I'm evaluating between two nearly identically priced packages for mid-March, one including the Sommerset Suites, the other including the Holiday Inn Express - OldTown. Other than visiting the individual websites for each hotel, can anyone tell me what experience they might have at either? We'll have a car so there shouldn't be a problem traveling to see the sights.
Thanks.
Mark

Did you check tripadvisor.com?

The Holiday Inn Express- OldTown was one of seven San Diego hotels I visited in 2003 when I was looking for a 2004 ship's reunion site. I was was impressed with this recently renovated hotel and it came in a very close second choice. You can walk to the shops and restaurants from it.

TxTravelPro
No I hadn't checked tripadvisor. Just did and thank you! Looks like HI-Exp has gone downhill while Sommerset has improved over the same period of time.
Sommerset it is.
Thanks again.
Mark

i think the sommerset is near downtown. wasn't sure if you had asked if parking was included in the rate.

We stayed at the Sommerset quite a few years ago. I believe it is a suite type hotel with one bedroom suites. Not fancy. No pool, I think. They serve a free breakfast, don't remember if it is full or continental. It was nice. The neighborhood is the Hillcrest area or on the edge of it. It is very close to a hospital. Walking distance to restaurants and bakeries. And Whole Foods, one of my favorite places in the world.

Old Town is a fun, touristy area. Not sure about the hotel itself but the area is nice with lots of shops and good restaurants. Not sure about the rooms or anything, but HI Express is usually kind of bare bones that I have stayed in.

I wouldn't stay at the Sommerset Suites. It's on a VERY busy street and basically on top of the 163 freeway. It also a place where many families stay when their loved ones are at Mercy Hospital - so not exactly a jovial atmosphere.

Old Town is a nicer area to stay in if you ask me.

Have to agree with Alice. Old Town is a much preferable location for a vacation.
Sommerset Suites is close to two of the biggest hospitals in San Diego - UCSD Medical Center and Scripps-Mercy, with two of the busiest trauma centers. So,lots of ambulance sirens.

I stayed at Sommerset Suites a few years ago too (1999? It may not have a pool but it has a hot tub - at least it did then). It's an OK place, nothing fancy but nice. Yes, it is near hospitals and a freeway, but I would stay there again given the choice in a heartbeat. I don't particularly like tourist areas when I visit places, and I really like the Hillcrest neighborhood. All of San Diego has a tourist flavor, I guess, but this is about as good as it gets. You're close to downtown but you can walk to some cool places in the neighborhood.

I'm picky when it comes to noise at a hotel yet I don't remember being bothered by noise from the hospital or the highway.

Andrew

I don't remember being bothered by the noise either. In fact the one time I stayed there, with three other women to go to the Lillith Fair (LOL) I didn't even realize there were hospitals right there. Do not recall hearing sirens, but we were a little toasted when we got back.

There are some great sushi restaurants in walking distance, and the Citi Deli (I think is the name of it) that is great for breakfast. It is a very "colorful" part of San Diego and a great place to just walk around and explore.

Unless you are planning to directly, and probably unwelcomingly, interact with the other guests I doubt the fact that some may be visiting relatives in nearby hospitals will make much of a difference or am I the only traveler who tends to mind their own business when I'm staying in a hotel/motel?