Best Western AmericaniaEditor's Pick

Reviewed by EuroCheapo.com Editors email this page

Though fully renovated in 2008, the aptly named Best Western Americania Hotel still pays tribute to the Spanish-style 1950s motel in which it resides. The cool retro décor may conjure up all-American burger joints and drive-ins (with a bit of an Austin Powers punch) but when it comes to perks, it’s all modern at this stylish three-star hotel, located in the fun, funky and still a little gritty South of Market (SoMa) district.

The trip to one of the Americania’s 143 guestrooms is a treat: They open onto three airy courtyards, and the juxtaposition of plants and fountains against a backdrop of city buildings makes quite an effect.

Rooms sport a fresh retro style. It’s all geometric patterns and pops of color here, with sleek white leather headboards, mod rounded desks and fun touches like red-framed mirrors with portions of actual boardgames in the center. But it’s all modern when it comes to amenities: coffee and tea facilities, a fan, TV, phone, iPod dock and free Wi-Fi.

Private bathrooms are clean and free of surprises. Most have tubs but a few have showers only. In a nod to eco-efforts, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are available in dispensers instead of plastic bottles.

It’s the common spaces, though, that make the Americania stand out. In addition to its three pretty courtyards, the hotel boasts outside pool access. Surrounding the pool on the second-floor sun deck are bright lounge chairs and a smattering of requisite palm trees, with some cool views, to boot.

In the main building, the splashy two-room lobby, with its bright colors, shag rug and black-and-white patterns, begs lingering. (It took us a bit of willpower to refrain from lounging in the groovy red pod chair all afternoon.) A couple of shiny new iMacs and a printer are free to use and located just outside of a far-out game room with a flat-screen TV, jukebox and selection of boardgames.

At the on-site restaurant, Custom Burger and Lounge, guests choose from a vast and creative array of patties, cheeses, sauces and toppings. (You never knew a burger could be so good.)

Do note that while SoMa is quickly revitalizing and becoming an artsy, hipster hub, parts of the ‘hood can still be a bit on the unsavory side.

» Suzanne Russo

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.