Old Town or Gaslamp?
 

Really, which area is most convenient to be in? I'd like to use the trolley or walk for the first day or two. Some posts say the Gaslamp has some unsavory characters at night. Thanks!

(Presuming you mean San Diego, California)<BR><BR>Tell us more about your comfort level in cities. The heart of Gaslamp gets pretty busy with people and is quite safe. You might run into a few homeless people a few blocks from the heart - they are probably harmless. Where I live (Portland) you get hit up for change all the time by homeless people downtown but I feel perfectly safe walking around there. Some people not used to the city might not feel so safe - probably afraid they'll get mugged or something (doubt it).<BR><BR>I don't know Old Town, but Gaslamp does seem very convenient to all the trendy downtown restaurants. I think if you use common sense and care when walking around - walk through well-lit areas and know where you are (keep a map so you don't get lost), you will be fine.<BR><BR>Andrew<BR>

Yes, San Diego. We are planning on staying at the Holiday Inn Express in Old Town, but localwally.com suggested the Gaslamp district to me today. It will be my daughter (21) and me. Will the Old Town location be okay or should I book something in the Gaslamp area? How about the Gaslamp Plaza Suites?

blpar, what do you like to do on vacation? What's your style? Do you like to walk around at night? Stroll along sidewalks crowded with people? That's what Gaslamp is at the heart - lots of people, lots of restaurants and such within walking. Close to the trolley. If that doesn't appeal to you, don't stay in Gaslamp - you're going to pay extra to stay there.<BR><BR>I haven't been in Old Town for a while, not sure it offers the same feel as Gaslamp (doubt it). Probably a lot quieter though there's still some stuff to walk to I think. If you're just looking for someplace central, both Gaslamp and Old Town are good locations, not a far drive from anything. For some Hotel Circle - hopelessly dull off the freeway - is all that they need: a place to crash before driving to the next vacation spot. The walking thing doesn't appeal to some - all they'll do is drive anyway.<BR><BR>Andrew<BR>

I think that you will have a lot more fun in the gaslamp district. Personally I enjoy Old Town and the shops and restaurants, especially Old Town Mexican Cafe for their carnitas and fresh tortillas. There is a wonderful, upscale seafood restaurant across the street form the OTMC whose name is escaping me right now, but it is also exquisite, although I haven't been there in awhile. Also the kitchen store and bakery (you must have a fresh churro there) in the Casa De Pico square area. The gaslamp district will provide you with a lot more variety for restaurants, shopping and a more central location if you don't want to rely on a car.

I'd stay near the Gaslamp Quarter rather than by Old Town. Although Old Town is great during the day, there is more to do at night in the Gaslamp. Also, the Gaslamp is closer to Seaport Village, Balboa Park and other things. You can take the trolley from downtown to Old Town pretty easily.

Yes, we do like to walk. The majority seems to favor staying in the Gaslamp area, but which hotel? Nightlife isn't a priority.

My vote is for the Marriott, they have a great location,nice pool, light rail is just across the street and you can walk along Seaport Village which is behind the hotel. Their rates are somewhat high though since they are next to the convention center. I absolutly loved staying there, so much to keep you busy and everything else is a short drive away.

An unsolicited food tip, Sally's at the Hyatt was unbelievable for dinner. Best crab cakes in the world! Food, service, atmosphere were all top of the line. Not cheap, but fantastic.

We'll be staying at the Hotel del for my conference. We'll have a car, but I hate driving around big cities at nite. Anyone have any idea of what a cab would be from the Hotel del to Gaslamp district????<BR>Frank

fjs08, I don't think you're going to find San Diego to seem much like a &quot;big city&quot;. Compared to Boston and New York City, driving in San Diego is positively a cake walk. There is paid parking right in the heart of Gas Lamp - just drive in, park, and walk, I say.<BR><BR>Andrew<BR>

I vote for the Gaslamp District - there's much more &quot;going on&quot; in that area.

Just returned from the Gaslamp (literally, today) and if you have a 21 year old daughter, that would be the place to go to entertain her. Many of the restaurants also double as clubs so there are a lot of young people out on Saturday night....any night, for that matter. The stores on 4th and 5th Avenues also stay open much later. As I am too old to go clubbing, I found Sunday morning a fab time to wander around the area to find breakfast--it's all good stuff!

Melissahi;<BR>Where did you stay? I'm having a hard time finding a room (trying to stay under $160 a night). Have res. at the Courtyard Marriott downtown on Broadway. Is the location okay? How was the weather? Do you need to dress up for any restaurants in SD? Thanks, Blpar

driving in san diego is very easy. cabs are very expensive. there is ferry from downtown to coronado. then if you like biking, rent a bike to get around. <BR>most san diego restaurants are pretty casual when it comes to dress. go eat at the casual anthony's on pacific coast drive on at the harbour.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Seaport near the Gaslamp District and took the trolly to Old Town. We thought this was a terrific location.

