I'll be visiting San Diego with my daughter in October to look at UC San Diego and University of San Diego. We have never been to the city. Any advice on whether to stay in La Jolla or more toward the Mission Valley area? Just wondering which would be more interesting in our down time in terms of restaurants, shops, etc. I have a preference for Hilton properties due to points. We're staying two nights before heading to the LA to see more schools. Thanks!

We stayed at Pacific Beach when we looked at colleges. We stayed in a Pacifica property there and when we looked up near LA.

http://www.bestwestern-bluesea.com/

http://www.pacificahotels.com/

Mission Valley isn't a great destination, unless you want to stay in a chain motel or at Hotel Circle, and eat in chain restaurants. I'd probably vote for downtown (more fun at night) Gaslamp District, or La Jolla (upscale shopping, good restaurants).

Check out the Catamaran on Mission Bay, so convenient to the schools, downtown, uptown to LaJolla, etc. Convenient access to the 5, or meander up north on the 101 which it is on. Walk to beach, oceanfront walk (breakfast at Konos recommended...). Lovely paved walk all around bay for running/walking. But it's probably not a Hilton property. We always stayed there when our son lived in Pacific Beach.

Check out the Catamaran on Mission Bay, so convenient to the schools, downtown, uptown to LaJolla, etc. Convenient access to the 5, or meander up north on the 101 which it is on. Walk to beach, oceanfront walk (breakfast at Konos recommended...). Lovely paved walk all around bay for running/walking. But it's probably not a Hilton property. We always stayed there when our son lived in Pacific Beach.

there's a hilton on east mission bay drive in san diego. it's pretty convenient to the freeways to check out the schools but not alot of places around for the nighttime within walking distance. but short 5 minute drive to pacific beach. there are hilton properties downtown. there's no beach there and unless your kids is 21 yrs old, won't be able to access the bars. i hate driving around downtown and nightly parking fees are a lot so you might want to take that into consideration when booking.