San Diego Hotel Recommendations? (1 Viewer)

[roarlions]

Planning a trip to San Diego in mid July with wife and teenage son for vacation. Prefer a nice place on or close to a beach within about a 30 min. drive from downtown. Checked some older threads but most of the posts were 3 or 4 years old by now and thought it would be good to get some fresh opinions. Prefer to keep the nightly rate below $300 if possible. Thanks in advance.

 

[tdoss]

Check Coronado...awesome hotels on that little island.

 

[tommyGunZ]

What do you like to do? Are you someone who tucks in your collared polo to you tan khakis while on vacation?

 

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Mission bay has some solid spots that are far enough out that it's relaxing, but close enough that downtown is a short drive. Price is right too.

Coronado is awesome... but you pay for it.

True story, the mayor of coronado island was drunk as hell at my BBQfest booth all weekend last year. Dude is a blast

 

[Judge Smails]

Something on the beach in La Jolla should meet your criteria...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g32578-La_Jolla_San_Diego_California-Hotels.html

 

[roarlions]

What do you like to do? Are you someone who tucks in your collared polo to you tan khakis while on vacation?

No, not like that at all. More likely to wear a t-shirt and shorts if that tells you anything, which is even more true of our teen son (he's graduating high school, so older teen vs. younger).

We will be going to the zoo, Sea World, and old town while there. Probably go to the cove in La Jolla even if we don't stay in that area. Might spend a day on the beach to relax from touring.

 

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Hit Japengo if you go to La Jolla....

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Hit Japengo if you go to La Jolla....

this

 

[tommyGunZ]

What do you like to do? Are you someone who tucks in your collared polo to you tan khakis while on vacation?

No, not like that at all. More likely to wear a t-shirt and shorts if that tells you anything, which is even more true of our teen son (he's graduating high school, so older teen vs. younger).

We will be going to the zoo, Sea World, and old town while there. Probably go to the cove in La Jolla even if we don't stay in that area. Might spend a day on the beach to relax from touring.

Ocean Beach is the beach town closest to those spots, and also the closest beach to downtown San Diego. That said, it's not the polished, scrubbed clean family beach a la La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana, etc. it's where I live, but uppidity folks who are scared of tattoos and dreds should avoid.

Mission Bay hotels would also be super close for your planned activities.

 

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Last time we did sushi in SoCal... don't recall if this was Japengo or not.... don't think so though.

Plate

Sushi

Coming from Memphis, soooo nice to get decent fish down there. Normally not a maki guy (more nigiri/sashimi) but I wasn't ordering or paying so.....

Japengo was amazing though...

 

[ffldrew]

Make sure to spend some time at Del Mar race track - wife and teenage son will like it. Make reservations for a table and dress up a bit. Fridays are great for after race concerts

 

[Nugget]

I'd look at renting a house if there are going to be 4 of you. You should be able to do a week between $1000 and $1500. 2 Bedroom places in south OC were going for %165-$185 night over spring break.

 

[SDJohnny]

Make sure to spend some time at Del Mar race track - wife and teenage son will like it. Make reservations for a table and dress up a bit. Fridays are great for after race concerts

Starts July 17th. Not to be missed.

You might look at some of the places near Balboa Park, which is next to the Zoo. Still only 20 minutes from the beach.

Avoid anything near "Hotel Circle" near 1-8.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

The Catamaran in Mission Bay

 

[tdoss]

Grab a burger at "Hodads"

If you want a nice restaurant over looking the water...check out "Island Prime"...it costs a bit but worth it.

Check out groupon and grab a deal on the kayak tour in La Jolla cove. Or maybe grab a deal for one of those GoCar tours and cruise all around SD.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

One of the Day's Inns is probably good if you like luxury hotels.

 

[Tango]

The US Grant has upgraded significantly over the years. It's now worthy of the Luxury Collection label. The neighborhood is so-so however.

 

[Tango]

The US Grant has upgraded significantly over the years. It's now worthy of the Luxury Collection label. The neighborhood is so-so however.

do you have to be in San Diego proper? Do you like to golf? Perhaps Aviara then. Was a Four Seasons, now in the hands of Hyatt.

 

[roarlions]

The US Grant has upgraded significantly over the years. It's now worthy of the Luxury Collection label. The neighborhood is so-so however.

do you have to be in San Diego proper? Do you like to golf? Perhaps Aviara then. Was a Four Seasons, now in the hands of Hyatt.

Not worried about being in San Diego proper, willing to go north a little if it results in a nice hotel with lower rates. I like golf, but won't be golfing while on vacation.

 

[Brony]

Currently checking in to FBG from the Sheraton Carlsbad. It doesn't suck. Rare combo of a really nice resort that it is also family friendly. About 35 minutes from San Diego proper

 

[Bucky86]

The US Grant has upgraded significantly over the years. It's now worthy of the Luxury Collection label. The neighborhood is so-so however.

do you have to be in San Diego proper? Do you like to golf? Perhaps Aviara then. Was a Four Seasons, now in the hands of Hyatt.

