North by Northgate to the El Cajon Motel San Diego

Tired of getting ripped off by the expensive beach-front San Diego motels and hotels? Head north to the El Cajon Motel, located on Interstate 8 by Northgate in El Cajon.

It's a good 15 miles to the San Diego Zoo, 19 miles to Sea World San Diego. But the drive down to the attractions in San Diego is more than made up for by the El Cajon Motel, in terms of amenities and price. Complimentary amenities include a continental breakfast, guest parking, daily newspapers, and local calls.

Hotel amenities include wireless internet, safe deposit box at the 24-hour front desk, and a business center with fax and photocopy services. Public areas are air conditioned.

In-room amenities include direct access from exterior to each of the motel's 18 air conditioned rooms, blackout drapes/curtains, cable/satellite TV, climate control, coffee/tea maker, cribs available at desk, direct-dial phone, electronic/magnetic keys, extra towels and bedding, fax machine and free local calls, hair dryer (on request), in-room safe, complimentary internet access, and wireless internet, iron/ironing board (on request), private bathroom and shower/tub combination, refrigerator and rollaway beds.

Best part is, you get to use all this for $50 (plus tax) per night. Go to San Diego downtown, and you'll end up paying anywhere between $100 to $300, depending on your preferences and needs. Saving at last 100% per night on lodging, and possibly more, allows you to spend that much more on enjoying your vacations in San Diego.

Info: 461 N Magnolia Ave El Cajon CA 92020; (619) 579-6110; www.northgatesd.com/