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What might seem like an impersonal business hotel can actually work out to a good deal for families, if you can snag a room when a big convention isn't forcing up downtown rates. This spot provides modern accommodations with lots of room for families or claustrophobes. Built in 1988, the neoclassical high-rise is topped with a distinctive neon bull's-eye that's visible from far away. Every room is a suite, with a king or two doubles in the bedroom, plus a sofa bed in the living/dining area; each has convenient features like a kitchenette and a dining table that converts into a work area. All rooms open onto a 12-story atrium filled with palm trees, koi ponds, and a bubbling fountain; each also has a city or bay view. Located 1 block from Seaport Village and 8 blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter, the Embassy Suites may be a second-tier choice of convention groups (after the pricier Grand Hyatt and Marriott), but it provides solid extras like a full breakfast and complimentary evening cocktail hour.

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