Hi, A group of women are planning on visiting San Diego. Am currently looking at the Coronado, downtown and Harbor Island area for hotels. We do not want to rent a car and want to be able to taxi it to the gaslamp district but would like a hotel on the water for during the day. We don't plan on doing any sightseeing or anything else. Hang by the pool during the day and hit the bars/restaurants at night. Any suggestions for hotel?

I'd choose Coronado for what you want to do - specifically the Hotel Del Coronado if you can afford the rate. It is a gorgeous place to hang around the pool and sit on the beach all day. There are also shops and restaurants within walking distance. The Hotel Del is a historic hotel, so some of the rooms are smaller and sound proofing can be an issue.

It isn't very far into downtown, so a cab shouldn't cost much - and downtown there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.

Another option is the Marriot Coronado. The Marriot is a nice place, also within walking distance to shops and restaurants. This is on the bay side of Coronado, whereas the Hotel Del is on the ocean side, so you don't have the beach, but there are nice views of downtown and it is close to the water taxi. You can also take a regular taxi into downtown. The pool area is nice and the rooms have balconies. Get a bayside room for the best views. The hotel is modern rather than historic, so it doesn't have some of the charm that the Hotel Del has, but it has other benefits like larger rooms and spacious bathrooms.

Lowes is also on Coronado, but I don't have any experience with that hotel.

If your priority is to hang by the pool and go to good restaurants I would suggest the Marriott Marina.It has a really nice pool area with 2 free form pools, a hot tub, waterfalls, and nice landscaping. I think it has a much nicer pool area than the Hotel Del. It is also a short walk to the Gaslamp Quarter, so no taxi would be necessary. It's also on the Bay, and right next to Seaport Village. If you want to go to Coronado, the water taxi is right there. Even though this hotel is crowded with lots of convention people, the service is great. If you go, ask for a balcony room overlooking the Bay.

Thanks for the help. Sounds like both suggestions are good calls. I just wanted to make sure the Coronado was "too" far away.

Another alternative to the Marriott Marina (which I have stayed in and liked, especially the pool area and the convenient location) is the Hyatt Manchester which is, literally, right next door to the Marriott.

Based on your interest in the gas light area. I think the Marriot near downtown seems better.

I would stay closer to the Gaslamp district since that is your interest, in addition there is Seaport Village for shopping, and restaurants. I would choose the Hyatt or Marriot. Although the Del is a great historical place, in my opinion there is not much happening in Coronado. Not in comparison to downtown. Taking the ferry back and forth would get old I would think real fast.