easytraveler

If you're trying to "get away", then take vova's suggestion and stay at a beach town or La Jolla or Coronado. Downtown would be the last place to "get away" if you're from Chicago.

La Jolla would be my first choice. You are going to need a car in San Diego to enjoy it to the fullest.

Also agree that George's is a great restaurant suggestion for La Jolla. There are plenty of places in La Jolla "downtown" to walk to and enjoy.

Another restaurant in San Diego and on the beach (one of my favorites) is The Green Flash:

http://www.greenflashrestaurant.com/

If you must be downtown, then the Marriott is on the beach, has a great walkway along the beach and marina and - umm - is busy when there is a convention becaue it's right next door to the convention center.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...el-and-marina/

Take the photo tour to see if this is your cuppa tea.

Barbara

No, the Marriott downtown is not on a beach. It's next to a marina, is lovely, but no beach. There's no beach in downtown San Diego

ksucat

being that your in your 30's and single..Gaslamp will probably be your best option since LJ and Del Mar close up shop real early.
not many pubs and clubs in the beach area..except PB.
In the Gaslamp, hit up Stingaree, Quality Social, Jsix, rooftop bars at Marriott Gaslamp.
They had a killer deal on expedia for one of our local 5* hotel, US Grant hotel is a Luxury collection and it was going for $160 a night..that is a killer deal.
Little Italy has some fun places to eat and drink too.

easytraveler

Barbara: I didn't mean "sandy" beach. There's a very nice paved walkway along the shore, no? I seem to recall that from both the Hyatt and the Marriott, one could walk along the shore all the way to Seaport Village at one end and some kind of park at the other end.

Barbara

et, yes there is and it is very pleasant to stroll along, but it isn't a "beach" by any stretch of the imagination.

ValerieLS

@tom42. Yes, I went with some business associates and we couldn't stop laughing the whole time. We are normally really professional around each other but that day were really silly. No. . . they don't go very fast, but they are fast enough to be driven on city streets.

krgystn

I second (or third?) the suggestion to stay in the Gaslamp given your ages and desire for night activities. La Jolla is a fantastic town (village?) but very dead at night. Stay in the Gaslamp and drive to the beaches and other sites during the day. It is great to be able to walk around at night without having to deal with a car.

olive22

It looks like we have enough points to stay 'free' @ a Holiday Inn property - any recs for which one? Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, etc. are all included as well. I think we're still leaning towards Gaslamp, just for the nightlife aspect and not having to drive after drinking, but again, still open to suggestions!

ksucat

Hotel Indigo is new, hip and in the East Village/Gaslamp.
Great place to party and easy to stumble back after drinking.
Lots of great bars and restaurants.
Report back.
We see the hotel when we go the Padre games and it looks nice.
Have fun!

ksucat

Are you going during Comic-Con?
If so, you might not get a room.
Hilton bayfront has a great happy hour.
McCormicks and Schmicks at the Omni next to Petco Park for happy hour too.

SOCALOC

We had a blast staying at Hotel Indigo. The view and the bar on the 9th floor is fabulous. Petco Park is smack in view. The only reason I didn't suggest it is because they don't have a pool. They have what looks like a 'pool', but it's more like a fountain. Our dogs swam in it. LOL That's another thing, they are extremely pet-friendly there, so if you don't like dogs- stay away. They have a Yappy hour for guest and locals with their dogs. Location is great. You can crawl from Basic Urban.
We've also stayed at the Bayfront Hilton since they allow dogs also. The common space areas are modern, spacious and nice. The pool has nice views of the bay. You have a little walking distance to Gaslamp, but nothing too bad. At the time we stayed, they hadn't been open that long and you could tell. The service was very substandard compared to other Hilton's. Hopefully, by now, they are a well oiled machine. The other thing I didn't care for too much, is the sense of feeling enclosed in your rooms. Claustrophobia sets in fast there. There are a lot of positives and we'll probably give it another shot one day.

SOCALOC

One more thing, if you do choose Hotel Indigo look into Hotwire and Priceline first. We met some great folks at the bar, who got killer deals compared to what we paid directly.

olive22

Great suggestions from everyone! Thank you so much! We have also decided to spend one night in La Jolla, any suggestions on where? I found some pretty good deals for La Valencia, Lodge @ Torrey Pines and Hotel La Jolla @ the Shores? Also, what about the chains - Hyatt, Marriott? I realize the Lodge is probably nicer than Hotel La Jolla, etc., but in terms of location and what they offer (luxury, beachfront, etc.) any thoughts on any of them?

MomDDTravel

If you found a good rate at the La V - that is where I would stay... I would not stay at the La Jolla Marriott or the La Jolla Hyatt - as they are NOT "in" the village of LJ.

La V is NOT on the beach but located on Prospect street. I would still opt to stay there.

vova

la jolla shores is one of my favorite beaches in the area - i would stay at the shores or La Valencia...

SOCALOC

We have also decided to spend one night in La Jolla,
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I think you'll be very happy with your decision.

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Lodge @ Torrey Pines

Scratch the Lodge off. The location isn't convenient. You'll have a better La Jolla experience staying in the other recommended hotels. In other words, no car unless you want to.

krgystn

It was mentioned above, but make sure to spend an afternoon in PB (Pacific Beach) one of the days. Hit the beach or a number of restaurants and pubs, ie Lahaina, Shore Club, Wavehouse, etc.

ksucat

I would stay at La Valencia and its across the street from LJ Cove which is a great snorkeling spot.
It's a lovely 1920's Spanish designed hotel.
Lots of celeb's and we love having drinks at the Whaling Bar or the back patio.
Grande Colonial a block away is quite nice too.
You can walk to the Shores but it will take you about a half hour.
You can take the coast walk along the cliffs.
Georges at the cove is another favorite on the ocean terrace for drinks and app's at sunset.