Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA

This basic seven-story hotel is a cozy, comfortable place for both leisure and business guests. That impression starts right away, and will be familiar to repeat guests of this national chain. The lobby is outfitted with a sofa and cushy chairs in front of a double-sided fireplace, and there's an adjacent bar with table seating. Flat-screen TVs entertain and keep guests up to date on the latest news, sports, and weather. Bookcases filled with knickknacks add a homey touch. Coffee and water are available by reception around the clock, and fresh cookies are served daily -- another brand standard. A patio set up with tables and chairs allows guests a place to hang out in the fresh air. The hotel draws mostly business travelers during the week, as well as families and soccer teams on the weekends. 

This chain hotel is located a little over a mile off Interstate 805 in the Sorrento Valley, about a 20-minute drive north of downtown San Diego. You'll need a car as there's little to do within an easy walk. Golfers can be at the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course in about 15 minutes by car, and Balboa Park is also a 15-minute drive away. Budget 20 minutes to reach tony La Jolla and it's stunning shoreline. Other attractions that can be reached in less than a 30-minute drive include the San Diego Zoo (20 minutes), the Maritime Museum (21 minutes), and Legoland (27 minutes). Qualcomm Stadium is a 15-minute drive. Plan on close to 30 minutes to reach San Diego International Airport by car. Note that the hotel provides a free shuttle that transports guests to businesses within a five-mile radius. 

Rooms here feature a typical chain look that's a bit old-fashioned, with basic dark wood furniture, gold accent walls, white linens over striped bedskirts, and beige patterned carpeting. They are well-equipped, however, and feature flat-screen TVs with premium channels, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Work desks are paired with ergonomic chairs. Beds are well-liked Sealy Posturepedic mattresses. Clean, basic bathrooms have tiled shower/tub combos, granite countertops, hairdryers, and toiletries. The 24 suites add separate sitting areas with sofa beds. Views from rooms are of a business park. Children 17 and younger stay free in rooms with an adult. 

Guests can start their day with a free breakfast buffet consisting of eggs, bacon or sausage, and hot potatoes, plus cold items like yogurt, cereals, breads, fruits, and juice. There's also a make-your-own waffle station. The breakfast area is typical of this chain, with wooden tables and chairs, patterned carpeting, and a fireplace. There's also an outdoor patio with tables and chairs where guests can dine alfresco. The casual restaurant and bar, the Fireside Lounge, serves basic American fare on weeknights, but isn't open on weekends.The outdoor pool isn't anything fancy, but it's long enough for swimming laps, and there are plenty of lounge chairs lined up on the deck for poolside relaxing. There's also a small whirlpool, and towels are provided poolside. The adjacent fitness center offers a limited selection of cardio and weight-training equipment, plus free weights and exercise balls. Large windows allow in natural light and water is provided. The hotel's seven meeting rooms total 4,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 190 people for business or social gatherings. A business center provides two computers and printers for guests to use, plus a shredder. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and on-site parking is also free. Dogs are allowed for a one-time fee, and there's a floor dedicated to guests traveling with them.