san diego - mission bay
 

we are planning a trip to san diego and were going to stay at the Hyatt Islandia. Is this a nice place? Fodors recommends the Catamaran hotel. Is it a better choice than the Islandia? What about Paradise Point or the Pacific Terrace properties? Or are we making a mistake by staying in Mission Bay and should we be staying in another part of San Diego isntead? Please help I am so confused.

It would help if you would indicate when you are planning the trip, what your interests or expectations are when you arrive, how long will you be here, why you selected Mission Bay in the first place and if you expect to have an auto while you are here. I am not familiar with the Pacific Terrace properties but all the rest are 3 diamond rated by the AAA and are at very different locations around the bay. Your activities and the weather while here would be key to the best choice for you. The San Diego Hilton Resort is 4 diamonds and the highest rated property on Mission Bay. It is also most convenient to the freeway.

Its hard to say if you are making a mistake about mission bay - it depends on what you like. I can tell you that the Catamaran is right on the boardwalk by Mission Bay and beach and I like it much better than the Hyatt.

The Hyatt is very nice but I would pick the Catamaran as it is close to the boardwalk and restaurants and a beautiful spot on the bay.

I was just in San Diego this past August for the first time. I stayed at the Ramada Inn in Old Towne. Wasn't such a great hotel, but there were things to do in walking distance. My only advice is to NOT stay at Hotel Circle.

Totally agree with Joanne. We stayed in Old Towne also. Hotel was just as she says- about 2 star, but we had great time walking / dining in area. If you have a car and will be at zoo, animal park etc.- you aren't at hotel much anyway. Old Towne seemed more personal and we did get to dine/ talk with young "natives."

Susan, as long as you have a car the Mission Bay area is fine, its a central location. If you don't have a car then I would think twice as there is not much in the immediate area. Also agree that the Mission Bay Hilton is an excellent resort to stay.