The best accommodations San Francisco

Budget & Tips

Hotels. Most U.S. cities are home to clusters of unattractive hotels. The advantage of these "corridor hotels" is the reliability of the hotel chains. You usually know what to expect as soon as you see the sign on the side of the highway. Although impersonal, they have recently been making efforts to stand out from the crowd. They do, however, stand out from independent or higher-end hotels. Whatever category you choose, rooms come with telephone, cable TV and bathroom, and the price often includes breakfast.

Mid-range hotels add minibars, microwaves, hairdryers, Internet access, air conditioning, gyms and swimming pools. Higher-category hotels add a restaurant, bar and business center (computers and printers available to guests). Rooms normally have a king-size bed (195 cm wide) or a queen-size bed (155 cm wide). Rates are for two adults. Extra beds for children are often charged. Beware of charges for telephone calls from the room: long-distance calls are always overpriced. Local calls may even be billed, as may toll-free numbers.

Motels. Originally, motels were located near highways. You parked your car in front of your room. Today, they're more like hotels, except that the room door opens onto a parking lot rather than a corridor. Motels are located at the exits of the main roads linking cities. Most are modest and inexpensive. Breakfast is rarely included, but you can make a cup of tea or coffee in your room. Rooms also include TV and telephone. A decrepit, uninviting façade sometimes conceals rooms of impeccable cleanliness. The reverse is also true. It is advisable to ask to see the room before taking the key.

Chambres d'hôtes. Most are romantic addresses set in small, tastefully restored and furnished historic residences, run by friendly, independent owners who prepare delicious breakfasts. Prices are usually in excess of US$100 per night. To put things in perspective, the finest Bed and Breakfasts charge between US$200 and US$300 a night, or even more. A minimum length of stay is sometimes required for weekend stays. Bed & Breakfasts may close out of season, and reservations are essential for the most luxurious establishments, which are often in great demand. Websites to consult: www.bedandbreakfast.com - www.bnbfinder.com - www.selectregistry.com

Youthhostels. The Western U.S. is well endowed with youth hostels. There are over a hundred HI-affiliated hostels (Hostelling International: www.hiusa.org). They generally have single-sex dormitories, a few rooms, shared bathrooms and kitchens, and most provide bed linen free of charge or for a small fee. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited. Entertainment is sometimes provided. In major cities, hostels are open 24 hours a day and do not require guests to help with household chores. Elsewhere, they may close between 10am and 5pm. Some ask their guests to do the housework, in exchange for free use of their rooms. Dormitory prices range from US$20 to US$40 per night per person, sometimes more in larger cities. Reservations are recommended in high season, and the maximum length of stay is sometimes set at 6 nights. Independent youth hostels are also available (www.hostelworld.com - www.hostels.com).

Campsites. Campsites can be found on most federal lands and state parks. The most rudimentary campsites offer no infrastructure whatsoever. They cost less than US$10 a night and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A basic campsite has sanitary facilities, drinking water, space for a campfire and picnic tables. A night costs between US$5 and US$15, and reservations are often possible. More elaborate campsites, generally located in national and state parks, are better equipped and have more complete sanitary facilities. They cost between US$12 and US$30 per night, and most can be booked here: www.recreation.gov or www.reservamerica.com

To be booked

Summer is, of course, the busiest time for tourists in California. But also at Thanksgiving, on the fourth Thursday in November. It's best to book in advance during these busy periods.

For food lovers

Most hotels don't offer breakfast. Youth hostels, on the other hand, usually offer a buffet breakfast included in the room rate, consisting of cereals, fruit juice, toast and jam, pancakes and sometimes a simple hot dish such as scrambled eggs.

If you like hearty breakfasts, bed and breakfasts are for you! The hosts are often gourmet cooks who like to pamper their guests with homemade pastries (scones, muffins, bread...), a seasonal fruit salad and a choice of hot dishes that they prepare à la minute.

Smokers

California law prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places (including e-cigarettes), including hotels.