If you build it, they will come. If "it" is an affordable party hotel and "they" are Millennials in Palm Springs for Coachella and bachelorette parties. Infusion Beach Club was once a run-of-the-mill motel, and it still kind of is, but the volume has been turned way up on fun. The 62 rooms still have exterior hallway entrances and popcorn ceilings, but the interiors have been jazzed up to include warm wood, nice mattresses, and sliding barn bathroom doors. During our visit in 2019, the pool bar was under construction, but there was still a flamingo floating in the pool and lots of sun loungers. Food and cocktails can be ordered via text. For something even more hip and with nicer rooms, check out ARRIVE Hotel down the street -- but rates are higher.
If you build it, they will come. If "it" is an affordable party hotel and "they" are Millennials in Palm Springs for Coachella and bachelorette parties. Infusion Beach Club was once a run-of-the-mill motel, and it still kind of is, but the volume has been turned way up on fun. The 62 rooms still have exterior hallway entrances and popcorn ceilings, but the interiors have been jazzed up to include warm wood, nice mattresses, and sliding barn bathroom doors. During our visit in 2019, the pool bar was under construction, but there was still a flamingo floating in the pool and lots of sun loungers. Food and cocktails can be ordered via text. For something even more hip and with nicer rooms, check out ARRIVE Hotel down the street -- but rates are higher.
The two-pearl Sunset Motel offers comfortable accommodations within a short drive of downtown Santa Barbara. The older, motel-style property has 17 well-equipped guest rooms with pleasant decor. All units contain large flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms have attractive tiling that resembles stone, spacious, black granite vanities, and shower/tub combos, and suites add whirlpool tubs. Amenities are limited and there's no elevator, but freebies include Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and on-parking, although the lot can fill to capacity when the motel is fully booked. Travelers looking for a stay with a pool that's closer to downtown can check out Orange Tree Inn, with rates that are only slightly higher.
The two-pearl Sunset Motel offers comfortable accommodations within a short drive of downtown Santa Barbara. The older, motel-style property has 17 well-equipped guest rooms with pleasant decor. All units contain large flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms have attractive tiling that resembles stone, spacious, black granite vanities, and shower/tub combos, and suites add whirlpool tubs. Amenities are limited and there's no elevator, but freebies include Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and on-parking, although the lot can fill to capacity when the motel is fully booked. Travelers looking for a stay with a pool that's closer to downtown can check out Orange Tree Inn, with rates that are only slightly higher.
For Palm Springs visitors who want resort-like amenities and a downtown location, it doesn't get any better than the upscale Kimpton Rowan. As one of the tallest buildings, at seven stories, in Palm Springs, it has ample space for bells and whistles you'll otherwise only find on the outskirts of town: a gorgeous rooftop pool, full fitness center, a fine-dining restaurant, all-day cafe, bikes to borrow, and two bars. The 153 guest rooms and suites are done in a contemporary finish and include floor-to-ceiling windows and chic bathrooms. The major downside is the resort fee, though it does include a daily wine and beer reception with a few nibbles. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. For something with a more boutique vibe and free breakfast, check out the Sparrows Lodge Hotel.
For Palm Springs visitors who want resort-like amenities and a downtown location, it doesn't get any better than the upscale Kimpton Rowan. As one of the tallest buildings, at seven stories, in Palm Springs, it has ample space for bells and whistles you'll otherwise only find on the outskirts of town: a gorgeous rooftop pool, full fitness center, a fine-dining restaurant, all-day cafe, bikes to borrow, and two bars. The 153 guest rooms and suites are done in a contemporary finish and include floor-to-ceiling windows and chic bathrooms. The major downside is the resort fee, though it does include a daily wine and beer reception with a few nibbles. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. For something with a more boutique vibe and free breakfast, check out the Sparrows Lodge Hotel.
