Coronado Beach Resort

Inviting interiors at this mid-range resort have a homey, contemporary look. The bright lobby is peppered with red accents like striped pillows and patterned armchairs that pop against the beige and white hues of the space. Comfy seating dots the spacious room, which is cozy with a fireplace and potted plants. A large birdcage with a resident macaw is a surprising and delightful touch -- a favorite among the property's youngest customers, as is the large fish tank. The resort draws many families attracted by the spacious suites and their kitchenette facilities, while couples looking for a beachy escape from city life often come here for weekends.

The hotel occupies a convenient location on Coronado Peninsula, right on its main street, Orange Avenue, which is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and banks. The beautiful Coronado Beach is just a five-minute walk away. The area is home to several hotels and is a popular beachside escape from the city -- Hotel del Coronado is just across the street -- while half of the peninsula is a naval base. The Coronado Municipal Golf Course is a 15-minute walk away, or a five-minute drive. Downtown San Diego and the historic Gas Lamp Quarter is right across the bay and can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes by car, or around a half-hour by bus. San Diego International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from here, or an hour by public transportation.

The hotel offers studios as well as one- and two-bedroom suites. Tasteful contemporary decor includes elegant dark wood furnishings and an earthy color palette. Details like turmeric-hued walls and framed palm prints add color and character to the spaces. Plush beds topped in white bedding are accented by russet-colored bed runners and pillows. Some units have fireplaces and/or private balconies.Studios have Murphy beds that fold away to create more living space during the day. One- and two-bedroom suites have regular beds as well as living rooms with sleeper sofas. All units have kitchenettes equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers, full fridges, toasters, sinks, two-burner hot plates, and dishwashers. Plus, they're stocked with cooking- and dish-ware. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, air-conditioning, electronic safes, irons/ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are fairly standard, and equipped with shower/tub combos and soap -- but fixtures could use an update.

Amenities are a bit limited here, but there are a couple of extras offered, plus guests have access to the facilities at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort, including its pools, hot tubs, and basketball and tennis courts (a 10-minute drive away). The hotel has a hot tub of its own, situated on a rooftop sundeck that offers several sunbeds and umbrella-shaded tables and chairs. A mirrored fitness room offers a handful of cardio machines and free weights, plus there's a sauna. Other amenities include laundry facilities, barbecue grills for guest use, and a game room with ping-pong, pool, and a TV. Free coffee is available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel also hosts various activities and events (some for a fee), such as happy hours in the lobby, tours, sunset boat cruises, and barbecues. There's a welcome breakfast on Mondays, otherwise guests cook for themselves in rooms.