My husband and I are taking a vaca to San Diego in July. Got free flights, so we are splurging on hotels. We've already reserved 4 Seasons Aviara for the last few days of our trip. For the first three days, we'd like to stay near the beach. We've settled on La Jolla so we can have easy access to the beach and can walk around a bit. My husband has his heart set on oceanview room (which squashed my suggestion of Estancia Resort).

So now considering Grand Colonial vs La Valencia. Friends of friends in SD have recommended La Valencia, but I wonder if they've actually stayed there since so there are so many negative comments about small size of the rooms on here and tripadvisor. While we're up for splurging, we'd still like some value for our $. Still the grounds and the amenities are tempting.

Meanwhile also intrigued by Grand Colonial. Seems like better rate there, but wonder how the amenities are (close to the beach, nice pool etc?)

Another question -- if we drive into downtown for dinner are there convenient places to park? Or during the day when we visit Balboa Park? Are parking garages pretty prevalent?

Thanks for any comments.

Parking garages? SoCal is notorious for flat parking, because structures would be so freakin' "unsightly". It's ridiculous. And, then people complain there isn't enough parking. Go figure. Anyway - off my soapbox. Parking should be fine in downtown. Worse case scenario, you can valet park your car. Good thing about La Jolla, once you're there, you never have to take your car out... everything is within walking distance. Even Harry's Coffee Shop (which you must try) was just a short walk away.

My husband and I stayed at the Grand Colonial last September and it was fabulous! Our room was HUGE! I think it was a mini-suite though.... I do agree that the bathroom is poorly designed in that it's narrow and the counter space is limited to just outside the bathroom door instead of inside. But, I still loved the room overall. We had an ocean view and the huge windows were perfect to let the breeze come in. Get a higher floor - better view.

I think the Colonial is better than La Valencia. We had a drink at La Valencia and we didn't think it was all that. Very noisy and I hear they constantly have wedding receptions every weekend night.

The Colonial was more sedate, I thought. Just my two cents.

I'd choose the Grande Colonial. Really a nice place, wonderful ambiance with a great restaurant attached.
Enjoy the Aviara!