Hotel Vagabond Inn San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, USA)

It's close to the north and southbound 101 freeway - but far enough away for it not to be an irritation. There are lots of restaurants nearby and Denny's (next door) offers a generous discount to guests. Directly opposite is a large shopping centre, so you can really stay here and dictate your own budget.

They know you are overworked and stressed out after the journey. They immediately put you at your ease and do all they can to ensure a happy stay. The rest is up to you!

A Serta mattress, pillows to wallow in and the fluffiest towels ever. There may be a few room issues but they're the best ever for comfort. Night starvation? Well, 'discount Denny's' is open all hours and there's a gas station and grocery store opposite.

The air con can is little short of useless, carpets need a darn good clean, rooms don't appear to be clean-even for new arrivals - and things like TV remote and telephone simply don't work.

It's either that or break down in tears when faced with the miserable apology for a breakfast. They say it's free but, of course, you've paid for it. A waste of money. Follow the trail to Denny's, next door.

To a degree, you might be able to accept that cleanliness and other issues are just oversights. When, though, you are hit with a rancid/rotten smell as you enter a room, you know that there is a serious, more deep rooted, longer term, problem.