San Diego Hotel

[taxmantoo]

Can anyone recommend good hotels for a few days in San Diego pre-cruise? Looking at hotels along the lines of the Hilton in Gaslamp or the Hilton Bayfront or similar.

 

Having not been to San Diego before, and not wanting to drive (we use buses and cabs), which would be best for sightseeing (zoo, sea world, etc.) and also close to restaurants?

 

Any other good hotels? Is the Mission district a good area and easy access to restaurants?

 

Thank you!

[Splinter]

Can anyone recommend good hotels for a few days in San Diego pre-cruise? Looking at hotels along the lines of the Hilton in Gaslamp or the Hilton Bayfront or similar.

 

Having not been to San Diego before, and not wanting to drive (we use buses and cabs), which would be best for sightseeing (zoo, sea world, etc.) and also close to restaurants?

 

Any other good hotels? Is the Mission district a good area and easy access to restaurants?

 

Thank you!

 

Not sure what you mean by the "Misson district"??? That is in San Francisco!! We have Mission Valley (not good if you don't have a car) and Mission Bay (OK if you just want to hang around the beach or go to Sea World, but difficult without a car) in San Diego.

 

The Hilton Bayfront is pretty far south along the Embarkadero area (south of the convention center, even south of Petco Park). I would try some places closer to the heart of the Gaslamp first unless you are getting a fantastic deal there. Try bidding for a 4 star on Priceline in Downtown or the Marina district. The Hilton Gaslamp is a little closer, right across the street from the convention center and 2 blocks to Petco Park. It is closer to Seaport Village (shops and restaurants) too. Do you have to stay in a Hilton?

 

The Gaslamp Quarter is close to the pier, and has Petco Park (baseball) and the convention center nearby, as well as Horton Plaza shopping center. Many hotels and restaurants there. You can get to the Zoo and Balboa Park from there on either a public bus or taxi pretty easily. You can take the San Diego Trolley (light rail) to Old Town, Little Italy, or Mission Valley from there (or even to Tijuana if you want).

 

Many people choose the Holiday Inn on the Bay because it is across the street from the cruise ship pier, and also close to the Trolley. It is OK, but not my favorite hotel.

 

I strongly recommend either Balboa Park and the Zoo, or taking the Old Town Trolley tour of San Diego (on/off as you please along their route) for newcomers to San Diego. SeaWorld is very expensive, and pretty much the same at every SeaWorld. I also feel they exploit the animals much more than the Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is unique.