My wife and I and another couple are traveling to San Diego at the end of August and are looking for a nice hotel in a good neighborhood. I know that might be asking for a lot. But we are on a budget and can't really spend more than $100/night (or close to it). I'm not too cocerned about staying in town. Just don't want to get too far away. Any recommendations would be helpful.

Thanks!
Scott

Your best bet will probably be one of the motels out in Hotel Circle, which has the advantage of being close to Balboa Park. Hotel Circle isn't really a neighborhood, but then most San Diego hotels are located away from residential areas.

LA Times sunday had a good review of the Shelter Pointe hotel which will probably fill up fast now that it's been featured. Quikbook.com has it listed for $107 that weekend, parking is $10 but the review stated that street parking is available right beside the parking lot. Not sure what the rate is on their website shelterpointe.com

Thanks Tracy, that place looks good. We would sure like to be on or able to see the water if possible so that would work out good.

If you'll be renting a car, check out the Best Western in La Jolla. It's not far from the beach and La Jolla is a great area.

We didn't want expensive and we stayed at Best Western Hacienda Suites in Old town. Great location, a step up from the Circle. Beautiful grounds, and you can walk around in the p.m. in toursity old town, which is still a quaint lovely town.

Consider priceline or hotwire. Depending on your exact dates, hotwire has some options that look like they might be reasonable. We booked the Torrey Pines Hilton for mid-August for quite a bit less than your limit.

If you do use one of the services, absolutely do your research including one of the helper boards (biddingfortravel or betterbidding, e.g., )

Good luck!!

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express San Diego-Old Town after reading in Fodors that it is an excellent value for Old Town and agreed whole-heartedly with their review. The HIE's location was great as it is right on the edge of Old Town and near public transportation. It also has free parking. If you stay there request a balconey overlooking the courtyard.