Arena Hotel San Jose

The Arena hotel in San Jose should be renamed the Milk and Cookies B,B&D, or something like that. The 'B,B&D' is for Bed, Breakfast & Dinner - Since that's what the Arena offers, with the food being complimentary. 'Milk and Cookies' because everything about this hotel is as sweet as apple pie, starting from the cherriness of the front desk to the 'you name it and we'll get it' attitude of their concierge, not to mention the complimentary amenities and friendly tips that the staff have for guests who need directions or some pointers about local attractions and dining facilities.

Point is, regardless of what else the Arena hotel offers, or does not, this kind of excellent service and customer friendly attitude is exactly what makes for a good hotel, and a good stay for guests. Personalized service is also what you cannot expect, and usually do not get, from the big San Jose family hotels with hundreds of rooms like a Hilton.

The Arena is conviniently located within walking distance of downtown San Jose and the HP Pavilion (http://www.hppsj.com/). Amenities provided include free wi-fi internet, laundry and same day dry cleaning, rolloaway beds and cribs on request, complimentary breakfast everyday and complimentary dinners from Monday to Thursday, and a business center with meeting areas.

The 89 guest rooms and suites at the Arena are well furnished and equipped with cable TV, refrigirator, microwave, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, hairdryer and a two person jacuzzi. Some rooms also have a full kitchenette. This is on top of the complimentary breakfast and dinner the hotel offers. Far as I can remember, I haven't seen any other hotel in California which offers free breakfast and dinner. Room rates start at around $99 per night and a suite goes for around $119. Your stay in San Jose is going to cost you between $100 to $120 a day, and that's with family. Which is not a bad deal, anyway you look at it.

Info: 817 The Alameda San Jose CA 95126; (408) 294-6500; www.pacifichotels.com/arena

Old Town Inn - San Diego CA

The newly renovated Old Town Inn, San Diego, sits plunk at the center of almost every major tourist attraction in San Diego - Across the street from the Trolley transit Station, within walking distance of the historic Old Town State Park with its restaurants and quaint shops and museums, slightly less than 3 miles from both the Seaworld Adventure Park and the San Diego Zoo, 15 minutes to the San Diego International Airport - You get the picture.

You can setup headquarters at the Old Town Inn and plan short sorties to all the major attractions over a fun-filled San Diego weekend getaway with the family, or even an extended vacation with visits to nearby attractions - And there's a huge amount in and around San Diego - like the Legoland theme park in Carlsbad and the magnificient beaches and attractions at La Jolla and and Mission Bay.

I mention family here not only because San Diego has a lot to offer the kiddies, but also because post-renovation, the Old Town Inn is the best of San Diego family hotels. Some of the family friendly amenities and services include free parking, a complimentary continental breakfast, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a barbeque area, arcade games, connecting rooms and extended stay options, cribs and rolloaway beds, fully equipped kitchennetes with microwaves, refrigirators, coffee makers and ice machines, iron with ironing board, guest laundry services and hairdryers.

Inspite of the semi-luxurious accomodations and amenities, a full suite with kitchenette able to accomodate an entire family of four would cost you only about $104 per night during weekdays and $114 on weekends. That comes to about $300 for a 2 night 3 day stay that includes free breakfast, in-room beverages, some add-ons as a family you might need, and something you might want to cook up at night. Throw in lunch for four people, two adults and two children, for 3 days, along with transportation and admission ticket costs to the attractions (you can get a Go San Diego Card which includes admission to all major parks) and that would come to another $500. So you can wrap up a complete 3 day San Diego family vacation for $800.

Info: 4444 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92110; (800) 643-3025; http://www.oldtown-inn.com/