Not worried about being in San Diego proper, willing to go north a little if it results in a nice hotel with lower rates. I like golf, but won't be golfing while on vacation.

Aviara is really nice. I've stayed there a bunch back in its 4 seasons days.

 

[bierfiend]

We just spent 2 nights in Anaheim and 3 in La Jolla. stayed at the Estancia and had a very nice stay. I think the Bahia or Catamaran near Mission Beach could work well for you guys.

 

[Insoluble]

Catamaran and Bahia are good hotel recommendations as both are near the water on Mission Bay. The Mission Bay Hilton is also a great location by the bay. All of these locations are 2-3 miles from the beach and within 15 minutes of downtown, the beach, and the zoo and sea world.

If you want something more resort-like I would recommend Paradise Point (http://www.paradisepoint.com/) as most of their rooms have patios that walk right out to the sands of mission bay. Plus they have a nice restauraunt, pools, family atmosphere if you're planning on lounging around for the day.

I've got tons of restaurant recommendations too depending on what you're tastes are like.

 

[Courtjester]

When we were out there a few years ago--the Loews Coronado was amazing. It is right down the way from the Del, but it is less expensive than the Del. It is still pricey no doubt, but the rooms overlooking the bay are just beyond belief. We stayed there with our two young daughters and did the zoo and the wildlife park. Great pool--very expensive booze.

 

[Polish Hammer]

I will be taking my family of 4 there in August (2 boys ages 6 & 8). We are staying at Marriott's due to points but appreciate all the tips in this thread.

 

[Brony]

Any restaurant picks in Carlsbad ? We'll likely head out to the downtown Carlsbad area tonight. We've already been to pizza port (very good). We have a couple of vegetarians and kids which amps up degree of difficulty in finding a good restaurant.

 

[kutta]

You mentioned la jolla cove. We stay at the la jolla cove suited every year. Been doing it for about 10 years now and we love it. It's the pink hotel right at the cove. Get an ocean front room. You'll love it.

 

[tdoss]

When we were out there a few years ago--the Loews Coronado was amazing. It is right down the way from the Del, but it is less expensive than the Del. It is still pricey no doubt, but the rooms overlooking the bay are just beyond belief. We stayed there with our two young daughters and did the zoo and the wildlife park. Great pool--very expensive booze.

That is a great place to stay.

 

[tdoss]

Any restaurant picks in Carlsbad ? We'll likely head out to the downtown Carlsbad area tonight. We've already been to pizza port (very good). We have a couple of vegetarians and kids which amps up degree of difficulty in finding a good restaurant.

Hit up Phil's BBQ in SD or San Marcos.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Any restaurant picks in Carlsbad ? We'll likely head out to the downtown Carlsbad area tonight. We've already been to pizza port (very good). We have a couple of vegetarians and kids which amps up degree of difficulty in finding a good restaurant.

Hit up Phil's BBQ in SD or San Marcos.

Ate at Phil's this past week when we were there. Really good BBQ. Had the beef ribs and fries. Fries were excellent as well. Also enjoyed the whoopie pie. Mmmmmmmm

 

[Insoluble]

Any restaurant picks in Carlsbad ? We'll likely head out to the downtown Carlsbad area tonight. We've already been to pizza port (very good). We have a couple of vegetarians and kids which amps up degree of difficulty in finding a good restaurant.

Pizza Port is a great place. Las Olas is a nice mexican restaurant where I assume you can find some vegetarian options. I'm not as familiar with north county so don't know any other options outside of that. If you go down to Encinitas there is a all vegetarian/vegan restaurant called Native Foods that is actually very tasty and usually pretty crowded. Its got a similar casual ambiance to Pizza Port and the whole menu is vegetarian friendly.

 

[Brony]

Thanks gents. We decided to keep it local and will hit Gregorio's in Carlsbad.

 

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The Catamaran in Mission Bay

Have stayed here... Not a bad property in a great location for a great price.

 

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Catamaran and Bahia are good hotel recommendations as both are near the water on Mission Bay. The Mission Bay Hilton is also a great location by the bay. All of these locations are 2-3 miles from the beach and within 15 minutes of downtown, the beach, and the zoo and sea world.

If you want something more resort-like I would recommend Paradise Point (http://www.paradisepoint.com/) as most of their rooms have patios that walk right out to the sands of mission bay. Plus they have a nice restauraunt, pools, family atmosphere if you're planning on lounging around for the day.

I've got tons of restaurant recommendations too depending on what you're tastes are like.

Have stayed at all those.... Hilton was my favorite by far. Had the GF with me for a week there. One evening they sent up a slice of chocolate cake with some of the best fresh fruit I've had for no reason at all. The on site restaurant has a nice fire pit and views as well.

a buddy was attacked (mildly) by a stray Pitt at the catamaran parking lot

 

[roarlions]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Does anyone have feedback for the Hyatt Regency's in the area - either La Jolla or Mission Bay?

What about the Hilton La Jolla/Torrey Pines or the Hotel La Jolla?