Trendy Boutique Hotels vs. Chain Hotels in San Diego

Are you looking to kick back at a Hotel bar filled with the young professional crowd and retire to your room late night to watch a DVD on the 42" plasma on the wall? Or, is your idea of a hotel stay more along the lines of your average Marriott?

For most, the decision is one part budget and one part amenities. So, looking at San Diego hotels classified by price and by geographical location, then comparing boutique hotels in San Diego to chain hotels in San Diego we find that prices and amenities can vary quite a bit.

San Diego Hotel Prices: Expect to spend $160-450 for quality rooms (again, we're not talking travelers on a budget here).

Popular Amenities at Hotels in San Diego:

• 24 Hour Room Service or Extended Hours Room Service - This can be a huge factor for some travelers and many smaller boutique hotels don't offer this. It's too costly for them to keep a kitchen staff later or 'round the clock. Trendy hotels that offer this should definitely get a couple bonus points!
• Gadget Docks! - Whether you consider constantly carrying an iPod or similar device geeky or ubercool the chances are you or a guest has one. From iPods to blue-tooth devices, many boutique hotels will feature access to cradles which connect your device to speakers, the TV, etc.
• Connected Concierges - If you're seeking the VIP treatment and want front of the line club access and bottle service, chances are a smaller, trendy hotel will have a connected concierge who can help you gain elite entry status at the local hotspots.
• Hotel Lounges and Hotel Nightclubs - Many of the hottest night spots are at the coolest boutique hotels in San Diego. So, if convenience and entertainment combined sounds like a solid choice than again, a trendy pick is going to make sense.

Check out www.directoryofhotels.com for great info on small hotels of the world.

What are your favorites and what amenities make your list?

Contributed by SD Party Girl - Visit her San Diego Clubs blog.