LSky

Although, just for fun I went to TripAdvisor and am surprised at the reviews. The location seems like it would be noisy but I didn't read that at TA.

daria

The other thing I didn't mention is that the room I am looking at at the Best Western has a full kitchen, which is the main thing we are really looking for. That way, we can cook meals in and save $. I have not seen anything else in that price range with all of those options. . . .

lcuy

The lamplighter is in the Sand Diego State Univ area. it might be okay if school hasn't started yet. Have you looked at motels (with kitchens) in the Old Town or Mission Valley areas? August is high season in San Diego, and I think motels are going to be your best bet for budget accomodations.

A quick search on Kayak.com for places under $200 with kitchens in mid-August pulled up these places where I have stayed at or visited. I think they would all be decent locations:

Holiday Inn express in La Jolla (My sister stayed here. you are just minutes from the beaches of La Jolla or Mission Beach
El Codova in Coronado (tiny but excellent location)
Best Western Hacienda in Old town Close to freeway access and surpisingly quiet. Nice and clean)
Residence Inn Mission Valley

Tomsd

Why do you want to stay out in the sticks? And on a busy street?

Geesh - spend a lit bit more for accommodations closer to the beach - and enjoy spending more time around there with your twins, strolling around the scenic areas, etc.

Tomsd

BTW - did you look at the pics for the Inn at Sunset Cliffs in Pt. Loma/Ocean Beach? http://innatsunsetcliffs.com/photo-gallery/ It has a small pool and a great BBQ area - overlooking the ocean. What better than to be cooking some hot dogs or steak or chicken - whatever - while watching the waves? You could also tell them you are a friend of a local - and ask if they give you a San Diego discount.

If you could get one of the rooms with a kitchenette - that would be sooooooooooooooooooooooooo much better than staying way out on El Cajon Blvd.

Tomsd

If you didn't find it going through the photos - here is the layout - and notice the site page/map - with the outdoor BBQ's which overlook the ocean. They also have great deck chairs/furniture - and you could take some blankets from the room and watch the sunset - and the girls would probably love curling up with you in one of the chairs.

http://innatsunsetcliffs.com/photo-g...emodel/page-3/

LSky

I'm still wondering why you don't "rent a house" as in your title?

It's probably far more comfortable. Like tomsd said, El Cajon Blvd is a busy street and there would be no where for the children to play if you need some down time for something.

daria

Thank you LSky for all of your help! I did look at the Residence Inn and found it comparable to Homewood Suites (once you factor in the cost of parking). But, I haven't looked at the others you suggested. I will check those out.

As for your question about renting a house, I decided I'd like to get something with a pool, but for what we want to spend, it seems unlikely to get a house with a pool. On the other hand, it might be possible to get a condo or apartment, and I will probably still look around for something like that. If I find something, I will post about it to get your take on the neighborhood. I really appreciate your help!

Tomsd, yes, I looked at the Inn at Sunset Cliffs. Yes, it looks absolutely lovely. Yes, I would love to stay there. But, it is WAY out of our price range at $285 a night. If we wanted to stay there, we'd have to cut our trip down by several days and I just would rather not do that. The kids won't care where we are; if there is a pool, they will be happy.

LSky

daria, I hope I didn't sound snarky, wanting a swimming pool makes sense, especially during August. It's usually hot in August but it's a perfect time to take advantage of the Zoo and Wild Animal Park's extended hours. All the animals come out in the evening.

Cosmia

I just wanted to add a place to the good list of suggestions. I found it by accident on yelp just now - Sommerset Suites Hotel. It's on Washington St in Hillcrest, and appears to be cheaper than liberty station.

daria

Thank you all for your wonderful help and advice. It looks like we are going to go with the Sommerset Suites Hotel. It seems to meet our needs in all ways. The rooms come with a full kitchen, the hotel has a pool and provides breakfast and it is only $157 (plus $7 for parking) and it is right near the park. Also, it gets good reviews on TripAdvisor. After much hunting, I don't think there is much more I can ask for!

LSky

That's a nice nieghborhood. There's a Whole Foods (with great take out), Trader Joes is close and the Ralphs next to the Trader Joes is pretty good. There's a Sprouts market a few blocks east if you want fresh foods at an easier price than Whole Foods. Not so much organic but often they have a better selection of organic veggies than WFs. go figure.

