After navigating floating platform staircases, dodging living-room-level bosses, and searching for randomly appearing bathroom keys, most homeowners come to regret purchasing houses built by video-game designers. Today's Groupon offers respite from the chaos: for $89, you get a one-night stay at The Padre Hotel, plus a $20 voucher for breakfast for two at The Farmacy (up to a $209 value).

Deemed best hotel in the 2010 Bakersfield Life readers' choice poll, The Padre Hotel effortlessly binds historic California style to comfortable, contemporary living. The building was first opened in 1928, giving guests exactly 41 days to celebrate a pre-Depression America, and its recent $18 million renovation resurrects the roaring luxuries of the early 20th century without skimping on modern amenities. Groupon holders can choose a night in either a Maverick room or a 40 Winks room. The Maverick room ($149–$189 value) snatches its name back from zealous politicians and upgrades the standard hotel experience with 400 square feet of space, a California king mattress, a flat-screen television, and a step-in shower with hand-held features. The 40 Winks room ($99–$129 value) is 255 square feet of deep-sleep-ready space, equipped with a California king mattress, a 40'' flat screen, and a glass-enclosed shower that when fogged with steam offers visitors an ephemeral drafting board for grocery lists and comic strips.

Before retiring to your chosen flashy crash pad, head to one of The Padre's night clubs; the Prairie Fire sits on a second floor rooftop deck and is great for sipping a cocktail while scanning skyscapes, while the Brimstone takes its cue from old-timey saloons. In the morning, your $20 breakfast voucher gets you and a guest morning fare from The Farmacy, which serves breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Go for two eggs, two pancakes, and breakfast meat with the Wild Cat ($8), or ease into eating with fresh-berried oatmeal ($3).

Groupon not valid for hotel reservations on October 7, 8, 9, or December 31. A credit card is needed at check-in for incidentals.

Reviews

TripAdvisors name The Padre Hotel a Top Value, giving it a perfect five-owl-eye average. More than 10 Yelpers give it a 3.5-star average, and The Padre Hotel was featured in Bakersfield magazine.

• Very nice hotel. Instead of staying in a chain this hotel stands head and shoulders above the rest. – GregoryOrangeCounty
• It was a great choice and I will stay there many times in the future! – banoofee, TripAdvisor
• Though the skyline has changed, and taller buildings have come to rise in front of the horizon, there is something special about the Padre Hotel and the enormous shadow it casts. – Bakersfield