My husband is attending a conference at the Marriott La Jolla and we are currently booked there for 7 nights. After reading the "New in San Diego" thread, I am considering staying elsewhere even though the conference is at the Marriott. The Estancia looks very very nice. We are renting a car so what do you think - would it be an easy commute for my husband to get to the Marriott from the Estancia? Or would you recommend another hotel to me? We could even stay at the Marriott during the week and move to another hotel for the last 3 days.

It looks to me as though the Marriott is not anywhere near the village area (is that what it is called?). Are there any restaurants near the Marriott or would we end up driving to go out to eat? Thanks so much.

Can't help with hotels, but wanted to recommend that you eat on the upstairs patio at George's:

http://www.georgesatthecove.com/

Amazing food and views.

I'll take restaurant tips! Thanks.

I'll second George's Terrace.

Closer to the Marriott are Roy's Hawaiian Fusion in the Costa Verde center across the road from the hotel and Donovan's Steak & Chop House which is a block or so east on La Jolla Village Drive. There's also a sports-themed restaurant and bar in the Costa Verde center called Trophy's, which is a San Diego staple. The food is OK, but if you need to see a sports event, that would be the place to go.

You're right that the Marriott is not near the Village area of La Jolla, and that's where most of the restuarants are. Maybe the Marriott offers shuttle service to and from the Village.

It would be an easy commute to the Marriott from the Estancia.

Oops, I meant to add links:

Roy's: http://www.roysrestaurant.com/index.asp

Donovan's: http://www.donovanssteakhouse.com/locations.html

Thanks Barbara. Talked with my husband and looks like he has to stay at the Marriott for the conference but then we could move to another hotel for the other 3 nights.

Luv Roys!

Might I suggest heading to downtown San Diego for the last 3 nights? Since you will have already spent time in LaJolla, downtown would be fun.

We just stayed at the Marriott Gaslamp and it was excellent. The Omni is also lovely. There are a lot of others within the area. PRiceline gets some decent hotels 4* for pretty good rates.

Or maybe head out to Coronado for the last few days to stay there and be on the beach. You can always drive from Gas Lamp area to Coronado easily.

Deb

Thanks, Deb, but we need to be near the university. We stayed on Coronado last year at the Marriott and it was a very relaxing area and I enjoyed it a lot.

I didn't check priceline but Expedia had one hotel in La Jolla for $235. I think I am going to go with Estancia because it has very good reviews and found a nice price. Let you know.

I have seen some really good deals for Estancia at perfectescapes.com [upgrades, parking included, early check in etc]. Worth checking it out.

Keep in mind there is a resort fee, and parking fee there.

Deb

Thanks for that link, Deb. I see other hotels I want to check out!

Well, I think I got a good deal. I checked around on hotels.com, etc. and didn't find a better rate. Keep in mind this is for next month which is coming up quickly. On the Estancia Hotel website they had a "bailout special" with a room rate of $197, no valet fee - no extra fees with a three night minimum stay, but you have to pay at the time of reserving. If I went through hotels.com, etc. would have to do that anyway.

Am I remembering correctly; do you ski in Park City?

no, we are in SW Colorado, Telluride and Durango are our go to spots.

Deb

Love Estancia hotel..
Try The Grande Colonial Hotel in LJ in the village too..
August is our busiest month..
George's at the cove is awesome and the terrace is where you want to dine.
Crab Catcher and Trattoria Acqua are excellent with great views.
LJ Shores is one of the best beaches to swim, snorkel and boogie board..kayaking too.
$197 for Estancia is a great rate!

The Marriott in LJ is across from UTC which is a huge shopping Westfield's mall..it's where the NFL teams stay.
Donovan's for steak is incredible.
Roy's for fish..they had a $35 prix fixe course
Cafe Japengo next to the Hyatt for some of the best sushi ever!

Thanks so much for the tips! I wasn't getting too excited about this trip since it is mostly business but now I am looking forward to it. Snorkeling in the ocean? Isn't it cold? Up here by Santa Cruz you would have to wear a wetsuit.

You'd probably want a wetsuit here, too.

today's ocean temp in LJ is 70 degrees..
in the next month should warm up to about 73-74 degrees.but with ocean temps things can change with an upwelling but usually August-October are awesome times to swim in the ocean.

I just heard that El Nino is back and we are having warmer ocean water and different fish. Part of the reason sea lion pups are having a hard time.