I am joining my husband for a last minute business trip to the San Diego area from June 8th through the 13th. Our 19 year old son has decided to join us.

I have been reading posts here and admit to not realizing how cold it may be in San Diego. Our son was hoping for a beach location. My husband and I are more luxury hotel enthusiasts.

Most of our first choice accomdations are arlreay full for the weekend.

We do have availabilty at the Catamaran, Pacific Terrace, and Humphreys for the weekend. We will do at least two nigths downtown, either at the beginning or end of our stay.

As far as the beach areas are concerned, can anyone advise us on the wisdom of taking a townhouse/condo rental for a few days vs the Catamaran scene?

As for La Jolla, any opinions about the Best Western vs the Empress?

Regarding downtown, would you prefer the Sheraton Harbor Island or the Embassy Suites?

Thank you very much.

If I was going with a 19 yr old son I would stay at the Pacific Terrace- its a very happening area and I think he would enjoy-I much prefer staying on the ocean side to the bay side - love to see those waves rolling in and all the surfers.
The Pacific Beach area has a LONG boardwalk with bikers, walkers, roller bladers - very entertaining

I agree with Sunbum, Pacific Terrace, with the Catamaran as back up.

What do you mean by "cold"? Most of the county will be having warm, low 70s temperatures. It may be hot. The only cool place may be the actual beach -IF it's overcast. It could be hot there too, nobody knows for sure. The weather for the last few days has been beautiful. Last Saturday we had record-breaking high temps, but it's a bit cooler now.

There are a lot of very dangerous rip currents in the ocean at the moment, so your son needs talk to the lifeguards to make sure he knows how to get out of a rip current if he gets into one and where are the safest areas to swim.

The Sheraton Harbor Island isn't really considered downtown. It is across the street from the airport, although the area is nice, it really isn't it the middle of things. There are many new hotels downtown, especially near the ball park. A new Omni, W hotel etc. Embassy Suites would be closer to downtown, but is is more at the end of downtown.

The Empress hotel is about 5 blocks from the beach in La Jolla, it is more in the business district of La Jolla. If the beach is what you are looking for, then La Vallencia, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club an Sea Lodge are more on the beach.. The Estancia in La Jolla (It is on a cliff over looking the beach) was just named a top hotel in Conde Traveler Magazine. Of course for luxury, the Inn at Torrey Pines in La Jolla is just beautiful.

For other beach hotels, there is Paradise Point, Hotel Del, loews coronado and Mission Bay Hilton.

Hope this is helpful, itsv

I have also stayed at the Pacific Terrace. The location is great and so is the beach.

Thank you all for your advice.

I now have a reservation for two days at the Estancia as well.

Is anyone familiar with condos at Zanaibar Court in Mission Beach?

Thank you.