacious, stylish lounge. Delicious breakfast is included, and the location is superb for those wanting to be in the heart of San Francisco’s downtown near Union Square.    

The Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar is a mid-range, business hotel located in San Diego's Sorrento Valley, near Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Clean, chain-like rooms don't deviate from the Hilton Garden Inn mold, and have mattresses with adjustable firmness as well as ergonomic desk chairs. Walls are on the thin side. The pool is tiny, but for those with business in the area, or budget-minded families and couples who want a home base for visiting La Jolla and Del Mar, this hotel perfectly adequate. For something a little more upscale take a look at the nearby San Diego Marriott Del Mar.

The Wyndham Garden is a low-rise property located in San Diego's Midway District, a 15-minute drive to the airport. While the colonial-style architecture and abundance of tropical plants is pleasant, the overall feel is more that of a budget motel than a proper hotel, owing to tired room decor and musty bathrooms. The pool area and 24-hour restaurant and bakery are nice enough, though ultimately there's not much to make this property stand out beyond its close proximity to the Valley View Casino Center and SeaWorld. 

The Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Suites provides simple motel-style lodgings and pleasant, well-maintained grounds in the Mid City area of San Diego. While its location means convenient access to the university campus, the immediate surroundings aren't particularly attractive and it's far from downtown San Diego and the beaches. Rooms are clean, with decent amenities, and both breakfast and the outdoor pool are a cut-above the average roadside motel. Overall, it's an excellent budget option for those with business nearby. 

The Hyatt Regency is an upscale resort hotel with an enviable setting overlooking the waters of San Diego's Mission Bay. Its location means easy access to Mission Beach and SeaWorld, while the surrounding area is largely pleasant parkland and shoreline. While many of the hotel's common areas have been sleekly renovated, rooms are starting to feel shabby in places and not all have sea views. On-site dining, however, is good, the pool complex's waterslides are popular with kids. Rates are reasonable, though the nearby Dana on Mission Bay offers better value.