San Diego Advice

[Sheryl]

Anyone able to give recommendations for a nice but affordable (<$200) hotel for next weekend? We are getting a freebie for Wed/Thurs, but assume we will want to go somewhere better for Fri/Sat.

I'm not too familiar with all the areas, but stayed on the bay side of Mission Bay and loved that -seems to be all condos tho.

Is there anything nice in the Old Town area? Near Balboa Park?

Any advice would be appreciated!

[wabmester]

It's been a while since I've been there, but the Hotel del Coronado is pretty nice. Hotels.com says rates are from $231/night, so it might be a bit pricey.

[Spanky]

try priceline.com - put in the area and the price that you are willing to pay.

[califdreamer]

I enjoyed Hotel La Jolla several times although it's been 2 or 3 years since I stayed there (858-459-0261... hope that number is still accurate).* The rate was below $200.* Rates may have increased though.* Every room has a nice view of the ocean (the higher the floor the better for views).* The hotel itself is a quarter mile or so from the beach.* Just a few minutes west of I-5.

I've had mixed results on priceline when staying in downtown SD.* If you're not familiar with priceline, basically you choose an area of the city, bid a price and, if they find a room at that rate they select the hotel for you.* For downtown area I've gotten the Westin (good one!), Sheraton near airport (good) and the Radisson (fair).* All were less than $120.* Again, hotel rates have gone up lately and maybe those deals aren't available anymore.* Balboa Park is a very short drive north of downtown.*

I've never stayed at a hotel in Old Town.* There are quite a few hotels in Mission Valley along I-8.* One of the roads with lots of hotels on it is actually called Hotel Circle.*

You might also try the Sorrento Mesa area.* Lots of high tech offices there.* Courtyard by Marriott and others that cater to biz traveler may have weekend deals.* A little north of tourist attractions but only a ten or fifteen minute drive to get to Old Town and other attractions.

[riskadverse]

Take a look at Balboa Park Inn (search).* It's walking distance to the Zoo and Balboa Park.* It's a mile from the downtown Gaslamp district and a mile in the other direction from restaurants and shops in the Hillcrest area.* I've never stayed there, but would if I ever needed a Hotel locally.* It looks quite quaint and romantic and I'm pretty sure its under $200/day.* *

[Sheryl]

Thanks for the ideas.* *I looked at Balboa Park Inn on line, too.* I liked the look of it, and the search I used said it had a pool, but it's own website doesn't mention it.* Even though it's February I was hoping to have some pool lounging time.* We will be those crazy northerners who think its summer when all the locals are wearing sweaters.

I considered doing the Hotel Del Cornado but it was not availalbe. Thanks again - appreciate all the ideas.