Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with this hotel. Thinking of booking there July 4th week. Any details of hotel or being in that general area on July 4th would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've lived in San Diego my whole life and in the same area as the Catamaran for about 2 years. It is in a great location (about midway between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. As for July 4th...you'll have a couple of great vantage spots to watch fireworks, either across the street on the ocean side, or along the bay (the best is usually Seaworld) and you won't have to worry about the HORRIBLE parking around the beach areas on the holiday. As far as the hotel itself goes...it is very nice, great rooms, fun pool. One of the better hotels in San Diego as far as amenities and location (not so far away from activities as La Jolla, Coronado, etc.)

I've lived in San Diego my whole life and in the same area as the Catamaran for about 2 years. It is in a great location (about midway between Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. As for July 4th...you'll have a couple of great vantage spots to watch fireworks, either across the street on the ocean side, or along the bay (the best is usually Seaworld) and you won't have to worry about the HORRIBLE parking around the beach areas on the holiday. The area is packed on July 4th, with most people mostly tanning and hanging out...lots of parties along the boardwalk! As far as the hotel itself goes...it is very nice, great rooms, fun pool. One of the better hotels in San Diego as far as amenities and location (not so far away from activities as La Jolla, Coronado, etc.)

Thanks, Melissa. Since you live right there, could you (or anyone else) recommend any good restaurants or bars within walking distance from the Catamaran? For restaurants, maybe some good sushi or Italian. For bars, we'd prefer more of a laid-back place, maybe with live music, but not like a dance club. Thanks!

excellent choice. pool area is really nice, you have the bay on one side and short walk to the beach. there are plenty of restaurants in the area. right on pacific beach - the green flash. there pacific beach bar & grill close by and many, many others. one word of caution - if you take your car out on july 4, returning to the hotel could be an ordeal. the beach area gets packed so make sure you have reserved parking and be patient. do not try to return by mission beach. that is the most congested area.
go to dinner at casa de bandini in old town one night.

In Pacific Beach, the best Sushi places are Saska's (closest to you), Surfside Sushi and a place I can't recall the name of, on Garnet across from PB Bar and Grill. I guess the best Italian would be Fillipi's (down Garnet a couple of blocks). No view but good food. My favorites in that area are Nick's for dinner and drinks (they have a GREAT menu) and World Famous for brunch (on the water). As far as bars go, most of the places in PB and Mission Beach are laid back. Some local favorites are PB Bar and Grill, Moondoggies, The Beachcomber. Also Barefoot Bar on the Paradise Point resort(Sunday nights are the busiest). There's also a great one at the Catamaran. Most clubs are downtown, although there are a couple in PB. This is mostly a college age to early 30's group, if you want nicer, more elegant, I'd suggest La Jolla.