The last few years we stayed at the Westender for at least a week each time and stayed in the Second floor corner room with a balcony in the new building - can't remember if its called the Almond Suite...It is fantastic...no better views in my opinion! It is sooo private but open and nice furniture (read actually comfortable) Big couch and a chair or two in the room and a kitchenette...we asked for a hot plate last time. I loved staying out there but I understand the dilemma of not walking to see other action. But it is so easy to be dropped off anywhere you want and walk all day if you want. You might not feel you are part of the "action" out at the Westender but it has a sweet vibe and you don't feel like you are in the middle of the tourism machine. The other aspect is meals. Part of the fun is checking out a variety of places. We used to go in town every day usually and check out lunch places and then head home bringing some snacks or planning on eating at the Westender. It's a great place, at least it was for us.