Hi, I have a good friend who is going to San Diego in August with her baby, 8 year old and 13 year old. She wants a place with a great pool and to be near the bay or beach. She is trying to decide between the Catamaran Resort or the Hyatt Islandia. I've read a lot of conflicting comments on both of these hotels. Thought I would ask for a comparison of the two.

Thanks a lot!

As a former San Diego resident I would say the Catamaran is closer to the beach. Right across the street. I do believe from what I have read the Hyatt Islander seems to have better reviews. It is on the bay so I believe. I am sure it very nice. The bay is usually not for swimming. I know both would have a nice pool. Others will comment with more recent info I am sure.

hyatt is in a mellower location. catamaran is in pacific beach and has a somewhat popular bar, so there's a lot more activity in that area. same family runs catamaran and bahia and both hotels have same vibe with the bahia being slightly lower key

The Catamaran. Nice pool, playground about 5 blocks on the bay, the boardwalk and beach one block. The kids could rent bikes or skateboards and the ocean is about 70 which is real nice.

catamaran has a great pool area

hi franny, i stayed at the Hyatt Islandia back in April. we had two rooms in the Marina Suites section. there were two adults and one 9 year old in one room and two adults with two kids under 5 in the other. it worked out very well for us. the Marina Suites are adjacent to the main building and have two rooms: one has a table, fold out couch and TV and the other has two beds, TV and small deck overlooking the marina. a good sized bathroom and dressing area with fridge and coffeemaker seperatest the two rooms. the pool was nice, but nothing overly special and you are not on the beach, but overlooking a nice marina with a lot of boats. we liked the location and proximity to Sea World and the Zoo. everyone at the Islandia was very pleasant and accomodating.

Thank you so much everyone for your answers. I feel better about both of these places. My friend needs a good vacation and I just want to help her out. I'll give her all of this great info.

We stayed at the Catamaran last year with our 8 year old. It was very nice and we would stay there again. It was handy to the beach and, with a car, other sites.

Taking this to the top in case there are any other opinions before I pass on the info.

Thanks again!