Dating back to 1929, the historic Berkeley City Club is a budget hotel located just one block from UC Berkeley. Rooms are small and spartan, with no coffeemakers, air-conditioning, or even TVs, and guests might find them cramped and dated. Property features are paradoxically swanky and include a fine-dining restaurant as well as beautiful public spaces, including a spectacular indoor pool with mosaic tiling. There's also a laundry room on the property and a continental breakfast is included in room rates. Overall, it's an attractive option for those looking for a hotel near the university with loads of personality, though travelers could also consider the mid-range Hotel Durant.
Dating back to 1929, the historic Berkeley City Club is a budget hotel located just one block from UC Berkeley. Rooms are small and spartan, with no coffeemakers, air-conditioning, or even TVs, and guests might find them cramped and dated. Property features are paradoxically swanky and include a fine-dining restaurant as well as beautiful public spaces, including a spectacular indoor pool with mosaic tiling. There's also a laundry room on the property and a continental breakfast is included in room rates. Overall, it's an attractive option for those looking for a hotel near the university with loads of personality, though travelers could also consider the mid-range Hotel Durant.
We don't like to use the term "hidden gem," but La Serena Villas fits the bill. Originally built in the '30s and completely remodeled in 2016, La Serena Villas offers 18 glamorous bungalow-style rooms with private patios and outdoor claw foot tubs. The chic outdoor swimming pool offers wonderful mountain views and impeccable palm tree landscaping, plus service from the adjacent Azucar restaurant and bar. A private rooftop lounge serves cocktails and Moroccan-inspired seating in front of a large fireplace. There's also a full spa with an outdoor jetted pool and private treatment rooms. Kids are not allowed, so the ambience is sophisticated and quiet. Just about the only downside is the resort fee, which covers a continental breakfast delivered to the villas or pool. For something with more Mid-Century Modern flair and lower rates, The Three Fifty sister hotel is just across the street.
We don't like to use the term "hidden gem," but La Serena Villas fits the bill. Originally built in the '30s and completely remodeled in 2016, La Serena Villas offers 18 glamorous bungalow-style rooms with private patios and outdoor claw foot tubs. The chic outdoor swimming pool offers wonderful mountain views and impeccable palm tree landscaping, plus service from the adjacent Azucar restaurant and bar. A private rooftop lounge serves cocktails and Moroccan-inspired seating in front of a large fireplace. There's also a full spa with an outdoor jetted pool and private treatment rooms. Kids are not allowed, so the ambience is sophisticated and quiet. Just about the only downside is the resort fee, which covers a continental breakfast delivered to the villas or pool. For something with more Mid-Century Modern flair and lower rates, The Three Fifty sister hotel is just across the street.
The Monkey Tree Hotel is one of the best (and most fun) examples of Midcentury Modern architecture in Palm Springs. It was originally built during Palm Spring's tourist boom in the 1960s by celebrated architect Albert Frey. Today, it has 16 guest rooms, all with retro stylings and art, centered around an outdoor pool, complete with a floating flamingo, and sun deck. There's a retro living room area with board games and a fireplace, and this is where the free homemade breakfast is served. In fact, the owners are committed to making sure everything is free: day passes to a nearby gym, Wi-Fi, parking, and snacks and cold drinks by the pool. There's little of interest within walking distance. For something Mid-Century Modern and close to downtown Palm Springs, check out Holiday House Hotel -- but rates are higher.
The Monkey Tree Hotel is one of the best (and most fun) examples of Midcentury Modern architecture in Palm Springs. It was originally built during Palm Spring's tourist boom in the 1960s by celebrated architect Albert Frey. Today, it has 16 guest rooms, all with retro stylings and art, centered around an outdoor pool, complete with a floating flamingo, and sun deck. There's a retro living room area with board games and a fireplace, and this is where the free homemade breakfast is served. In fact, the owners are committed to making sure everything is free: day passes to a nearby gym, Wi-Fi, parking, and snacks and cold drinks by the pool. There's little of interest within walking distance. For something Mid-Century Modern and close to downtown Palm Springs, check out Holiday House Hotel -- but rates are higher.
A motel property, the Rodeway Inn and Suites is convenient as a pit stop on a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. There aren't many amenities -- no pool or fitness center -- but rooms do have free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves (there is also a room option with a big hot tub). The hotel has ample parking and good service, but outdated rooms have unappealing bedspreads and bedskirts.
