Hi...we are visiting San Diego from New Zealand in October and want to stay downtown to be close to most things without needing a car.Are the two Holiday Inns in that area okay and what about the Embassy Suites??

Sorry to say, but I can't imagine doing San Diego without a car. It is way too spread out. We loved our trip there in October, but needed the car every day.

I've lived in san diego for 10 years now and I agree that you will definitely need a car. Taxis can get pricey. As to the two holiday inns, the one on pacific highway is nicer, across the bay. The other one is right off of the freeway, which can get noisy. The embassy suites are nice as well, across the street from several tourist spots. good luck!

John,
The embassy suites has great rates right now if you book online and they offer a full breakfast in the morning, restaurant style, not continental, and they have complimentary drinks and some appetizers in the early evening.
Jen

John, We did San Diego for a week last year... without a car. We did not encounter any problems. We also stayed at the Embassy Suites and it was the perfect location and hotel for us. Plenty of room to spread out. We just took the trollys and buses everywhere we wanted to go except for the day we went up to Lo Jolla. We had a transportation service take us up early that morning and come back and get us late that afternoon. By the time we would have rented a car and paid parking in La Jolla, the price was the same. Also, we received a personalized tour from our driver, he was great. They set this up for us at the hotel. Also, the bus to the zoo picks you up right across the street from the hotel and drops you off in front of the zoo!! Just perfect.. Also close to the hotel is a ferry that will take you over to Coronado Island for a small fee... To each his own, but we enjoyed not having to mess with a car..... Have Fun!!! San Diego is amazing....

John, We did San Diego for a weekend with no car and got around pretty easily on the Trolly. Took it to Ols Town and other spots. The stop is very near the hotel. Also walked to the Gaslamp District fromour room at teh Embassy Suites which was a great hotel in a great location. Near Horton Plaza for shopping food and movies.

the holiday in on pacific hyway is nice but when i tried to book, they would not gaurantee and bay view room. without that, i wouldn't stay there.
without a car, the embassy suites is probably a good choice.