Barbara

Why are you even considering staying in two different places in a 7 day visit? La Jolla Shores will fit all your wants and is a twenty minute drive to downtown, the Embarcadero and the Zoo/Balboa Park. I strongly recommend that you try to extend your booking there.

mlgb

Re bad reviews, I think you have to understand that all hospitality businesses are having staffing issues. Plus people are just whiney.

Parking is always a PITA downtown (and expensive), if you had planned to walk everywhere it still may be worth a short stay there.

Barbara

There is plenty of parking downtown and while it's not cheap, it's a lot cheaper than a three-night hotel stay. Zoo parking is free. You can always park at Fashion Valley or Old Town free and use the Trolley. Get a day pass and you can hop on and off as much as you want.

Also, if the Padres are in town while you're here, if you are at all interested in baseball you might like to take in a game at Petco Park. If you do, try to get seats on the third base side, then the sun will be behind you. Fernando Tatis Jr(SS) is VERY popular with young kids. The Dodger games are probably already sold out.

If you did take in a game, staying downtown might make some sense. The Hilton San Diego Bayfront is a stroll across a footbridge from the Park.

tom42

It's been several years since we've been to San Diego but we did stay at the Marriott Marquis and liked it. We also stayed at the Grand Hyatt, which is next door. That was good too. Both hotels are at the marina and next to Seaport Village. However, we've also stayed at the Omni several times and that was our favorite for both the rooms and the location. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

travelgo7

Is there a reason why you liked the Omni more than the Marriott Marquis or the Grand Hyatt? Would it be just as family friendly? I was looking to use points for the stay and it looks like the Omni is also available! Thanks!

travelgo7

Great point! I did check with my VRBO and unfortunately they are not available. Thinking Coronado could be another good family option so looking at Lowes or Glorietta Inn for the 1st 3 nights.

tom42

Mostly because it was right in the Gaslamp District - so made it convenient for access to restaurants and nightlife. And also the rooms were fresher than the Marriott or Hyatt (of course that was awhile ago who knows when rooms were last renovated at any of these hotels). I think it would be just as family friendly as either the Marriott or Hyatt but like I said, I think all are good choices.