Ok, you guys. I need help. I will be attending a two week training in January in San Diego. It is being held at the Best Western Island Palms Hotel on Shelter Island. I can stay at that hotel but I'm hoping to find something close that is not as expensive. I am not sure what area that is or where else I should look. I don't want something to low budget, as I am treating it as a personal retreat but I don't need super high end either. Any suggestions?

The rooms at the Palms Hotel go for $139 a night in January so you are going to be hard pressed (unless you use priceline) for a decent room that is not too "low budget." You can do a search on tripadvisor.com for a listing of shelter island hotels. Some options are the dolphin hotel, vagabond hotel and cabrillo lodge. I haven't stayed at any of them but pass them all the time. They look decent from the street.

Yikes, I don't know hotels around there as well, Cat. How much is the Best Western? How about that cute La Pensione you checked out in Little Italy?

Try the Bay Club next door but $139 sounds like the lowest you are going to get

two weeks? What is the training for Cat?

Regarding your question - I am not sure you can get much cheaper then that unless you do priceline. I stayed on Shelter Island for 50.00 bucks one night when I took my girls to Seaworld - and for the life of me I cannot remember the hotel I stayed at. It was "fine".

Thanks! I really want to be able to walk to the training so La Pensione is out.

I found a rate of around $90 at the Kona Kai but the Trip Advisor reviews were a little sketchy.

I am waiting to see if maybe the seminar has arranged any special rates.

Mom, I'll email you after I get kids to school!

I visit S.D. every year (used to live there) and always stay in Point Loma (Shelter Island Drive). And I always stay at either the Dolphin Motel or at the Vagabond Inn.

The Dolphin Motel is a small, very clean, family-run motel across the street from the water and has off-season rates of $55.00 and up ($65.00 and up during the high season). They might give a discount for a two-week stay, if you ask.

http://www.dolphin-motel.com/bry/dolphin/

The Vagabond Inn is part of really nice CA chain and a bit fancier than the Dolphin. I checked for mid-January, and they are quoting $64.00/night. However, if you call them and say you are staying for two weeks, I'll bet they give you a competitive rate with the Dolphin. This property is right next to Point Loma Seafoods a block from the Dolphin Motel.

http://www.vagabondinn.com/

Both motels are about a block or so from Shelter Island Drive and within walking distance of numerous restaurants.

Thanks, Castle. The Dolphin looks really cute! They are giving me a group rate at the Island Palms of $110. I could get $104 on Expedia but I'd have to pay all up front and no refunds if something happened.

At least now I have a few options.

Ok, I decided on staying at the Palms Hotel. Given the hours of the seminar, I didn't want to be walking back to my hotel late at night.

Now my question is what else is around there? Is there a Trader Joes's close by? How about Starbucks? I will probably bring my own French press but still like the occasional SB fix. What else? Any great inexpensive restaurants? Is there a farmer's market cose by?

Thanks!

Will you have a car? If not there is a Von's store by Ave de Portugal.

If you have a car, there's a Trader Joes on Rosecrans along with some other restuarants. The farmers market in Ocean Beach is on Wed (I think, used to be). Ocean Beach also has a organic food store and upstairs you'll find some excellent take out (vegetarian).

For a large but good breakfast (car) Perry's is great, find someone to split a frittata.

Starbucks are everywhere.

On Rosecrans, Midway and Sports Arena you'll find lots of place to eat.

Old town isn't far. In fact you're centrally located to all of SD.
Enjoy.
If you need something more specific, I know the area pretty well.

But I admit, I rarely go to Shelter Island because it's mostly hotels.

But the area to the west, I know fairly well. Have a good time.

Thanks! I will have a car but want to walk as much as possible. I'll have a fridge in my room so I will be able to keep things fresh.

Within very close driving distance, there is a restaurant called Old Venice that is a standard and favorite. Pretty in white with candles is what I recall. I think there is a Mexican place called Miguel's Cocino....I've never eaten there though. The corner of Rosecrans and Midway has a Jamba Juice, Starbucks and a Henrys which is great for produce. I THINK there is a Thai restaurant in that strip mall that is very good but I don't remember the name. I work near there but never take a lunch break so it's rush in and rush out usually.

Miguels was excellent Mexican food the one time that I ate there. You also have Brigatines (Seafood) and Fiddler's steakhouse as well

Souplantation is an all-you-can eat salad, soup, pasta, etc. bar, at a fair price (around $8 per dinner; a bit cheaper at lunch)
3960 W Point Loma Blvd

Best everyday happy hour is at the Brigantine on Shelter Island..the best fish tacos and marg's that are out of this world good..
You can walk to the Brig from your hotel..
Bali Hai on Shelter Island has the best mai-tai.

www.Brigantine.com

There is no shopping within walking distance.

Brigintine or Umi Sushi or cheapest place a hamburger dive called Boll Weavel you will be walking pretty far and it will be in the dark if after busines hours..very safe area...but still after dark

I your hotel has a car shuttle..I think I've seen it..and pay a couple of extra bucks to go to nearest shoping area with a Vons, restarants Trader Joes, Star Bucks, Panersa...

If you have time and energy for some night life, Humphrey's is just down the street. It's my favorite concert venue in San Diego. Outdoors, on the water, and just the right size (between medium and small)....and great performers/artists.

Sorry about spelling on my previous post.

Humphreys Concerts are in summer only not in January
Sunday Brunch at Humphreys is well liked (but not cheap) and has occ Jazz BAnd. (You could walk there)

You could try as I mentioned in my previous email to use the Hotel Shuttle Van paying a little extra money...for drop off & p/u at Liberty Station. www.libertystation.com

Vons near Ave de Portugal closed & moved to Liberty Station

At intersection just before driving onto Shelter Is drive is a small strip mall closest shopping. Very long hike & frankly I don't now how you would carry groceries.
There is a Subway and a muffin place & a very greasy spoon Chinese place & Sm high priced 7-11 market
There is a new Cafe in same strip mall with decent prices.

lol, JAR, I've lived here 20 years and never put it together that Humphrey's concerts were only in the summertime! Yikes, I need to pay more attention.

It's too bad, Cat, that would have been a fun outing.