Easy to find and it will be fairly quiet, although it's close to the center of Hillcrest.

The Park isn't far.

Tomsd

Hey - was just at that Hillcrest Trader Joe's yesterday. One of the local radio station/sports shows was broadcasting from a Cox Cable outlet just across the street. If you also want some good Chinese Food/sit down or take-out - try the Pick Up Sixx - at the front of the shopping center - on University - and as noted - the 25 cent cream cheese wantons on Wednesday are super. http://www.yelp.com/biz/pick-up-stix-san-diego-11

There is also a good bagel place next door to Pick Up Stixx - if you like bagels and as noted - all kinds of good stuff at the Trader Joe's, etc. Of course, there is a McDonald's down the street, toward Park Ave - and a good Thai place (or two - one with great early bird specials) on University - just west of 6th.

If you are staying at the Sommerset Suites on Washington - and it looks cute - that is a nice central location - but do ask/double check about any possible room noise - as you aren't that far from the 163 Freeway and are also close to the Emergency Care/Hospital. I'm guessing they went with double pane glass in the windows - so you should be fine.

And just to confirm - you are one street north of University -and if you want - within walking distance of the Trader Joe's/Ralph's center. There is also a pretty good little Mexican drive through/take out place - just down/west on Washington - on the other side of the street. A Roberto's or something like that, and they have pretty decent burritos, etc And further down is Bronx Pizza - which is also very good - but then again - you are trying to cook in righto?

lcuy

Good choice! Sounds like it will be perfect for you. Don't forget to come back and let us know afterwards!

LSky

The Indian Rest on University is one of my favorites. Well worth the trip across town.

"right near the park" you'll still have to drive to the park.

If the Hillcrest Restuarant's are too pricey for you, head east and you'll find some very reasonably priced food.

Tomsd

Ahhh fooey - lost a post.

Anyhow Lsky - yes, beyond Park Ave on El Cajon are some good places - but the places I suggested were not that expensive and the Thai place we loved during Happy Hour is Bangkok Thai at 540 University. They also have reasonably priced lunches, $4.95 - but again - the Early Bird/Happy hour specials were super and they had marvelous a la carte choices for less than that.

Here is what one diner had to say: "This is my favorite Thai restaurant in San Diego. Big portions, small prices, great staff, and stylish atmosphere. There is never anyone there when I go, and I don't understand why, because this place is the place to go for Thai."

And down Washington - heading east - about 7 or 8 blocks - if you turned left/north on Park (instead of turning right/south to go to the Zoo) - is one of our favorite places for Fish Tacos - El Zarape. It's small but packs a big punch: They usually have some type of fish taco special and they also have good chips. http://elzarape.menutoeat.com/ and http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/27/2674/...ts-restaurants There are also some other cute places in the three blocks along Park.

And if you head the other way on Wash (west) - you go down the hill (not much more than a mile and a half?) and turn left at the light - to my vote for the BEST chips and salsa in San Diego. Often I go by there just to buy a bag of their great chips, and of course, San Diegans know I am referring to the marvelous El Indio. http://www.el-indio.com/

Also - a short distance away from there is Old Town - and while Old Town Mexican Cafe is our favorite overall place - you can also enjoy just walking by there and see the women hand making the tortillas by the front windows.

Cosmia

Good choice! I've driven by it so many times but never saw it. I just thought it was more doctor offices or condos, lol.

daria

Ok, we've had a change in plans because now my Mom will be joining us so we are looking at houses and condos again. Found a very nice one with a pool, nicely decorated, etc. located in Pacific Beach, I think, at 840 Turquoise Street.

Can you please tell me what you think of this location? Looks close enough to Sea World. Is the neighborhood safe? We don't mind being in a young people's neighborhood or that type of thing.

Thank you!!

Tomsd

That is a very nice North Pacific Beach neighborhood and the building looks great. You are not that far from a wonderful place - the French Gourmet - http://www.thefrenchgourmet.com/ and you can zip up the road to La Jolla - or the other way to Sea World.

http://sandiego.condo.com/Condo_San-...ise-St_1997497

lcuy

Thats a safe neighborhood. More condos than most of PB, but far enough form the craziness of Mission Beach, and certainly walking distance to the beach.
Driving to Sea World will probably take 10 or 15 minutes at most.