San Diego - Hotel Help
 

I would appreciate some hotel recommendations. I really do not want to rent a car while in San Diego. I am willing to take public transportation during the day to do The Zoo, Sea World and Museums. At night, I would like to be in an area within walking distance to restaurants and things to do. This is a family trip with one very easy going teenager. Thanks for the help!

While the trolley system has improved greatly the last few years you'll probably have to bus it to the Zoo, Sea World and museums.Hotels in the Gaslamp District would provide an easy walk to restaurants and everything downtown.
Larry in Sd

Without a car your best bet is the Gaslamp District in downtown. There are several new hotels in the area. At nigh you have great restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, etc. You will have to take the bus to both the zoo and Sea World or to make things quick a short cab ride will be your best bet. It is a good idea to not have a car if you are staying downtown since you do not have to worry of parking fees. I recommend you the Hilton Gaslamp. It is a new hotel in a great location. Also the new Omni is wonderful.

We are thinking of coming to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl, Dec. 30. Would the Gaslamp district be good for that event, assuming that we stayed in S.D. for a day or two afterwards? Or Mission Valley? There is a new Residence Inn there that gets great reviews on TripAdvisor.

Personally, I'd stay in the Gaslamp and take the trolley up into Mission Valley to go to Qualcomm. But then again, I like doing the pub crawl in the Gaslamp.

The Doubletree in Mission Valley sells itself as being right on the trolley line to Qualcomm. Can't beat its convenience, but I'd still stay in the Gaslamp.

I'd stay in downtown too.

Definitely stay in the Gaslamp. Everyone will be there after the games to have a good time for dinner and then for drinks at the many bars the Gaslamp has to offer. The new Hilton is in a great location to all the Gaslamp has to offer. Mission Valley is fine, but it has no nightlife. You will have to either drive to downtwon or Pacific Beach.

The other option would be Old Town. Lots of restaurants and a Trolley/Coaster station right there.

Have you got tickets? The game's sold out now.

Assuming that you do have tickets, I'll agree with those who suggest downtown/Gaslamp. Definitely plan on taking the Trolley to the game.

I did not rent a car and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Old Town - I recommend it as a great value for the cost. The HIE's location was covenient as it is right on the edge of Old Town and near public transportation to the Gaslamp district and it provides free shuttles to the Zoo/Balboa Park and Seaworld. I have stayed at the Gaslamp also. The area is nicer, but public transportation to the Zoo, Sea World and museums is not convenient, though you can choose to rely on taxis. Gaslamp district is alos not for the budget conscious

I know you indicated that you didn't want to rent a vehicle, however San Diego is such an easy city for the unfamiliar to maneuver and the attractions are so spred out I really recommend renting a vehicle. There's Pt Loma with the Cabrillo Monument, The stadium & the San Diego Mission are in Mission Valley, Old Town off of Rosecrans (sp?), Balboa Park & the Zoo are adjacent to each other, Coronado Island, Gaslamp Quarter, etc. etc. These are all recommended attractions but they are some distance from each other & public transportation is not that great. Otherwise I agree that the Gaslamp Quarter is the best for lodging & restaurants. Seaport Village & the ocean promenade are nearby & its a very short taxi ride, but walkable, to where you can catch a ferry to Coronado Island & also where the sailing vessel, India Star & the carrier Lexington are docked for visits. San Diego is a great city.

Yes, I do have tickets to the game. We'll try to Gaslamp area. The Hilton is pretty pricey. I can get a better rate at the Omni or the Westgate. Any thoughts on how these all compare, or any other suggestions?

I stayed at The Prava at 5th and B'dway in the Gaslamp.

Suite hotel. Very good restaurant, Nectar, too.
Block away from Horton Plaza.
Great dinner at Croce's, too.
All sorts of restaurants in the area.

Not too far from just about anything in SD and right there for pub transportation.

Was about an $10.00 + tip cab ride from the a'port for one person.

Next year Barb? ;)

Kal, you mean next year we should have a Fodorite trip to the Holiday Bowl? That would be great. It's always a great game.

Or did you just mean drinks next year? It'll be next year soon!