Balboa Park Inn

An elephant's trunk drapes over the headboard above a jaguar in the “Zoo Room's” wall-length mural. Stenciled fish and framed egret paintings suit the sea blue walls in “The Aruba." Standard rooms are non-existent at this quirky B&B, just steps from the San Diego Zoo, and a few blocks from Hillcrest's abundant clubs and restaurants. The owners took a small neighborhood apartment complex and created 26 suites with private baths and kitchenettes. Your choices are limited only by your imagination. Wanted to pretend you're in Paris in the '30s, or on the Orient Express? No problem. Various rooms have faux fireplaces, whirlpools, or garden views. The decor helps mask the lack of space in the smallest units. The courtyard and rooftop terrace add room for resting and ruminating.