The best accommodations San Francisco

Budget & Tips

Hotels. In most cities in the United States there are groups of hotels without any charm. The advantage of these "corridor hotels" is the reliability of the hotel chains. One usually knows what to expect from the sign on the side of the highway. Although impersonal, they have recently made efforts to distinguish themselves. However, they are different from independent or higher-end hotels. Regardless of the category chosen, the rooms have a telephone, cable TV, a bathroom, and the price often includes breakfast

In the mid-range category there is a minibar, microwave, hair dryer, Internet connection, air conditioning, gym and swimming pool. The higher category hotels add a restaurant, a bar, a business center (computers and printers available to guests). Normally, the rooms have a king-size bed (195 cm wide) or a queen-size bed (155 cm wide). The price is for two adults. Extra beds for children are often charged. Be aware of the charges for phone calls from the room: long distance calls are always overpriced. Local calls may even be charged, as well as toll-free numbers.

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

Bed and Breakfast. Most of these are romantic addresses in small, tastefully restored and furnished historic homes, run by friendly, independent owners who prepare delicious breakfasts. Prices usually exceed US$100 per night. To put it in perspective, the nicest bed and breakfasts charge between US$ 200 and US$ 300 per night, or even more. A minimum length of stay is sometimes required for weekend stays. Bed and Breakfasts may close out of season and reservations are essential for the most luxurious establishments, which are often in high demand. Sites to consult: www.bedandbreakfast. com - www.bnbfinder.com - www. selectregistry.com

Youthhostels. The Western United States is well supplied with youth hostels. There are over 100 HI-affiliated hostels (Hostelling International: www.hiusa.org). They usually have single-sex dormitories, some rooms, shared bathrooms, a shared kitchen and most provide free or low-cost bedding. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited. Entertainment is sometimes provided. In larger cities, hostels are open 24 hours a day and do not require guests to help with chores. Elsewhere, they may close between 10am and 5pm. Some ask their guests to do the housework in exchange for a free room. Dormitory prices range from US$20 to US$40 per night per person, sometimes more in larger cities. Reservations are recommended during the high season and the maximum stay is sometimes set at 6 nights. It is also possible to find independent youth hostels (www.hostelworld. com - www.hostels.com).

Campsites. Campgrounds are found on most federal lands and state parks. The most basic campsites offer no facilities. They cost less than US$10 per night and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A basic campsite has sanitary facilities, drinking water, campfire areas and picnic tables. Overnight stays range from US$5 to US$15 and reservations are often available. More elaborate campsites, usually in national and state parks, are better equipped and have more complete sanitary facilities. They cost between $12 and $30 per night and most can be booked here: www. recreation.gov or www.reservamerica.com

To be booked

Summer is of course the time when tourists are most numerous in California. But also at Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday of November. It is better to book in advance during these busy periods.

For food lovers

Most hotels do not offer breakfast. Instead, hostels usually offer a buffet breakfast included in the room rate, which consists of cereals, fruit juice, toast and jam, pancakes and sometimes a simple hot dish like scrambled eggs

If you like hearty breakfasts, bed and breakfasts will delight you! The hosts are very often fine cooks who like to pamper their guests by offering them homemade pastries (scone, muffin, bread...), a seasonal fruit salad as well as several choices of hot dishes that they prepare at the minute.

Smokers

California law prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places (including e-cigarettes): hotels, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and other casinos. Also in queues, stadiums, markets and restaurant terraces.