The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows (San Diego, USA)

A refugee from the days when stars were stars, this is an iconic hotel, crammed with vintage appeal. Over the years it has been renovated without sacrificing any of its original character. It has, though, managed to incorporate appealing, energy saving features.

There's no shortage of places to eat and drink + the hotel restaurant stands up well against the competition. Fifteen minutes sees you in the center of things in San Diego and the 5 minute trip to the zoo is one that you won't regret.

Garbage recycling and the turning off of unnecessary lights and heating, are to be applauded. Initially, this concept can be a pain but, ultimately, everyone will have to do it. Full marks to the hotel for leading the way.

Wafer thin walls bring a real noise problem in the rooms. The problem is enhanced by the dancing and jazz concert events staged in the hotel's Mississippi Room.

In one way it's re-assuring that the hotel has stringent security policies, but there is a feeling that security staff are targeting guests unnecessarily and looking for misdemeanors where, in fact, they don't exist.

Some of the organised pool parties are quite raunchy + certainly not suitable for kids to be anywhere near. Maybe this is another kickback to the days when movies were in their prime and debauchery ruled. The hotel, though, needs to decide on a policy that is 'adults only' or 'family friendly'.