Beach hotel in San Diego
 

My family is planning a one-week vacation in San Diego in early January. We'd like to find a hotel on a sandy beach for our twin 6-year old boys. (I know it's not going to be bathing weather, but I am hoping they can play in the sand, and splash in the waves -- is this a realistic hope?)<BR><BR>I'd love to stay at Hotel Del, but don't think we can afford that. Any recommendations for other hotels? Which areas in town are the best for nice pretty beaches during the winter?<BR><BR>Many thanks,<BR>Pamela

While I really prefer Coronado Island, it does tend to be a little more expensive. Though you might want to check the rates on Hotel Del Coronado. January is definitely not the best weather in San Diego and is off season, so you might find a reasonable rate. Also check into some hotels in Mission Bay. The Catamaran Resort might suit your needs. As for splashing around in the water, it's going to be way too cold for swimming, but your boys might be able to handle dipping their feet into the waves. <BR><BR>Be sure to take the kids to Sea World and the Zoo. And they are at an age where they'd still enjoy LegoLand.

If you ever wanted to stay on a pier over the water, I would suggest the Crystal Pier Hotel in Pacific Beach. This is a real beach city and not a resort area. We have had relatives stay there over the Christmas holidays and they loved it. They are just good basic units with place to eat, sleep and sit. There is nothing like them in San Diego. The rates vary a great deal depending time of year etc. However they they should be the at rock bottom in the first part of January. Their web site is http://www.crystalpier.com but there is not too much info there. Your can get more info at (800)748-5894.

Louis,<BR><BR>I saw the webpage for Crystal Pier, and it does look really cool. I can see from the pictures that you are right over the water, but are there beaches there too for the kids to play in?<BR><BR>Thanks to all for your tips,<BR>Pamela

there is a best western right on pacific beach.<BR>the catamaran is really nice and is only a block from the beach.<BR>crystal pier would be an experience.<BR>there are also alot of houses on mission beach that rent out. sure you could find them on the web.

I am not certain what you mean by beaches that the children can play on. Pacific beach goes on through to Mission beach. It is a lot of sand between the walkway and the ocean and it is more than a mile. Almost nowhere would I want 6 year olds to be by himself at the beach. The water is cold so they will not go very far out but they can build all of the sand castles they want. Somebody should be watching after them however. If you are at the Crystal Pier you will have to go down a few stairs to get to the beach but you will not have to cross the street.

Crystal Pier is way cool. The Catamaran is on the bay and they have a really nice beach as well. If you want different,... go to the pier. Big hotel, with beach... then the Cat.<BR><BR>Surfs up!!! :-)<BR><BR>Definately get your kids surfing lessons. They will get a wet suit so the cold water won't be a problem.

Pamela:<BR><BR>Crystal Pier is neat, but I would suggest you look into the Pacific Terrace Hotel which is in the same vicinity. It has large rooms, some with kitchens, balconies, a generous breakfast buffet, and heated swimming pool and spa immediately along the beach. The pool area is separated by a glass (or plexiglass?) wall so you can use the heated pool and see the beach and waves. Quite lovely and not a large place. We were there last Thanksgiving time. Got to the hotel about 8 pm and headed right for the pool. We definitely saw families there. Not sure what price would be but I would ask for any specials. We used entertainment card half price hotel deal which they honored for Thurs to Sundays. <BR> www.pacificterrace.com<BR><BR>Have a great time.<BR>Meme