Articles Mentioning Budget

Capri Laguna On The Beach

The two-and-a-half pearl Capri Laguna is a charming boutique hotel that has a spectacular oceanfront setting perched above a quiet beach just a three-minute drive from downtown Laguna Beach. It’s an older property, with no elevators and exterior corridors, but its location and amenities are excellent for the rates. Highlights include free hot breakfast, a nice heated outdoor pool, small fitness center, guest laundry facilities, and free parking and Wi-Fi. Rooms are clean, spacious, and feature mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and updated marble bathrooms with large walk-in showers. Many have kitchenettes and panoramic ocean views from private balconies. For something downtown, The Tides Inn typically has lower rates, but it’s not on the beach. 

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Sea World – Beach Area

The lower-middle-range Holiday Inn Express San Diego Sea World – Beach Area is conveniently located near Mission Beach and Interstate 5. It’s within a 15-minute drive of downtown San Diego, SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and the airport. But, not much of note is within walking distance. Highlights include a free hot breakfast, free parking and Wi-Fi, and a heated outdoor pool and fitness center, although both are small. Rooms are also on the small side, especially the bathrooms, but they were updated in 2012 and remain clean and well equipped with Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Travelers might want to compare rates with the Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport-Old Town. It’s is a little closer to most attractions and offers free shuttles to the airport, downtown, and the Gaslamp Quarter.  

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Many guests report being pleasantly surprised by the two-and-a-half-pearl Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. The tidy, 48-room hotel offers a comfortable stay for travelers who don’t mind driving more than 15 minutes to downtown. Amenities are solid, including a free breakfast buffet with a made-to-order omelet station, heated outdoor pool and whirlpool, business center, and laundry facilities. The guest rooms are clean and spacious, and all come nicely equipped with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Suites with sofas in separate seating areas are available. Rates are among the lowest in the area. The nearby Comfort Suites has similar rooms and amenities, and it’s a little closer to downtown, but rates are often slightly higher.