I feel like the hotel you pick can make or break your trip so I’m really careful about where I stay, and when I find a hotel I really love I always go back when I’m in that city. Although I love a fancy, five-star, über expensive hotel (such as The Breakers and The Setai), I also love a great deal. The hotels I have picked all have rates under $150 per night, overall good reviews and are decorated tastefully.

I knew a few girls who attended the fashion shows in NYC and stayed at The Pod Hotel. They didn’t rave but said it was a good value and at less than $150 a night in NYC, I’d have to agree.

The Good Hotel in San Francisco had mixed reviews but it is in the Soma district which I like and has a cool look.

I selected Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs because, as you can see from the pictures, it’s a very cool place and people love it!! Not only have I read great things about it but I’ve heard people in LA discussing what a great time they had at Ace.

If you are headed to Miami and you don’t want to spend a lot, I highly recommend The Townhouse. The rooms are great, all white with touches of red. The staff was friendly and you even get free breakfast in the lobby each morning (juice, pastries, fruit and coffee), and the location can’t be beat. It’s right behind the Shore Club (great pool and club scene) and across the street from The Setai. Beach access is steps away and they have beach service.

A unique alternative to the giant, all-encompassing hotels of Las Vegas is Rumor Hotel. It’s a boutique hotel off the strip. The interior is newly done and modern, and they have a DJ mixing at the pool by day.