3 Nights in San Diego - Hard Rock Hotel or Hotel Solamar?
Apr 5th, 2011, 04:10 AM
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3 Nights in San Diego - Hard Rock Hotel or Hotel Solamar?
I am traveling to San Diego the first week of May for business, but am extending my time there an extra three nights to experience SD a little more on my own. My hotel room for the first portion of my trip is paid for by my company at the Hilton Bayfront, but I will be staying the last three nights on my own dime and need to choose a hotel.
There are 3 of us that will be staying together; my twin sister, my friend and myself, and all three of us are 25 years old. I've narrowed down my options to staying at either the Hard Rock Hotel or Hotel Solamar. I see that they aren't very far from each other and are both in the fun, hip Gaslamp section of San Diego, but what are the pros/cons of each of these hotels that I should consider? Price-wise, we can get 3 nights for about the same amount (with Hotel Solamar being a tad cheaper). Not only are we planning on sight-seeing during the day, where we'd like to be in close vicinity to some attractions, but we're also planning on enjoying our nights out, too, so I'd like to keep that in mind.
With that said... We have about 2 and a half days to fill with things to do. Any suggestions on what some must-see attractions are in San Diego? We won't have a car, so we'll be traveling by foot or by mass transit (does San Diego have a subway system? I'm assuming at least a bus system?).
Any suggestions/help would be appreciated!
There are 3 of us that will be staying together; my twin sister, my friend and myself, and all three of us are 25 years old. I've narrowed down my options to staying at either the Hard Rock Hotel or Hotel Solamar. I see that they aren't very far from each other and are both in the fun, hip Gaslamp section of San Diego, but what are the pros/cons of each of these hotels that I should consider? Price-wise, we can get 3 nights for about the same amount (with Hotel Solamar being a tad cheaper). Not only are we planning on sight-seeing during the day, where we'd like to be in close vicinity to some attractions, but we're also planning on enjoying our nights out, too, so I'd like to keep that in mind.
With that said... We have about 2 and a half days to fill with things to do. Any suggestions on what some must-see attractions are in San Diego? We won't have a car, so we'll be traveling by foot or by mass transit (does San Diego have a subway system? I'm assuming at least a bus system?).
Any suggestions/help would be appreciated!
Apr 5th, 2011, 04:32 AM
#2
I would go with the Solamar.
I'm not young and hip, and Croce's isn't either - but I'll still recommend it. Here's the website -
http://www.croces.com/croces.shtml
If you haven't been to Coronado Island or the Hotel Del, I'd go there just to see the island and the hotel and maybe some "toes in the sand" time.
http://www.hoteldel.com/
The ferry over to Coronado would be a nice experience, although I'm not sure how to get to the Del from there. Taxi?
http://www.flagshipsd.com/ferry-and-...axi/water-taxi
Of course, the zoo is one of the best ever. I know none of these ideas are young and hip but worth considering. Hopefully someone will have suggestions of particular bars, etc. for your evenings.
I'm not young and hip, and Croce's isn't either - but I'll still recommend it. Here's the website -
http://www.croces.com/croces.shtml
If you haven't been to Coronado Island or the Hotel Del, I'd go there just to see the island and the hotel and maybe some "toes in the sand" time.
http://www.hoteldel.com/
The ferry over to Coronado would be a nice experience, although I'm not sure how to get to the Del from there. Taxi?
http://www.flagshipsd.com/ferry-and-...axi/water-taxi
Of course, the zoo is one of the best ever. I know none of these ideas are young and hip but worth considering. Hopefully someone will have suggestions of particular bars, etc. for your evenings.
Apr 5th, 2011, 04:55 AM
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SD has some buses and a trolley depending on where you are going. There are a ton of fun bars in the Gaslamp. Dick's Last Resort, couple of rooftop bars (Ive been to the one on top of the Marriott Gaslamp). I like the PourHouse. Great beer selection.
You are within walking distance of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, the Star of India and SD Harbor Excursions.
I really enjoy the Fish Market right next to all of these for dinner.
