The Sofia Hotel - San Diego
 

I read that it open in Dec 2006. Any word on this hotel yet? I can't find reviews any place yet - too early. Thanks!

Hey td..
I checked out the website and it looks nice..great location and new..did you find a good deal? Haven't heard anything about the hotel yet but can't wait to go for drinks and check it out!
Are you having any luck with LJ hotels?

www.thesofiahotel.com

Hi Tahiti....I also saw the website. The pics look nice. Rooms are going for ~$150. Is it in central area?

$150 is a great rate..checked Expedia and they have it for $127 a night for the times you want..things are still pricey after the golf tourney..it looks more of a 4 star than a 3.5..
Star of India, Seaport Village, Harbor Excursions, Fish Market (Go to the Oyster Bar)
You can water taxi at Seaport and go to Coronado..rent a car to LJ for the day..rent bikes and cruise along the boardwalk all the way to Harbor Island.. or bike in Coronado, go to the Hotel Del and fish tacos at the brigantine..

Would you be concerned because it's a new hotel and there are no reviews? I don't think it's a part of any chain. Sounds like it's in a good area.

I really wouldn't be concerned that its a new hotel..to me that is a huge bonus because everything is new..
Are you urban or beach? urban, this is the place for the price and beach, I would do Hotel LJ since it will be around $150 or Grande Colonial $169+
Personally, I would do the beach..

Tahiti...thx for the post....I am urban but hubby is beach. Only thing is...coming in Jan or Feb is the beach a big deal? Sorry for so many questions...I've never been to CA before. :)

Hey td..
Our beaches are just so beautiful and the coastal towns are a wonderful representation of California..Sunset Cliffs to Pacific Beach and up to La Jolla and Del Mar..it is stunning!
I really do think that you will have a fab time if you stay at the beach and maybe cab it to the Gaslamp/Downtown SD for the night to eat and drink..
We all want you to have a good time and even though you won't be snorkeling but walking along LJ Shores barefoot in the surf and having lunch on the terrace at George's or eating fish tacos at the Crab Catcher for happy hour and watching the waves roll in, is priceless!

georgesatthecove.com
crabcatcher.com

Bear in mind that southern California's climate is Mediterranean-- it gets cool in wintertime. It may rain, it may stay sunny, it may stay overcast, it may even heat up.

The ocean waves tend to be higher, so the views from the beach can be spectacular and hypnotic. Bundle up and enjoy walks along the beach, even if the water's way too cold to go in. The sea air smells just as exhilarating.

This hotel is right beside/on top of the Greyhound bus station which is at 120 W. Broadway. It wouldn't be my first choice, I'd rather spend a few extra dollars and stay elsewhere.

Barbara- just curious...why do you say that? Is it a bad area?

Barbara, is the bus station still located there? Looks like they might be cleaning up the area...haven't been down there in a while. Was there two weeks ago east of Horton, but not north. Used to be a shaky area, but that was years ago. Not too sure now. Sure is a lovely place and a great price. I would try it for a few nights. $127 for downtown is pretty amazing. But most of your restaurants and bars are going to be south of Horton, and east, for walking.

Heavens, that's still the address they give for the bus station. I thought it was moving, in part because of this hotel, but it seems still to be there. I have to go to the India Street next seek, so maybe I'll go by and check.

tdmort, the area around the bus station has always been dodgy, less so now possibly, but still not my first choice.

Does anyone have any new news on this hotel? It looks really great on the website, but most of the pictures are cartoons rather than real photographs.

As for the location, I'll be attending a conference at the convention center and the hyatt down the street from the convention center. It seems like this hotel would be close.

My other choice is the Horton Grand Hotel...but for a few dollars more per night the Sofia is a newly remodeled place. Can anyone compare and contrast the two hotels and locations?

The Sofia is quite a bit farther from the convention center than the Hyatt or the Grand. I could be wrong, but maybe about 10 to 12 city blocks. Hyatt or Mariott would be much more convenient in proximity. Unless your conference is providing shuttles from some of these hotels. But walking, especially at night, I would not recommend...