My husband and I are planning a trip to San Diego in January 2004. We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary and would like to stay in a luxury hotel. If possible, we'd like to spend no more than $250 per night. We're flying in from Detroit don't want to rent a car unless we have to (hotel parking is so expensive!) We plan on going to the zoo but also want a nice pool that we can relax by. Any suggestions??

Thanks so much!

The main attractions are pretty spread out so you may want to reconsider a car rental. Otherwise, there are trolley tours that schedule pick ups at many hotels. I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice here. Hotel Del on the beach in Coronado is my favorite. I don't think you'll be able to hang out by the pool to swim or sunbathe, the norm temp range for Jan is in the low 60's. Have fun.

You honestly will not likely be staying in a luxury hotel for $250 a night in San Diego. I would suggest Hotel Del Coronado if you want a memorable stay but not sure what type of room you would get around that rate. Have not seen the rooms but the hotel is one of the best restored historical hotel I have seen. The pool was packed but it wasn't a really spectacular pool. The restaurants are good as is the Sunday brunch. The beach is nice but the water will be pretty cold in January (we were just there this month and it felt cold even then). We stayed at the Marriott Marina which has a fabulous pool which is hardly ever used because the hotel is primarily a business hotel since the convention center is next door. I stayed there last year and was surprised to find that they had finished a renovation and all the rooms were nice and newly decorated. The biggest plus for us was that the pool is nice, the balcony bay view we had was great and you can walk all over on Seaport Village, it is also located kind of in the middle of a lot of attractions. However, we paid about $285 a night and that was a discounted rate and although they have lots of services and they have new rooms, it is not a luxury hotel.

Also, to add about the rental car. You don't have to rent one if you pick a good location since your planning on going to the zoo. From Coronado (depending on traffic) I don't think it is more than a 10 minute drive and maybe 5 minutes from the Gaslamp area where the marriott is near. You can either get a cab or do the trolley for one day (I think about $20 per person) which picks up literally in front of the Marriott and also very near Hotel Del Coronado and it goes to the Zoo, Old Town, Balboa Park, Coronado and a few other stops. It is narrated by the driver and you can get on and off when you want for that one day. It is a good way to see San Diego.

without a car, the trolley is your best choice. therefore, either coronado or downtown would be your best locations.

Thanks so much for the good advice! I didn't know it got that chilly in January - guess the beach is out

We were looking at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, but after reading other postings it sounds like it's far away from everything. Does anyone know if the Trolly goes by it?

It sounds like I should check out the Marriott Marina.

Thanks again!

My husband and I visit San Diego every 3 months and have stayed at many different locations, including the Del and Lowes. The Del is our favorite of anyplace in the San Diego area, but I don't think you'll find a room for $250.00. I believe right now the lowest price is $279.00 for a room in the Victorian bldg. Lowes is far out of the way from anything. Try searching for rooms on expedia.com. I have had much success using that service. The Manchester Grand Hyatt is very nice and recently remodeled and you can pick up the Old Town Trolley right outside at Seaport Village. Its convenient to many attractions. Be sure and visit Casa de Pico in Old Town. If you don't stay at the Del, its still lots of fun to walk around and look at everything. Have fun!

Quickbook.com has rooms at the hotel Del for $230 weeknight,and $290 weekend(it is a no-view room).I don't know if they are booking into Jan. yet.You could call to find out.

There are 2 trolleys which people refer to and that can get a little confusing.

There is the red trolly, which is a light rail line and part of the public transportation system. Check out this site for information:
www.sdcommute.com

Then there is the Old Town Trolley, which is basically an open air bus which looks kind of like a cable car without the tracks. This is operated by a private tour company and runs on a specific route past many tourist attractions. I believe day pass tickets are $20-25/person.

We've stayed at the Marriott Marina--also in January. It was chilly when we were there so didn't swim but the Marriott had a great pool--meandering with lots of greenery. I remember thinking at the time that our kids would enjoy it (they weren't with us). The Hyatt is right next door--don't think you could go wrong with either property since the location is great. You'll love the zoo and the Gaslamp area and Seaport are fun to wander through. We took a side trip to Coronado and walked through the Del. Very nice but tons of touristy-type people (like us!). You might hit the jackpot weather-wise--the week after we left San Diego, the temps hit 85. Figures!

Also if you're not opposed to priceline you will most likely get the Marriott Coronado Island for $75-150/nt and are able to upgrade to an ocean view for $35 more. Both the Hotel Del and Loews have come up also, you may want to check biddingfortravel.com for details. Also luxurylink.com has auctions for Loews with pretty good rates but you will definitely need a car as it's a little farther out on Coronado. Downtown is a good location to stay. The Hyatt Manchester though not luxury is connected in back to Seaport Village and again another trolley stop. Hyatt is also offered through Priceline but there is no way to guarantee that hotel when bidding DT.