Which hotel is nicer?

Question

Based on my budget im deciding between Hilton Long beach and Hyatt Regency Long beach.

The hyatt is 300 more including the fee

So which is nicer to stay at as there are mixed reviews about both so if you have stayed there recently what is it really like...

Answer

Your itinerary from Crater Lake to San Francisco is ambitious but doable. Here’s a detailed breakdown addressing your questions and suggesting refinements for pacing, stops, and overnight stays.

Thursday – Medford to Ashland

Landing mid-afternoon in Medford, heading directly to Ashland makes sense. Ashland is charming with lots of dining options and a manageable evening after a flight. You can explore the downtown area a bit before dinner. There isn’t much immediately near Medford airport that is worth diverting to unless you want a brief look at the Rogue River area, but it may not add significant value for your short stay.

Friday – Crater Lake Day Trip

Driving to Crater Lake from Ashland in the morning (~2.5 hours) is reasonable. You can do Rim Drive and scenic stops in 2–3 hours without hiking.
Optionally, if you want a shorter drive and an earlier start, staying in a small town closer to Crater Lake (e.g., Prospect or Union Creek Lodge area) the night before is possible, but accommodations are limited and rustic.
After Crater Lake, heading back to Ashland is fine if you plan theater tickets; the alternative is a detour via Chiloquin and Train Mountain Railroad Museum. If theater is a priority and you don’t want to risk fatigue, skip the museum or plan a brief 30–60 min stop to gauge timing.

Saturday – Ashland to Crescent City/Redwood NP

Visiting Jacksonville for ~2 hours in the morning is reasonable. Drive to Grants Pass for a short stop if desired, then continue to Crescent City via US-199 (“Smith River Scenic Byway”), which is stunning.
Redwood NP: For non-hikers, scenic drives along the Coastal Highway 101, stopping at viewpoints like Trees of Mystery, Lady Bird Johnson Grove, and Prairie Creek Redwoods, can fill the afternoon. Plan for 3–4 hours of driving plus short walks.
Overnight: Staying in Crescent City is convenient for proximity to Northern Redwoods. If you prefer a more charming small-town feel, consider staying in nearby Klamath or Trinidad.

Sunday – Avenue of the Giants and Humboldt Redwoods

Drive south ~1.5 hours from Eureka/Crescent City to the Avenue of the Giants. Spending 3–4 hours here is perfect for scenic stops, short walks, and photography.
Return to Eureka or Ferndale for the night. Both towns offer character; Ferndale is picturesque but has limited hotel options. Staying in Eureka gives more flexibility for restaurants and morning activities.

Monday – Samoa Peninsula, Skunk Train, and Mendocino

Spend the morning exploring Samoa Peninsula, Timber Heritage Museum, or Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum (half day).
Skunk Train excursion can take 2–3 hours depending on the route.
Drive to Fort Bragg (~4–5 hours) in the afternoon. Overnight in Fort Bragg or Mendocino. Two days in this area is ideal if you want to enjoy beaches, coastal trails, and Mendocino village at a relaxed pace.

Tuesday – Explore Fort Bragg and Mendocino

Yes, dedicate a full day here if you enjoy coastal scenery, botanical gardens, and art galleries. One day is doable but two days allows more leisurely exploration.

Wednesday – Bodega Bay and Armstrong Redwoods

Drive to Bodega Bay (~4–5 hours depending on stops) in the morning. Explore the coastline, beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve and Duncans Mills can be combined in the afternoon.

Thursday – Point Reyes

Morning to explore the Point Reyes area. Lighthouse, coastal trails, and wildlife viewing can fill the day.

Friday – Flexible day

Options: Spend an extra day in Mendocino or Bodega Bay for a slower pace, visit local wineries, small towns, or take a longer hike. Since you are skipping Napa/SF, there is flexibility to linger in scenic areas.

Summary & Tempo Advice:

Crater Lake: start early, consider proximity of overnight depending on your tolerance for driving.
Redwoods: allow 2 nights (Crescent City + Eureka/Ferndale) to comfortably enjoy scenic drives and short walks.
Mendocino/Fort Bragg: ideally 2 days to avoid rushing and enjoy coastlines and village.
Bodega Bay/Point Reyes: 2 days can be leisurely with coastal drives, beaches, and light hikes.

Overall, your plan is solid but allowing extra time in Redwoods and Mendocino areas will prevent fatigue and provide a more relaxed, enjoyable pace.