I think you would like the Estancia resort, just above La Jolla. Gorgeous grounds, WONDERFUL spa, great breakfast in bed. I stayed here for a weekend wedding last year, and loved it.

The only thing I didn't love, and it doesn't seem to be an issue with you, is that it is not walking distance to anything except UCSD.

It has very easy access to La Jolla, and even easier access to the freeway into San Diego. It's about 25 minutes to the Zoo, 30 minutes into Coronado.

Only place that you might love even more is the Hotel del Coronado. Lodge at Torrey Pines is a good place to luxuriate as well.

Look at Rancho Valencia - they're Relais & Chateaux and not far from the beach, etc

Another vote for the classic Hotel Del Coronado.

We, too love the heartbeat of downtown, but its lacking in Resort/Spa accomodations. If you decide to stay downtown, my faves are:

<b>US Grant</b> http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury...ropertyID=1488

<b>Hilton Gaslamp</b>
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hote...ornia/index.do

But, if you want high end, maybe stay at the gorgeous <b>Montage Resort and Spa</b> in Laguna Beach for a night on the way down to San Diego. If money were no object, I'd stay here in a heartbeat. Plus, your daughter will love the shopping and the O.C. experience!
http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/

Have fun....

I've never stayed at the Del in Coronado but I've been there for various events. It always smells musty to me.

Are the areas where the rooms are better? Does anyone else smell this?

wanted to bring this back for some new suggestions... Hotel Del Cor is a little to old fashion for our taste, and of the proprties suggested on the beach nothing seems on the newer side. Any feedback about The Hard Rock Hotel, or the new Kimpton property, I think its the Solomar? I'm thinking we take a day and just drive up to Laguna. I have a 13y/o girl, you just have to say &quot;Laguna Beach&quot; and shes sold.

Ok, San Diego NATIVE here!! Let me try and HELP!

#1- Driving from LAX to downtown will not take you half a day....if you fly into LAX in the morning or afternoon you will have an hour and 45 min drive to downtown. It's really not that bad and I have flown out of LAX to save $$ plenty of times.

#2- Ok, so you now know that downtown is not right on the beach but you can stay at the Hyatt or Marriott Convention Ctr. and you will have a fabulous BAY VIEW.

#3- If you stay in downtown try and check out Seaport Village...if you stay at one of the hotels I listed above it will be in walking distance. Seaport Village will probably last you half a day and they have great restaurants there too!!

Check out Old Town, Coronado and La Jolla (the Cove)

What about the Omni Hotel http://sandiego.nyctourist.com/omni-hotel-san-diego.php

It is right by a trolley stop, has views of the water and you can walk to excellent restaurants of the gaslamp.