Hey gang! Need your help here and since I know the drill, I'll try to give as much info as possible.

BF and I are going to San Diego with a stop in Las Vegas and maybe another location in late Sept - early Oct for 9-10 days. So far this is how our itinerary goes:

Sept. 24 - 28 - San Diego
Sept. 28 - 30 - Las Vegas
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2 - ??? Debating on either driving up the PCH with stops here and there, or maybe even heading down to Mexico.

We may also switch and go to LV first if we can get a hotel within our price range for Sept. 24 - 26. (Under $100, right now I have us at the Orleans for $55)

I have driven myself crazy with hotel options in SD. So far I'm debating on the Holiday Inn on the Bay, Holiday Inn Bayside, Hotel La Jolla, Bay Club Hotel, Holiday Inn Harbor View or the US Grant. Basically we're trying to keep in the $150 and under range which seems difficult. We would prefer someplace by the ocean with a balcony, but would also accept somewhere downtown if it was a suite. Also possibly a place that is not a haven for kids, even though we're going when school is in session.

Which areas should we avoid staying at? We will have a car, so traveling is not a big deal, but parking costs have to be taken into consideration.

Also, we plan on taking in a Padres game (we're both sports nuts). Also have on my short list the Zoo, Balboa Park, Mission Beach, Casinos, Maritime Museum, and since it's apparently Fleet Week then, any other things relating to that. But I'm stumped on anything else.

Las Vegas I'm not worried about, as the BF has been there a few times before, but it will be my first time.

Just wondering also what would be a good way to spend the last 2-3 days? Are we better off taking the PCH drive or simply going to Mexico? (We both have passports)

Thanks in advance!

I've stayed at the Hotel La Jolla many times and it's very charming (and not in a bad way like in real estate listings). There's not much around it, so you'll have to drive down into the village area of La Jolla, but if you get a room above the 5th floor the views of the ocean and the sunsets are spectacular. The rooms are very nicely decorated.

The US Grant is also a nice hotel. It's right downtown San Diego within walking distance to dining, shopping and you could walk to the Padres Game. I prefer La Jolla to downtown, but that's me.

Also, Mexico vs. driving up the CA Coast... Depends on what you like. Personally, I love Santa Barbara...

OK which is the better option...staying in La Jolla or somewhere closer to downtown, say Coronado, Shelter Island, or Point Loma?

La Jolla is very nice, but given the spots you plan to visit, I'd think that downtown or Coronado would be better choices.

From Coronado, you can take the foot ferry or the trolley to the baseball game and the maritime museum, eliminating parking and designated driver concerns. Same with staying downtown at the US grant, holiday inn.

In Coronado, you can try the Glorietta Bay Inn or El Cordova to keep it in your price range (both are across from the Hotel del).

Another option might be Humphreys Half Moon at Shelter Island. Close in, some rooms have nice harbor views and free parking, and reasonable cost.

The hotels down on Harbor Drive across from the Star of India also work well- not beach views, but nice harbor & fishing boat views, convenient and reasonable. BEst Western? Holiday Inn? I can never remember which is which, sorry.

I'd recommend Coronado Island also -- it's easy to get to the sights in San Diego and you "come home" to the island at night. We stayed at El Cordova and liked it and walked through The Glorietta. The latter is much more upscale. If you can get a good deal go with the latter.

Great time to visit! The Summer crowds are long gone and the weather is the best in September and early Oct.
Check out tripadvisor.com and then check all the hotels on hotels.com, orbitz.com and expedia.com.
As I'm now retired, La Valencia and the Hot del are no longer in my budget plans.
The prices are schizophrenic (this Fri @ Hot US Grant is $127; Sat and Sun are $460.) Water view rooms @ Shelter Point Hot. Marina on Shelter Island Sun and Mon @ $135 per look really good too.
Have a wonderful trip!
M

missjanna:

Here is a vote for Ocean Park Inn, 710 Grand Avenue - www.oceanparkinn.com or go to www.sandiego.org and click on hotels. You can often get reduced rates as well as tons of other information. Try for a room on the second or third floor facing the ocean. Rate includes free gated under-ground parking, continental breakfast, juice and coffee bar all day. These perks help with the cost. Lots of reviews here at Fodors and at www.tripadvisor.com

Have a great trip.

Sandy