Am not really familiar with which hotels have shuttles to/from the airport - but since you are arriving late and leaving very early - I would stay as close to the airport as possible - perhaps one of the Sheratons on adjacent Harbor Island.

Here is the closer/bigger one - that you could walk from if necessary - and there is another a block or so down from it.

http://www.sheratonsandiegohotel.com/

How much is too much?

yes - what is your actual budget?

The only airport hotel I've stayed at was the HI Express its nearby and has free shuttle and probably has decent rates.

We have stayed at HI Express also and it iss good but right now they are asking $149.00which is high end price for that hotel so I will just keep an eye on it and maybe it will come down as we get closer.Thanks Janisj

Warren

P.S. I should have mentioned because of such a short night we are looking for something around $100.00
May try bidding on priceline on friday or even Sat while onroute. We stop in philadelphia for a couple hours so could do it then.
Thanks
Warren

Be careful with priceline re: free airport shuttles. May get something that doesn't have one. Better to use hotwire and be sure you get one . BUT - there is also the possibility that the shuttle may not run that late at night or early in the morning, so be prepared if you book an anonymous motel via PL or HW that you may have to pay for a taxi each way. Even if you book direct, make sure you ask about the hours for the shuttle. I learned the hard way....

I have an excellent suggestion. Check out: http://www.besthotelsunder100.com/san-diego-hotels-under-100-2/

Scroll down and you'll see the Porto Vista in San Diego offers a free airport shuttle.

I know this hotel. It's in an excellent location and you should get it for around $100.

Believe rooms at the Sheraton were $149? - but you might be able to get one for less. To me - peace of mind knowing you will be close enough to walk if you had to is worth paying a bit more.

DebitNM makes an important point about checking the hours of the hotel's airport shuttle. Many have limited hours. For example, the Courtyard Old Town shuttle's hours are 5am to 12pm, then 3pm to 9pm. You pretty much need to find one that has 24 hour shuttle service available, or as Tomsd stated, is within walking distance. After you've narrowed it down, then you can select the least expensive one from that short list.

The Hampton Inn Downtown (Gas Lamp District) was clean and safe and offered a free shuttle to the airport. You might want to call ahead about the times of the shuttle, as someone mentioned. They usually have very reasonable rates too.

I recently stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Liberty Station. They do have an airport shuttle and the rate I paid was $119. It was great for a quick overnight trip.

So how many of your shuttles left at 4:30 AM?

Thanks everyone. Booked HI Express SanDiego Ave for $92.00 and shuttle is 24 hr.
Thanks again
Warren

Solid choice - as if for some reason their shuttle isn't available - you can call a cab and get to the airport in 10 minutes.

Also - if you want to stretch your legs - or are hungry - the Old Town Mexican Cafe is open until 11 PM - and there are also a couple watering holes where you might be able to find a snack/nightcap. http://oldtownmexcafe.com/

Thanks Tomsd
I was just going to ask because we should be at HI Express by 10 PM at latest so will look for a snack.
I appreciate the help and looking forward to 24 hr layover in SanDiego on our way back Feb 1st.
Thanks
Warren

You're welcome - and let us know how it went, ok?

Bon Vacance.