Hotel suggestion for San Diego and Suite check in

[Cruiser Nonna]

Flying in night prior to Oosterdam - did not have great experience at Holiday Inn.

 

Would like something much more upscale but would like to be close to airport and ship - suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have read that you can board at 1130AM but usually cabins not available until 130PM - would like to board and go directly to our suite - but would still like to get on as early as possible but trying to avoid the long check in lines.

 

Thank you so much for all your help!

[jhannah]

Here's a thread on this topic. While many suggest the Holiday Inn On the Bay, there are other options given.

 

You may arrive for check-in at 11:30, but your cabin will not likely be ready until later. Sometimes they'll be available before 1:00.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have stayed at the Embassy Suites many times both pre and post cruise. It is close to the airport and pier. If you are lucky to get a room on one of the top floors facing the pier, you'll be able to see the ship come in early in the morning.

 

The last couple of times we have been in San Diego, we have had bad experiences with San Diego and luggage. We got to the pier at 11 - were on the ship by 11:15, then we waited all day for our luggage. We didn't get our luggage until after 5 - ship was already underway. In November we did back-to-back cruises so we made a point of watching and keeping track of on-coming luggage. Those that arrived at the pier early - their luggage sat beside the ship from 11 until nearly 2 in the afterrnoon. The same bins never moved while others were brought out and placed right onto the ship.

[Sage]

The Manchester Hyatt may be just what you are looking for. It is close to the pier, and very close to shopping. We stayed on the Concierge floor, and found it delightful.

[IggleDoer]

There is a separate suite line that moves very quickly. We arrived two weeks ago at 1145 and were on the ship by noon. The check in folks told us that the suites were ready so we went straight to our suite. When we got there our steward told us that he hadn't finished the suite yet and asked us to come back later, (it looked ready to us). We left our bags and headed upstairs.

 

Our luggage didn't arrive until after 4 PM.

[herb]

Flying in night prior to Oosterdam - did not have great experience at Holiday Inn.

 

Which Holiday Inn were you referring to, and what problems did you encounter? Hopefully not the Holiday Inn on the Bay, since that's what we were interested in booking.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I have to admit we did not get our luggage till after Life Boat drill when we cruised on the Oosterdam last October, we had checked in about 11:30 we were trying to quickly unpack before our Sail Away Party, but... this last cruise on the Oosterdam we arrived about 10:50 and checked in shortly after that. They were letting us in the door before 11 and allowing us to check in immediately. Then the wait was not long before we could board the ship. Our luggage arrived about 2 PM and we were unpacked right away. I can honestly say that everything went so very smooth that to say where it could be improved would be really hard. :)

[garydm]

I would also recommend the Manchester Hyatt if you want something more upscale. We too stayed on the concierge floor and it was nice. Had to wait forever for our room so the manager gave us the Presidential Suite-and it was huge with sep. bedroom, kitchen, etc.

 

It is also walking distance to a Ralph's Market and the Wine Bank, a high end wine store in the Gas Lamp (?) District, should you wish to bring some nice wine aboard with you.

 

Gary