Definitely go to the Zoo. It is definitely one of the best. Lots of other sites in Balboa Park too.
If you are a baseball fan, you will be next door to the Padres Stadium that is one of my favorites.
You are within walking distance of the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, the Star of India and SD Harbor Excursions.
I really enjoy the Fish Market right next to all of these for dinner.
Definitely go to the Zoo. It is definitely one of the best. Lots of other sites in Balboa Park too.
If you are a baseball fan, you will be next door to the Padres Stadium that is one of my favorites.
Apr 5th, 2011, 06:29 AM
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We stayed at the Solamar last year and really liked it. It's a Kimpton hotel so they have that daily free wine happy hour which is nice, and the service was good.
Second the Coronado recommendation. Last time we went we walked from our hotel in the Gaslamp to the ferry, and then once in Coronado, walked from the ferry to the Hotel Del. I don't remember it being too long of a walk.
And we love the zoo. Never miss it when we go to SD. One of the best we've ever visited.
Second the Coronado recommendation. Last time we went we walked from our hotel in the Gaslamp to the ferry, and then once in Coronado, walked from the ferry to the Hotel Del. I don't remember it being too long of a walk.
And we love the zoo. Never miss it when we go to SD. One of the best we've ever visited.
Apr 5th, 2011, 06:59 AM
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If you go to Coronado I can recommend a few restaurants.
My favorites are Miguels at 1351 Orange Avenue (619) 437-4237. It's tucked behind a hotel so ask the local's for help finding it. It's really nice.
The other one is Tent City at 1100 Orange Avenue (619) 435-4611.
I would spend some time walking around the Hotel Del Coronado a world famous hotel built around the 1880's. Downstairs is a mini historical museum of the Del.
I would rent a bicycle from Hollands Bike Shop and go for a ride around the island. The bike shop is at 977 Orange Avenue
(619) 435-3153.
Depending on the weather you can also rent a paddle boat at Glorietta Bay (which is across from the Hotel Del).
Some have mentioned the SD Zoo (I would also take time to check out Balboa Park near the Zoo).
My favorites are Miguels at 1351 Orange Avenue (619) 437-4237. It's tucked behind a hotel so ask the local's for help finding it. It's really nice.
The other one is Tent City at 1100 Orange Avenue (619) 435-4611.
I would spend some time walking around the Hotel Del Coronado a world famous hotel built around the 1880's. Downstairs is a mini historical museum of the Del.
I would rent a bicycle from Hollands Bike Shop and go for a ride around the island. The bike shop is at 977 Orange Avenue
(619) 435-3153.
Depending on the weather you can also rent a paddle boat at Glorietta Bay (which is across from the Hotel Del).
Some have mentioned the SD Zoo (I would also take time to check out Balboa Park near the Zoo).
Apr 8th, 2011, 07:09 PM
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r0xxxxy,
I work at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and I came across your blog here. We would love to have you and your group here and I gurantee you will have a great time. Our concierge Robbie will have some great suggestions about San Diego and the wonderful Gaslamp District. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you would like information on rates and more!
Cheers,
Amanda
Rock Royalty Manager
I work at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and I came across your blog here. We would love to have you and your group here and I gurantee you will have a great time. Our concierge Robbie will have some great suggestions about San Diego and the wonderful Gaslamp District. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you would like information on rates and more!
Cheers,
Amanda
Rock Royalty Manager
Apr 8th, 2011, 07:09 PM
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r0xxxxy,
I work at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and I came across your blog here. We would love to have you and your group here and I gurantee you will have a great time. Our concierge Robbie will have some great suggestions about San Diego and the wonderful Gaslamp District. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you would like information on rates and more!
Cheers,
Amanda
Rock Royalty Manager
I work at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and I came across your blog here. We would love to have you and your group here and I gurantee you will have a great time. Our concierge Robbie will have some great suggestions about San Diego and the wonderful Gaslamp District. Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you would like information on rates and more!
Cheers,
Amanda
Rock Royalty Manager
