Thanks again, you are quitehelpful. I did check out the Catamaran and it seems on par with the Bahia - good location, same crummy rooms. I find this odd - there must be some nice rooms. Again, mixed reviews.

I do have friends that have stayed there recently and they have not complained about the rooms. Not like the Bahia. I do think the Catamaran rooms are nicer than Bahia. But it is all pretty much family beach style property.

But I think you have to decide what is most important to you. Location and what is around you and available to do or a really nice resort type upscale place. Not sure that you can have both in Mission Beach.

Personally, I like to have access to lots of things going on. If I am busy and out a lot, I am not spending all that much time in the room. So, I guess you might have to make a choice. Not sure you can have both. Good luck.

Heavens

Yep, the Ocean Park Inn looks kinda like a motel from the outside but the rooms are nice and well equipped with fridge, coffeemaker, microwave and safe. You're right on Mission/Pacific beach (right at the border) so you have quick access to everything going on. Nothing like falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing outside your window. The staff is nice and helpful, the gated underground parking is a pleasure and they have a nice continental breakfast included. My kids are 9 & 7 and didn't feel the need for the "resort" type atmosphere because there was so much going on around us and with our day trips to Legoland, etc... we barely used the hotel for anything but crashing at night. We didn't even use the pool or jacuzzi!

GLMDesigns,

basically all the options have been outlined to you. The choice is yours. But has it crossed your mind that you might be looking for something other than San Diego?
I am not sure, but it seems that so far no suggestion has come to your personal par...
To be a bit more constructive on this issue, I would opt for the Coronado Marriott. Coronado is laid back and upscale, but it's just a short drive or ferry crossing to downtown and the Gaslamp District. Plus the beach is close by and the reviews for the hotel are almost unanimously good.
But again, all this has been offered before.
hsv

We're also planning a trip to LA and San Diego in August. We've decided to stay at the Coronado Marriott. Traveling with our two teens, so we opted for two rooms. Thank goodness for Marriott Points!

Thanks to everyone on this board for the suggestions.

GLM You have been posing this question since early March. When were you planning on going to S.D? I can tell you this that the Catamaran and the Bahia are older places. I am sure they have been updated. As far as Tripadvisors.com is concerned someone always has some negative and positive comments to say about any place. It is all relative. There is no right or wrong. Coronado is lovely, nice beach, and very upscale compared to Mission Beach area. Mission beach has a boardwalk where one can rent bikes,etc. I think your children are lucky to go to S.D on vacation and I am think they will enjoy themselves no matter where you stay. No one can give you anymore help that what has been offered to you.

And I do appreciate all the advice. Guess what I want is an upscale hotel on Mission Bay and that does not exist. I think I'll settle with the Bahia.

Beings a former resident of S.D I watched the Cat being build somewhere I believe in the 60's. I am sure the Bahia is the same. That maybe your problem looking for new in P.B or Mission Beach does not exist. It is old. The Del is old as well but there is a difference between charming old, and just plain old. Many people rave about Pacific Terrace. It sits right on the beach. I know you will enjoy S.D. it is a beautiful city and a commuters paradise. You can get anyplace in 15 minutes. I think "heavens" summed it all up quite nicely for you. Good luck.

My 2 kids and I stayed at the Sea Lodge in La Jolly last summer and really enjoyed it. It has a nice family atmosphere and it's on a very nice beach. The hotel offers chairs and umbrellas to it's guests. It's a nice hotel, definitely not the fanciest. But it's right on a gorgeous stretch of beach and not too far from San Diego or Legoland, etc. We liked it so much that we are going back again this summer with more family members.