We stayed in Old Town and absolutely loved it.

Kalmia; I have the Holiday Inn Express in Old Town, Marriott Courtyard and Ramada St. James in Gaslamp tentatively booked. Most people suggest Gaslamp; what did you like about Old Town? Did you use the trolley?

The Courtyard Marriott on Broadway is a good hotel. It was recently (3ish years ago) turned into a hotel (was a bank) and has some very cool old style bank features in the lobby. Also, it's only about a block away from the beginning of the Gaslamp quarter.<BR><BR>To the person who asked about cab fare from the Del to Gaslamp - not sure but another option would be to go from the del to the ferry landing, take that over to downtown and walk or take one of those pedicabs as far into Gaslamp as you want to go.

What is a &quot;pedicab&quot;? Marriott Courtyard can't give us a non-smoking room, so looks like we'll go with the Ramada Gaslamp. One plus of Ramada is 24 hour airport shuttle.

A pedicab is a bicyle driven cab that usually seats 2 people. It's basically a large tricycle with a bench seat right behind the rider for the passengers. They are all over downtown SD.

One mention re the Ramada - if it's on 6th ave, it's right across from my office and the building that is attached to it has been completely torn down and is now about ½ way rebuilt. Now, I haven't been inside the hotel - it may be soundproof but judging from the noise on the outside, I'd request a room away from the shared wall! The location is good though.

Alice;<BR>Thanks for the info. I will call direct to the hotel and ask to be away from the noise. Other than that, you think it is okay?

I stayed in the Westin, which was great because it is adjacent to the shopping mall. there are 2 Marriotts; the one adjacent to the convention center is very nice and everyone liked it. The other one, according to my friend who is staying there now, is not so good. But he is a very critical person so I can't really say it's an accurate report.<BR><BR>As for eating establishments: San Diego is a tropical town, so there are a lot of people determined to wear shorts/resort wear.<BR><BR>It was cold this past week, even more so than San Francisco! But I believe it is now starting to warm up. Yesterday (3/9) I wandered around the gaslamp in the morning with shorts and a tank top.

It looks fine from the outside - other than that I really couldn't tell you. I read an article about it once - it has been around for quite awhile, although I think Ramada completely redid it when they took over. For what it's worth I've heard good things about the restaurant and they decorate well at Christmas. Sorry - I've never been inside.

Here is what our local paper's cityguide says about it:<BR><BR>http://sandiego.citysearch.com/profile/86878<BR><BR>And here is their link to the website:<BR><BR>http://ramadainn.signonsandiego.com

Sorry it took me awhile to reply. We loved Old Town because many restaurants were close by. It was a nice place to walk at night with no &quot;seediness&quot; at all.We made a lot of trips to Bazaar del Mundo for churros. We stayed at the Holiday Inn and enjoyed it.

In case anyone else is concerned about construction noise by the Ramada Gaslamp; work is going on M-F 7AM to 3PM. Unlike many hotels, they offer free shuttle service 24 hours a day from the airport. I think we'll stay there and hopefully have a good experience.

I looked at it on my way to work today. FYI - If I'm counting correctly, the new building only goes up to the 5th floor of the hotel. So, hopefully, the higher floors should be more quiet.

The Gaslamp area is great and you can take the trolley from the gaslamp to Old Town and walk around. Lots of restaurnats and shops to walk around in Gaslamp.

I would rather stay in the Gaslamp because it is central and there is always plenty to do within walking distance, but definitely spend time in Old Town &amp; Balboa Park. You could easily spend a full day in each. The Hillcrest district (funky, urban) and Coronado Island (laid back, but elegant) are also interesting corners of San Diego to explore.

Oh yeah, I agree with the poster about &quot;Old Town Cafe.&quot; I've been going since I was a child, and they still have the best handmade tortillas, food, and margarita's. You can't beat it either for atmosphere. Go early or off times if you don't want to fight the crowds..... Otherwise, get a drink and join the party!

to BLPAR:<BR><BR>Is the Holiday Inn Express you mentioned a former Ramada Express? Recently renovated at the time of name change?

The Holiday Inn Express Old Town was a Ramada; just changed this month. Unless someone tells me the Ramada Gaslamp is a bad choice, I'll go with that for this weekend and cancel the Marriot Courtyard Downtown and the Holiday Inn Express Old Town.

We enjoyed the Coyote Cafe better than the Old Town Cafe - it's just down the street. At the Old Town Cafe, the tortillas were definitely good, but I found the salsa bland and the carnitas were just ok. I guess I expected more since they are famous for their carnitas. I had the carnitas at the Coyote Cafe and they were really good - almost as good as the ones I buy at home in this little hole in the wall place when I really want good carnitas. Coyote Cafe also had fresh made tortillas, which were as good as those at the Old Town Cafe.