California Motels/Hotel Review

During our tour of California we stayed in many categories of accomoations ranging from unique one-of-a-kind to well-known franchises.

The first in the unique category would be the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Here we were impressed by the use of wood inlays along the walls, especially in the public areas. But this old fashioned, elegant hotel failed to update its' facilities to include Wi-fi, something found in the cheaper motels. I had to pay additional charges to access the Internet and I had to pay for 24 hour acces. (Give me a break!)

The second in the unique category was the Yosemite View Lodge, a sprawling motel just outside the entrance to the Park. Located right alongside the Merced River, the sound of the rushing water was heard as soon as you opened your door. Our room came with a completely equipped kitchenette. (What a joy!) Wi-fi was only available in the main lobby.

Our next oddity was the Gold Lodge in Sonora. It looks like a throwback to some of the motels my family travelled to when I was a child in the 50's. It was in this motel where we needed the night manager to operate the shower. Yet, for all its' antiquity, it provided Wi-fi in every room.

Also in this category was the Hotel Beresford in San Francisco. Located just a short walk from Union Square, this was the only hotel that gave us an actual metal KEY! Wi-fi was available off the lobby. The rooms were small with a ref but no microwave; the hotel is excellent value for money.

On my next blog I will deal with our experiences with the motel chains such as Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn, Day's Inn and Discovery Inn.