La Pensione Hotel

With a Mediterranean-meets-California feel, the picturesque La Pensione Hotel is a great-value choice in the lovely Little Italy. It is temptingly close to the district's eateries and bistros, cafes and shops. Follow your nose, which, on the light sea breeze, may have picked up a trace of a simmering sauce or two.

The location, really, is key. If you're charmed by the joys of this Italian neighbourhood, then it makes good sense to set up your camp here. The simple rooms aren't big enough for active aerobics, but they're clean and stylish, with black-and-white photo prints of historic San Diego on the walls. Some rooms overlook India St, the main artery of the neighbourhood, while from some of the others you can glimpse the bay or the hotel's mural-livened courtyard. Light sleepers, beware that the train and trolley tracks run just a block to the west (and the airport isn't far either). The staff are pleasant and helpful, and there are on-site laundry machines. Limited underground parking is available; street parking can sometimes be a chore on the surrounding streets.