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;
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.

As for eating establishments: San Diego is a tropical town, so there are a lot of people determined to wear shorts/resort wear.

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:

http://sandiego.citysearch.com/profile/86878

And here is their link to the website:

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 "seediness" 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 & 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 "Old Town Cafe." 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:

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.