I have been looking through a million postings about hotels in SD and La Jolla, many for LJ are from 2002..so can anyone suggest as nice oceanfront resort or give me their opinion from a recent stay at La Valencia or La Jolla Beach and Tennis. Am I better off staying in SD? We want to be walking distance to restaurants and shops, more quaint then touristy. La Valencia sounds like the rooms are small and we need to put a crib in the room and still have walking space without spending 700 a night. Any help would be appreciated!

Have you looked at www.tripadvisor.com? And also, www.sandiego.org?

Have you considered Coronado? I love La Jolla, but I'm not sure any of the hotels on the beach there are worth the price. There are some condos that might be better value, but off hand I can't give you names.

Not sure what you're looking for in terms of being "on the beach" but the beach at Coronado is very large and there's also a boardwalk there. The Hotel Del is the famous place on the beach but there are other smaller options. There are also shops and restaurants on Coronado, although not nec. a walk from the Del.

I'm sorry if this is kind of a lame reply, but . . .

There's a small inn that I've never stayed at (I stay with my mom when I'm in the area) called the "Scripps Inn"; it's in my favorite spot in La Jolla, near the southern end of the Cove area. A quiet spot, but not too far from the shops etc.

It's across the street from the ocean, tide pools etc., but it may not exactly a beach like the Shores.

The TripAdvisor reviews are mixed but generally positive.

My favorite place to stay is Carlsbad-
there is a Best Western right on the beach- havent stayed there but is a great location. Nice beach, cute town to walk around in, great shopping , great restaurants, not as "upscale" as La Jolla - which is why I love it.
Also you can take the Coaster train from Carlsbad to SD and many other of the beach towns -

Being a La Jollan, I am bias somewhat but it is tricky to find something that is not going to kill your pocketbook.. Bang for the buck is the Sea Lodge Hotel which is oceanfront and is quite reasonable.. It is owned by the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. ljbtc.com
Second, I love La V but very pricey and can be somewhat small but it is where alot of the celebrities stay..I always go for a drink at the Whaling bar and mill about the hotel..very Moorish/Spanish in decor.
The Grande Colonial in Downtown LJ is lovely and that can be a pretty good deal..just depends on the time of year that you are staying..
Love the Scripps Inn..small but quaint and people just love it.. Also, Cove Hotel which is right across the street from the famous LJ Cove that is very popular too.
lajollacove.com
I would stay in LJ and rent a car and cruise to downtown SD and surrounding areas..Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe are lovely..
I live in Downtown LJ and you can walk to everything and everywhere and it is wonderful to shop,eat and walk.
I plug the Sea Lodge alot because for under $200+ a night you can stay on the ocean and the beach is wonderful and there are numerous restaurants to dine like Piatti's and my fav Jeff's Burgers.. The Sea Lodge has a oceanfront restaurant that is quite good and not to pricey..
Also check out the Hotel La Jolla.
Expedia would be a good start on hotel prices or direct..
Good luck!

I just spoke to Hotel Parisi and they have apartments which were very reasonable vs the suites at La Valencia. Has anyone ever seen them? The extra room we will need since we have a baby traveling with us is outweighing the beach at the other resorts. But I figured since the hotel is in the middle of it all, it was a good compromise.

Hi..
Hotel Parisi is an excellent choice..it is right across the street from La V.. very fengshui..it is where Madonna stayed when she came to town..it is right above Victoria Secrets store..I have not stayed but I have heard nothing but great things..
I did not suggest it because of the usually high price tag.
Places to eat in walking distance are:
Georges at the Cove
Alfonso's
Crab Catcher-Happy Hour
After dinner drinks at La V by the window and the piano playing at night
Tapenade
Harry's Coffee Shop
El Pescador Fish
Trattoria Acqua
Marg's at Joses Court Room
Sushi on the Rocks
Roppongi
Fresh

Thank you so much, great info!