Swiss Hotel

You'll easily find this saloon-style hotel, right on the plaza, by the Swiss and American flags hanging off the balcony. It's definitely a party scene at the downstairs bar; up the creaky stairs, the turn-of-the century rooms have many modern amenities, and are affordable too.

This was General Vallejo's brother's house when in opened it 1909, and you can see where the newer addition begins from the hallway walls. Don't trip on the steep, uneven stairs that slant diagonally, or on the wavy carpeted floors (hey, it's all part of the ancient building's charm!) The five rooms, while basic, have modern amenities, are done up in country-ish knotty pine and wicker, and have access to a wide (equally slanted) balcony with a view of the plaza. Spacious king bedrooms have private entries to the balcony and are bright and sunny. However, you're directly above the noisy (but fun) bar, so opt for the smaller rooms in back unless you're planning to hang downstairs till the party's over. The restaurant on the street level has touristy cheap fare served on red-checked tablecloths. There's no wi-fi.