My daughter and I would like to visit San Diego this summer and trying to find a reasonable "cool" place to stay in. I'll have a car. We like to be in the mix of things. I don't want to spend my life savings at a hotel. I'd like to stay no more than $200/night. Any suggestions? I wasn't sure if I should stay in Mission Bay, La Jolla, downtown. My daughter is 10 years old by the way.

Hotel Del Coranado is great if you can get it for your budget

Stayed at the Pacific Terrace in October and it was very nice. Can't remember the price..The pool was heated so you can swim even if it is a little chilly. Excellent cold breakfast buffet included in the price. The hotel is right ON the beach, which is why we picked it over others. Convenient to everything! Looked at the Coronodo, and you would like that if you can get a reasonable rate...Very nice hotel on a wonderful beach. Have a wonderful time! Oh, Sally's restaurant was the best food we had in town, simply excellent!

My kids (11 and 9) enjoy La Jolla more than Coronado -- anywhere in the downtown La Jolla area would be great. Lots to walk around and see -- cute shops, fun places to eat, etc. The Bahia in Mission Beach is also very nice, and that area would be good for a child as well (not as "ritzy" as La Jolla, more of a beach-town).

Have fun!

I can vouch for the Hilton Mission Bay Resort (not to be confused with the Mission Valley Hilton). Fairly priced and well-located.

We got a great rate at the San Diego Marriott Marina and Resort. It is a pre paid AARP rate, run of the house for around $130 per night. I am taking my 14 year old son, nephew and niece.

I've used PriceLine.com twice to book hotels in downtown San Diego. I got what I think was a good deal at the Westin. It was $75/night. Great hotel, very centrally located. Just make sure you are indicating you want the best hotel when if you use priceline.

Try the Grande Colonial in La Jolla if you decide on La Jolla over the other areas in San Diego. http://www.thegrandecolonial.com
This is a historic hotel, and is overlooking the La Jolla Cove. I just booked a room for some people coming out to visit me here, and got it on travelocity for $150 a night. They (calling the hotel direct) also are running a special now for $169 bed & breakfast and the breakfast is in their restaurant, Nine-Ten, which is phenomenal.

the only advantage to coronodo is the beach. it is a historical hotel and classy for adults but i wouldn't bring kids there - boring. i would go out there and see it and spend an afternoon on the beach. (a hamburger there costs $9 at lunch) either pacific beach (best western blue sea lodge or the catamaran) mission beach (bahia) or la jolla (best western on faye street - no ocean view but good location). but, la jolla doesn't have a great swimming beach right close to the village. if you can afford it, my first choice would be the catamaran. it is on the bay side but only a block to the beach. really nice pool area. lots of restaurants around.
i wouldn't stay downtown. in general, it's not a great area to go for a walk at night. the boardwalk along the beach would be much better.
another place right on pacific beach is the surfer motor lodge. it is an old motel and nothing fancy to look at or to stay in but the rooms were clean, they have a pool, and you can watch the sunset from most rooms. it was the cheapest place on the beach i could find. good location. however, i would not choose this if a nice hotel room means alot to you.
if you or your daughter have never seen a similar show - sea world is expensive but worth it.