After having all the threads on weather and hotels in San Diego, I still can't figure out where to stay. We'll be in San Diego next April with two kids, 2 days before our trip to the desert, 1 day when we come back. Plan is to see Seaworld, old town, tidal pools La Jolla, maybe Torrey Pines, etc. Assuming that we can't hope for beach weather, how (in)convenient is it to stay on one of the islands (e.g. Coronado)? Options under consideration at teh moment are Residence Inn La Jolla or Hilton Torrey Pines, Torrey Pines Lodge, La Jolla Beach and Tennis (for the 2 days), and then 1 night in San Diego (Bahia, W hotel --- I can get a great rate, or...). Please advise!

ingrid,
All of the hotels you mention are in the city of San Diego. The least attractive would probably be the Residence Inn, but it may suit your needs better. For most of the activities you list, the Bahia or the new W hotel would be closer. Coronado is perfectly convenient, being attached to San Diego by a bridge and a road which goes south to Imperial Beach. You can hope for beach weather, but be prepared not to get it. Even if it's sunny and warm, the ocean water will be very cold.

You might want to get the free copy of the San Diego travel guide at www.sandiego.org

Ingrid,
La Jolla is only about 15 minutes from downtown SD so I would just pick one hotel and stay there. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is great, if you can afford it! The Bahia or Catamaran would be the most fun for teens, while Coronado would be a hit with the family if kids are younger...less for kids to do, entertainment-wise, but nicer for the adults.

Okay, how would you rank these hotels for La Jolla:
Hilton Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines Lodge
Residence Inn (Penthouse suite)
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Resort
keeping in mind that we're two adults and two pre-teens and will be travelling in April?
For San Diego:
Bahia
Catamaran
W
Marriott Harbor???

san diego, i'd choose the catamaran
can't go wrong with either the lodge or hilton.

Catamaran hands down...the preteens will love the area and you will love the only nice hotel in the SD beach area. In La Jolla, the Lodge @ Torrey is exquisite...brand new, may not be many kids though. Great view from the cliffs there.

I,m confused why you would not just stay at the Catamaran the hole time. The kids would love it as it is on the bay and a short block from the boardwalk for skating, biking, lots of resaurants and the beach. The location is close to La Jolla(10 mins), Sea World, downtwon(10 Mins).

I would recommend the La Valencia in the heart of the La Jolla Village. The cove is there so you can see the seals and a short walk away are tidal pools which are closer and more convenient than the Point Loma tidal pools. Plus you are in a beautiful area with many restaurants and small botique shops. Your family will enjoy this area, it's a lot more classy and much nicer than the PB area (Catamaran, Bahia). But if you insist on your list then here is my rank,
Beach and Tennis Club-On the beach and great area to walk around (rooms not as nice though but good quality)
The Lodge at Torrey Pines - Ultra nice
Hilton Torrey - Very nice
Residence Inn - Basic

The Torrey Hotels are not convenient to walking around and exploring and are high on cliffs in front of two golf courses (TP North and South). Mostly business travelers also. Great views though and beautiful properties. Even though the beach is cold it is nice to walk around and the kids will no doubt still wade in. That's why i recommed the Beach/Tennis club.

San Diego
Marriot
Bahia
Catamaran
If you can afford the other La Jolla places forget about these unless you want an urban environment then choose the Marriot.

Thanks for the advice. To clear up some question. We'll first stay for two days in SD (or La Jolla), then go for 4 days to Rancho Mirage, back for one day to SD before out flight back home. I've been checking out websites. One problem with the Hilton Torrey Pines, and the Catamaran and Marriott Harbor, I believe, is that they only have two double beds, which won't work. That's where the Penthouse Suite at the Residence Inn La Jolla would come into play. We need AT LEAST two Queen size beds.
The original plan calls for the two days in La Jolla, the last day in SD. Any comments on Mission Valley (the Double Tree suites at least are big enough).

MV Doubletree is a pretty nice hotel actually, close to the stadium and a fun family oriented sports bar/restaurant called Tropy's. It is also right next to the freeway though. You're right about the sizes of the other rooms, especially if you're still considering the W which is a little boutique hotel. I'd ask about a bayside room at the Bahia. I stayed there recently and besides having a patio that opened out onto the bay, we had a kitchen, small dining/living area, 2 queen beds and a couch bed in a really big room. These are in the 2 story building at the far northeast end of the property. The Residence Inn La Jolla isn't bad either, just kind of away from everthing.

I suggest that if you can afford to, you stay in La Jolla. Period. It is by far the most beautiful area of San Diego, and a great area for families (I was raised, and still live here). The La Valencia in La Jolla is truly an exquisite hotel. It's old, beautiful, and charming. Also, it is right next to the cliffs of La Jolla, which are beautiful as well, plus there are many restaurants, shops...etc. Mission Valley is good if you want to be in the middle of things. Hopefully, you rented a car (San Diego public transit is the worst!). The Catamaran and Bahia are decent hotels in PB, and I am sure the teens will love these areas, but there is a lot of craziness going on in PB and Mission Beach for youngsters to get involved in. Just be mindful of that. April weather should be sunny, but don't expect the ocean to be warm (it never is). If you want to swim, count on the hotel pool which is probably heated. Hope this helps.

Thanks, Gia, we'll be staying in La Jolla for two days before going to Rancho Mirage for 4 days. The La Valencia looks very nice --- but still not sure if the 400/night Village View room at the Valencia should get the top vote. The newly renovated Radisson looks nice, too, and the Residence Inn Penthouse suite promises the most space. We'll probably be busy going to Seaworld, the beach etc. Right now looking for a one-night place in SD before catching the plane back. (We'll have a car).