We are going to San Diego in November. We definitely want to stay at the beach. As we have 2 small children we need a place that has 2 rooms and a kitchen if possible. Called the Blue Sea Lodge, they were $280 a night. Is there anything out there that is better? (either price wise or nicer accomodations for the money)

There is a very nice place in Pacific Beach call Chystal Pier Hotel, it has cottages on the pier or try San Diego Vacation Rentals or Penny Realty and rent a a cottage at the beach.

You might try booking the Blue Sea on the Best Western website as they sometimes have better rates than when you call the hotel.

In San Diego, you will definitely have to pay a premium if you want to stay on the beach. Rather than a kitchen, I'd look for something with a fridge and free breakfast, a kitchen probably narrows down your choices quite a bit.

Paradise Point sometimes has some good special rates available, and it is very nice. Not sure if they have refrig rooms however.

Also, you are booking quite far in advance, the hotels probably only have "standard" rates listed at this time. Be sure to check back in October as the specials may come up and you'll save $$$$.

Crystal Pier cottages are literally on the pier and you can hear the waves crashing below you. Fun place.

Our family of 5 went to San Diego last April and stayed in a condo on Mission Beach - great location, easy access to everything and oceanfront. We rented from San Diego Vacation Rentals, but there are several major condo rental companies in that area. We rented a luxurious 2 BR, 2 bath condo, with full kitchen, dining room, living room, oceanfront for $210/night. November should be less expensive. I highly recommend a condo if you're looking for space.

the condo idea on mission beach is a good one. the downside is that you don't have a pool to access which most kids enjoy. there is a motel called the surfer motor lodge which is right by the best western. we had a connecting room and a kitchen. it is old and nothing fancy but we found it to be clean, balcony's facing the ocean and for the price we were willing to sacrifice luxory for being right on the ocean. it has a pool too.

Carolyn have you looked at condos rented by owners? there are lots of sites. we use vrbo.com all the time and with good luck
saw this as I was browsing
http://www.vrbo.com/vrbo/7259.htm I know little about San Diego but perhps others could help with locale.

Thanks for all the help. We are looking at Sat-Tuesday stay, which many condos and homes won't do.

This summer we are staying at a 3 bedroom house on the beach with fab views in Cayucos(near Morro Bay), Fireplace, Great Room with Wall to Wall windows. Only $1500 in summer. Wish I could find a deal anywhere close to that in San Diego