Where to stay in San Diego?
 

My wife & I will be traveling to San Diego in early February for a week's vacation. Our initial hotel booking is in Mission Valley. From the posts that I am reading, I surmise it would be better to be downtown, even with a car since there is nowhere to walk at Mission Valley? Can anyone recommend specific areas and hotels in the $100-$150 range? Thanks!

Does anyone know anything about the Gaslamp Plaza Suites. Sounds good, but we don't know anything about them.

You're right about Mission Valley--you definately need a car to get around. Mission Valley is your typical suburban sprawl area-just a bunch of malls and chain restaraunts. There are a few trolley stops there that will take you downtown.

Dennis, <BR> Our family will be going to San Diego in mid-February and I just got a rate of $149/night including breakfast at the downtown Embassy Suites. You have to ask for special offers and I got one offered through the visitors bureau called "Sunny Money". The visitors bureau can send you a Sunny Money coupon book with lots of special offers in San Diego. The other thing I found was that when I called the toll free Embassy Suites number they said that they had no discounts available but when I called the hotel directly they found me exactly what I asked for. Good Luck!

American Automobile Assoc. puts out great books for travelers by State- the California book is quite comprehensive for San Diego and full of coupons and specials for AAA members. There are pictures of hotels, descriptions of where they are in relationship to what you want to see and do- well worth the membership.

I own a timeshare at the Gaslamp Plaza Suites. It is a great place and very well located. The downtown Embassy Suites is also an excellent choice. <BR> <BR>There is nothing really wrong with Mission Valley. It is a clean safe area with many fine hotels. The problem is that there is nowhere to walk or see. It is really more for the business traveller, Like the other poster said, shopping malls, etc. <BR> <BR>On the other hand, downtown is pretty nice and very good for walking and exploring.

I've always stayed at the US Grant or Westin (formerly Omni and DoubleTree, I believe!) at Horton Plaza. Downtown is a good location, it's near the airport, and is quick hop from Tijuana. Mission Valley will be fine too...just avoid that awful Hotel Circle area.

What about Harbor Island? I currently have reservations for the Sheraton Resort there for May? Also, I have heard that La Jolla is nice. Any feedback on these two areas?? <BR>

Thanks everyone...much appreciated. We settled on the embassy suites and got a pretty good rate thru placestostay.com

Casey: <BR> <BR>Harbor Island is just fine. You will be right by the airport so there may be a little noise. It is a very nice area and you can wlak aong the waterfront. La Jolla is also very nice. <BR> <BR>Dennis: <BR> <BR>Congratulations on picking the Embassy Suites. You should be very happy with the Hotel and location. I want to offer you a suggestion for an interesting activity. <BR> <BR>Take the ferry to Coronado Island. Make sure that it is the official ferry. There are some boats that run from Seaport Village to Coronado. They are more expensive and you miss some of the waterfront. Walk a couple of blocks from the Embassy Suites along the waterfront to the Broadway pier. The official ferry is right next to the pier. The last time that I went it cost $3.60 /rt. The ferry will take you across to Coronado to the ferry landing where there are some shops etc. You can then walk down Orange Ave. to the Hotel Del Coronado ( must see ). It is about a mile walk. You can also take a cab or a bus if the walk is too much. The Hotel Del Coronado is a landmark and well worth seeing. Several movies have been filmed at the Hotel Del. Across the street from the Hotel Del Coronado is the best Mexican restaurant in the San Diego area. It is called "Miguel's Cocina" and is located in a courtyard next to the Brigantine restaurant. Miguel's Cocina has great food, ambience, and is very reasonable. I also recommend the Dakota Grill at the corner of E and 5th in the Gaslamp area. <BR> <BR>Hope you enjoy your stay is our fine city.

Stay away from Bed and Breakfast at La Jolla. Owner is horrible, not friendly