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To some people the city of San Diego is synonymous with the US Navy and National Defense, to others it will be the cruise ships of San Diego Port or the high technology industries and research in La Jolla and the Sorrento Valley. To most people it will simply be a great destination in which to enjoy the beaches, the wildlife and national parks, and the rich Hispanic history and culture which pervades throughout the city. Whatever the reason for coming to this beautiful part of Southern California there will be the ideal San Diego hotel perfectly suited for the purpose.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to settle in what is now the Old Town and the city still retains many of the ancient missions and churches which dominate the southern part of the historic mission trail of El Camino Royale. The New Town was built away from the historic original settlement to benefit from the Pacific Ocean port and the older parts of the city are now an historic national park which give insights into the rich cultural history of San Diego and the wider region. There are San Diego hotel options convenient for the city's most popular historic and cultural attractions and any hotel will have a selection of tourist information literature.
From humble beginnings the city has grown to become California's second largest city. Business is booming in San Diego and it is recognized amongst the top five wealthiest cities in America and as one of the top places to live and work. This is largely due to the wide array of job opportunities, from defense and shipbuilding, through finance and business, to academia and research and as a result a San Diego hotel is as likely to cater for business travelers in the city for work or a convention as for a short break or holiday.
The larger hotels will generally combine features for business and leisure within their extensive range of facilities but there are certainly hotels which are designed with the corporate traveler in mind. These will be found near the main business areas, research parks and by the airport and while they will certainly feature restaurants, bars and other such ways to spend leisure time, their appeal is certainly for the in-house business centers, and the services and facilities for conducting business on the move. Sometimes these will include meeting and boardrooms and often also in-room features such as direct dial telephones and work desks with high speed internet connections.
Other San Diego hotel options will be very much oriented for the leisure traveler and provide easy access to the city's main tourist activities. Many of these are associated with the beach and there are beach resort type hotels which in addition to offering beach and sea activities will have a host of leisure features besides, such as swimming pools, family fun centers and evening entertainment. Other features will depend on the hotel but usually incorporate a series of dining and lounge spaces and boutique style stores and other outlets.
The grand luxury San Diego hotel options will have all the refinements usually associated with such exclusive establishments, from the stunning and stylish public spaces to the rooms and suites in which guests which will benefit from 24 hour room service, climate control and state of the art entertainment systems. These types of hotel make a terrific backdrop to any stay in the city but are particularly suited for special events and occasions when only the best service, dining, and other facilities will do.
Away from the beach there is plenty to do in the city and it is very strong in arts, music and culture, with several first class museums and galleries. Balboa Park is home to many of them, as well as theaters, restaurants and shops, and one of the most popular city attractions, San Diego Zoo. There is also San Diego Wild animal Park, Belmont Amusement Park, and Seaworld San Diego. Those wishing to experience some of the historic Hispanic influences should head for the Old Town and to the Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first Mission of Alta California in what was New Spain, and now a National Historic Landmark.
Hispanic influences of course remain in all aspects of San Diego life and culture including within its hotels and visitors looking for some authenticity in their San Diego hotel can choose from many smaller establishments which display all the cultural expression of the city. These would typically be called boutique hotels and they certainly provide the character, individuality and style which suits the boutique hotel philosophy as well as the attention to detail in the little things which make hotel hospitality a far more personal experience. There are modern boutique hotels in the city too and they occupy all manner of architectural styles and neighborhood locations.
Luxury hotels, hotel resorts and boutique hotels are all superb San Diego hotel options but there are others which provide the ideal base in the city at more affordable prices. The city has many educational establishments including a major campus of the University of California and as a result has a high student population and many budget hotels which cater for visiting students and their families. Wherever a hotel is and whatever its appeal and status classic San Diego hospitality will shine through and ensure any stay is as enjoyable as it is memorable.
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