It's a bit of an uphill hike from San Jose's main plaza and the arts district, but this inexpensive old-timer consistently draws raves for its friendly owners and staff and  popular café, which draws scores of locals for lunch and weekend breakfast. Rooms have both air conditioning and ceiling fans, and have been updated with a modern white and chocolate brown scheme and showers with see-through doors. Continental breakfast at the café is included in the low rate, and room service is available. Wi-Fi in public spaces in free, although the signal can be weak. There's no pool and the beach is a 10-minute drive away, but a small public market and lots of inexpensive local restaurants nearby keep guests comfortably occupied.