Has anyone ever stayed at the Park Manor Suites in San Diego? It looks good on the Internet, but I'm afraid something is wrong with it, based on the price.

Never stayed there but can comment on the area. It (hotel) always looks good from the outside though. Sixth ave is a very busy thoroughfare and the hotel is about a mile or so from the flight path to the airport. Flight noise isn't as noisy as you might think though and there's a curfew for flights anyways from midnight to 6 am.
It is a nice area around a lot of shops and good restaurants and across the street from balboa park- a nice city park.
Hillcrest is the gay area in san diego so if that turns you off then that's up to you. But many people go out to Hillcrest because of the food, eclectic shops and atmosphere. My wife and I go regularly and in fact is my favorite area for restaurants in San Diego.
You'll get good pricing from hotels this time of year as properties lower rates after the big summer season. Rates will go up again during Christmas and the Holiday Bowl and Superbowl timeframes.

Thanks for the great information. Please tell me a good place to eat where we will feel comfortable in casual attire.

I KNOW OF someone who stayed there and complained about the place. I think it was on Frommers message boards. You may want to check it out. Something about staying up all night with a clanging noise from the pipes in the walls. Managment was unable to do anythng about it. It is an old building. Location is not that great, but you can get around well from there, easy access to all attractions.

Lori, I am back, yes that comment is under Frommers. Calif. site, the thread is titled San Diego Hotels. It was listed last March. So maybe the clanging pipes have stopped. Who knows.

There may be better choices than that hotel. What are you looking for in accomadations and how much do you want to spend?

We are arriving by Amtrak, so will be using taxies and public transportation. Since we are two middle aged women I don't think we'll be doing Sea World, etc. We are interested in shopping, good food, hiking, etc. I guess we'd like to pay between $100 and $140.

Thanks for any input.

Lori:

You should stay somewhere downtown. I would recommend the Horton Grand Hotel or any other hotel in the Gaslamp area. You can also try the Embassy Suites hotel (they have a location near downtown) or the Westin Hotel at Horton Plaza. Downtown has great restaurants and shopping is great at Horton Plaza.

i doubt you'd get a room at the horton grand for your price range. using taxis in san diego would get very pricey quickly. san diego is an easy town to drive in and i'd recommend renting a car - at least for a few days and if you do there is good hiking east of san diego in cuyamaka (wrong spelling but look on a map) state park and torry pines state park by la jolla is nice too. i'm 39 and i never tire of sea world but it is a little pricey.

You don't mention how long you will be in S.D. You should try some hotels by the wharf. Holiday Inn, close to downtown, Seaport Village and many choices for eating. If you are without a car, this would be your best option. If you are interested in hiking, and visiting other areas a car will be necessary unless you limit your activities to the Gas light district. There is also a harbor cruise in the area. The trolley will take you to various points of interest also. Some hotels also provide at a cost of course, tours to different places. The zoo is a must no matter what age you are. Have fun.

I would also recommend that you consider renting a car. You'll have so much more freedom to move around the area, and it really isn't difficult to find your way around at all.

We will be in SD 3 days. I have been lost driving around in every major city I have ever been in. What a waste of time. It sounds like we could spend 3 days just seeing the stuff in Balboa Park and downtown. I think part of the fun will be in getting around without a car. We are major walkers, so probably will get around a lot on foot. Thanks to all of you for the help.

Oh for 3 days you will be just fine. Not a problem. You will certainly be entertained enough with downtown, Seaport village, and try the Harbor Cruise. Don't miss the Zoo.

Just returned from San Diego. We took a chance and stayed at Park Manor Suites. We liked it. It is old, but we knew that going in. Had a nice breakfast each a.m. that went with the room rate. No noice to keep us awake. The staff was very helpful.
We had fun getting around on public transportation. Took the bus back from the Gas Lamp District two nights at 10 p.m. and felt perfectly safe. It was great being right across the street from Balboa Park.
Discovered the greatest place for dessert. Extraordinary Desserts on 5th Avenue.
The Gas Lamp section was fun. Bustling with activity on a Tues. and Wed. evening. Felt very safe there.
Everyone was so helpful. People would just notice us on the street or trolley stop and would ask if we needed directions.
We walked everywhere. (Had to walk off those desserts!)
Lori

Definately use Priceline for your stay. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com to find out exact dollar amounts to bid. You could get a very nice hotel at that price. I just paid $169/nt to stay at thw Westin Horton Grand and saw somebody got the same hotel for the same night for $82. We did not bid because staing at that hotel that night was a must for us, however we got the Coronado Marriott the next few nights at $83/nt.

You might try "the Bristol" it is close to downtown and Horton Plaza. I second the ease of use of public transport.We also train to the city, and take the bus to the zoo and Seaworld. I tried www.sandiego.com there were hotel rates and pertinent info. The Bristol came up at 79.00 j

Gosh don't you people read the entire thread. She went and is back all ready. Gee whiz--Lori, I am glad you enjoyed yourself, and the Park Manor has improved on the noise level. Sounds like you had a nice time. Thanks for getting back to us who WERE following this THREAD.