A motel property, the Rodeway Inn and Suites is convenient as a pit stop on a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. There aren't many amenities -- no pool or fitness center -- but rooms do have free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves (there is also a room option with a big hot tub). The hotel has ample parking and good service, but outdated rooms have unappealing bedspreads and bedskirts.
A sexy 202-room property that doubles as a hip art gallery, the Hotel Zelos San Francisco (formerly Hotel Palomar) has spacious, comfortable rooms, free coffee and tea in the mornings, free Wi-Fi, and an upscale restaurant on the 5th floor. Other downtown boutiques may cost less, but the Zelos is a cut above for a hip, romantic getaway.
A sexy 202-room property that doubles as a hip art gallery, the Hotel Zelos San Francisco (formerly Hotel Palomar) has spacious, comfortable rooms, free coffee and tea in the mornings, free Wi-Fi, and an upscale restaurant on the 5th floor. Other downtown boutiques may cost less, but the Zelos is a cut above for a hip, romantic getaway.
Consistently ranked among the top properties in Carmel, the upper-middle-range Carriage House Inn is as quaint and romantic as it gets. Rooms are elegant and cozy, with excellent king beds topped by quality linens, working fireplaces, window seats, jetted tubs, and a soothing earth-tone palette. Though this 13-room boutique lacks most of the amenities expected of larger hotels -- such as a restaurant, pool, and spa -- it offers a wonderful array of freebies that add charm and value: a hearty breakfast delivered to the room, evening wine and hors d’oeuvres, freshly baked cookies, outdoor parking, and Wi-Fi. Still, rates are some of the highest in town, so travelers on a tighter budget may want to consider sister property Svendsgaard’s Inn, located a bit farther from restaurants and shops along Ocean Avenue.
Consistently ranked among the top properties in Carmel, the upper-middle-range Carriage House Inn is as quaint and romantic as it gets. Rooms are elegant and cozy, with excellent king beds topped by quality linens, working fireplaces, window seats, jetted tubs, and a soothing earth-tone palette. Though this 13-room boutique lacks most of the amenities expected of larger hotels -- such as a restaurant, pool, and spa -- it offers a wonderful array of freebies that add charm and value: a hearty breakfast delivered to the room, evening wine and hors d’oeuvres, freshly baked cookies, outdoor parking, and Wi-Fi. Still, rates are some of the highest in town, so travelers on a tighter budget may want to consider sister property Svendsgaard’s Inn, located a bit farther from restaurants and shops along Ocean Avenue.
The upper-middle-range Hilton Sacramento Arden West is an attractive meetings-oriented hotel about a 10-minute drive from downtown Sacramento. This modern, well maintained property mostly hosts business travelers and groups, but its free shuttle to the nearby Arden Fair Mall and lower weekend rates attract leisure travelers too. Amenities reflect its status as a full-service Hilton, with a restaurant and lounge, a small outdoor pool, fitness and business centers, and 18,000 square feet of meeting space. Its 332 guest rooms are clean, modern, and tastefully decorated, with comfortable beds, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, plus some have microwaves, though bathrooms are small. Parking and breakfast incur fees, however, and there's not much within walking distance. The mid-range Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento/South Natomas is a good alternative that’s closer to the airport and offers comparable rates and free parking.
The upper-middle-range Hilton Sacramento Arden West is an attractive meetings-oriented hotel about a 10-minute drive from downtown Sacramento. This modern, well maintained property mostly hosts business travelers and groups, but its free shuttle to the nearby Arden Fair Mall and lower weekend rates attract leisure travelers too. Amenities reflect its status as a full-service Hilton, with a restaurant and lounge, a small outdoor pool, fitness and business centers, and 18,000 square feet of meeting space. Its 332 guest rooms are clean, modern, and tastefully decorated, with comfortable beds, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, plus some have microwaves, though bathrooms are small. Parking and breakfast incur fees, however, and there's not much within walking distance. The mid-range Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento/South Natomas is a good alternative that’s closer to the airport and offers comparable rates and free parking.