We would highly recommend the Hawthorn Suites (part of a chain) if staying or passing through the lovely town of Livermore, California. Livermore, a famous wine growing region, is located within approx. an hour's drive from San Francisco or visitors can use the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). (The BART station is in nearby Pleasanton/Dublin.) This hotel, has many visitors and can get very busy; especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is advisable to book for these times.

The Hawthorn Suites offer a great location for either business or pleasure, with many facilities to relax such as a golf course and fitness centre, jacuzzi and swimming pool. However, we did not have time to try these facilities so I cannot comment on them. It was late Autumn so we didn't use the pool either. There is free Wi-fi; ours was a bit temperamental. But we found the reception people to be friendly and helpful and they fixed the problem. The hotel also has facilities for business conferences. A laundromat is available.

Whilst the hotel also caters for families, no pets are allowed in the rooms. They could perhaps provide kennels or some other arrangement as Americans love their pets.

Room prices were ( at the time of visiting) very reasonable for someone staying on a long or short visit. It is definitely much better than a Super 8 motel. Our king size room was of a very good standard, even for a country town hotel.

Our room on the first floor was very clean, roomy and the lovely bathroom was well equipped with fresh towels, etc. and it had a vanity top with plenty of room for toiletries, makeup, etc. with good lighting and mirrors. As always though with most hotels, we need more hooks for wet towels, clothing. It was furnished with a flat-screen TV, desk, chest of drawers, small wardrobe, lounge furniture, kitchenette with coffee maker, etc and bar fridge. There were cupboards to put in some shopping for long term guests. Plus the room had its own ironing board / iron and safe.

A big plus with the room was the fact that we were able to open the door to the little balcony for some fresh air. Not all rooms however, have a balcony. Whilst there were stairs down to the dining area to work off extra calories, there is a lift available and a trolley for luggage.

A cooked American style breakfast is included in the price, in a pleasant dining area where you can have as much as you like. Eggs, bacon, etc., toast, waffles, cakes, bagels, English muffins, cereal eg Cornflakes, yogurt, coffee and tea are all on the menu. We liked the English muffins as they don't have sugar in them unlike a lot of bread in America. They could however, provide oats or some type of healthy cereal. If you are one to sleep in, try to get there reasonably early or it runs out around 9.30/10. There is a TV in the dining area but it was not a bother - handy for the weather.

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is nearby - approx. 40-minute drive, Parking is available at the hotel and a convenience store is within easy walking distance. The hotel also has a petrol station nearby to the entrance which also offers convenience food and post cards and stamps. It is about a 10 minutes drive into down town, with a bus service also running past in the main street, North Livermore Ave. (a short walk from the hotel) which also takes you to downtown. I think it was about a dollar for the bus.

For people who may be visiting Yosemite, this town and hotel also provides a good break in your journey if coming from San Francisco and well worth a stop to visit the historic wineries, such as Concannon and Wente, just down the road, who also provide lovely meals. There is also the great Cases-Croute French bakery for those who like real bread (in South Livermore Ave). (NB. Shut Monday.) But it is a very pretty town in itself.

On the con side, it would have been more convenient for us if the hotel were situated in downtown, but the advantage was that it is more peaceful in this location. And its really not that far to the shops. Plus it is not far to drive down the freeway to Target and some other department stores. eg Target and TDMax, etc. or some bargains at the new outlet stores.

All in all we would definitely go back to the Hawthorn suites.