Help me decide what San Diego resort?

[AspiringCindy]

I have narrowed it down to 3 hotels for various reasons based on amenities, accomodations etc.

Paradise Point resort for the atmosphere, size of bungalow, zero entry pool and its proximity to attraction! www.paradisepoint.com

Welk Resort for the nice relaxed location, the size of the accomodations, the amenities(washer/dryer etc.) www.welksandiego.com


Humphrey's Half Moon bay resort for the proximity and the atmospere
www.halfmooninn.com


Keep in mind, that we are a family of 5 and this leg of the trip would be the end of our California vacation. We will have visited San Francisco(3 nights), Anaheim(5 nights) and last 3 nights in San Diego!

 

[DawnCt1]

You didn't say who and how many are going but I took DS 18 when he was 14, along with my 10 year old neice and 14 y.o DN and we spent two nights at the Hotel Del Coronado (looking for the ghost of Kate Morgan, ) and enjoying the island and then we moved to the Marriott Resort and Marina. We thought the hotel and the pool area were wonderful At the Hotel Del we didn't spend that much time in the ocean because it was freezing but we enjoyed the pool. We found that the Del was walking distance to some really nice restaurants and shops and we loved the location of the Marriott. It was walking distance to some of the downtown areas, the valet parking was great and we spent about half of what you are listing as rates. I don't know when you are going but in April the weather was beautiful but the ocean is cold. DS went surfing but a wet suit is definately required. I avoided standing in the surf to watch him. We did the usual tourist things in five days and I could have kept busy for another five.

 

[AspiringCindy]

The problem is that the kids are 13, 12 & 5, and most hotels will not accomodate 5 people in a room unless we book a suite or 1 bedroom. The Dell was too expensive for the size room we will need! Paradise will be giving us a 700sq. foot bungalow and Welk's 2 bedroom condo is 1300sq. feet! I'm not sure about Humphreys!

 

[rascalmom]

I didn't vote since I haven't stayed at any of these places myself, but I would eliminate Welk's. It is a lovely resort, but I think more geared to the "retirement" age traveler. I know when we lived in SoCal years ago, my grandparents stayed there with a tour group they were on. I took them out there to rejoin the group & saw mostly older folks. Welk's is pretty far out if you want to see anything around San Diego.

Friends of ours stayed at Paradise Point with their teens a couple of years ago - they really liked it. In fact, they said if they had to do it again - they would skip DL & spend that time in San Diego.

 

[AspiringCindy]

I think you are right about the Welk resort being for the older set...but have been told, that they are now catering to families. They have built a small water park area for the kids, have programs and classes for kids and have improved on the accomodations as well. Also, a new restaurant is set to open very shortly! The only reason I would consider this resort is with our hectic schedule at the other 2 cities, it might be nice to be secluded! We'll only venture into San Diego for Seaworld and San Diego Zoo if we choose the Welk!

 

[Tink33]

What are your plans for San Diego? It would help in giving advice for a resort.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Just the Zoo and Seaworld...maybe see a Padres Game. We may also want to checkout Old town! We'll only stay in the vicinity 3 nights before flying home out of SAN!

 

[icebrat001]

The welk isn't loading for me..

 

[JennyMominRI]

the Welk resort is pretty far from everything. I wouldn't stay there

 

[KingsFanInRI]

Just the Zoo and Seaworld...maybe see a Padres Game. We may also want to checkout Old town! We'll only stay in the vicinity 3 nights before flying home out of SAN!

if you go to Old Town, do NOT miss Pizza Bella on Congress St. It is one of my favorite pizza places of all time.

 

[AspiringCindy]

The welk isn't loading for me..

Try www.welksandiego.com

 

[DawnCt1]

I had no problem getting a rollaway at the Marriott. No one is standing outside of your door checking to see if you have an extra kid. Check out www.localwally.com. I love that web site for Sandy Eggo.

 

[DawnCt1]

Also, did you consider an Embassy Suites?

 

[munchkinsmom]

With the ages of your children and the areas you want to visit, I'd recommend Paradise Point in a heartbeat! My DH and I had our wedding reception there a few years back. We spent the night in one of the bungalows and their rooms will definitely be large enough to accomodate your family.

There are also a lot of things to do at the Paradise Point Resort that would be fun for all of you. You can rent boats, spend time at their beautiful pool, lay out on the beach, rent bikes and ride along the greenbelt through out the beautful park right next to the resort that has beautiful views of the water. As a child, our family often spent weekend picnicing at that park. There's also a pond nearby (at least it was the last time I was there) that many use to try out their model boats. Paradise Point is also in very close proximity to Sea World, Mission Beach, Belmont Park, and a few minutes to Downtown, Seaport Village, the Zoo, Balboa Park and Coronado by freeway. The restaurants and bar on site are also very nice. It will be very relaxing.

Humphrey's Half Moon Inn is nice, too. It's on Shelter Island and to me, it's seems more geared towards adults. Being a local, that's the impression I've always had, but I could be wrong. It's been awhile since I've been there. Shelter Island is surrounded by commercial boating and yacht businesses and while the views are really nice from the island, it doesn't have as much of a relaxing, beach "resort" feel that Paradise Point would give you, IMHO.

The Welk Resort is the farthest from all the attractions in San Diego. It's at least 45-50 minutes without traffic (With traffic? Don't ask... ) from most San Diego-area attractions up Interstate 15. I've never been in the resort itself, and I'm sure it's very nice, but I think most people go to this resort as a destination in of itself because it's so out of the way. I really wouldn't recommend it if you're wanting to visit SD. You'll be spending a portion of your vacation time on the road, and it wouldn't be the most effective use of time.

If you really want close proximity to all the action, I second the recommendation of looking into Embassy Suites in Downtown San Diego. It's within walking distance to the water (you can catch the water taxi to Coronado or take the Harbor Tour), Seaport Village, and the trolley station that can take you to Petco Park to catch a Padres game or take you to Old Town. Since it's downtown, it's also not that far from the zoo, and Balboa Park. It's also a short drive up Interstate 5 to Sea World.

Good luck in your decision and have a great time in my hometown!

 

[LukenDC]

Although I now live in Washington, DC, San Diego is my hometown. It's a wonderful city with lots to see and do.

Have you considered adjoining rooms at a hotel? That would enable you to accommodate your family and perhaps save some money. Like DawnCt1, I am particularly fond of the Marriott Marina located downtown. It has a wonderful tropical pool complex and is centrally located. There is boat service to Coronado and a trolley stop outside of the hotel. Seaport Village and Horton Plaza (two shopping districts) are located within a ten minute walk of the hotel.

I have not stayed at Paradise Point, but I know where it is and you would have to drive to anything off property. I agree with previous posters who said that the Welk resort is too far from San Diego.

Make sure that you spend some time exploring Balboa Park. I bet that your kids would love the Ruben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center. It has dozens of hands on scienece attractions and a domed IMAX theater. I also recommend La Jolla, which is one of the most beautiful places in the USA. I went to San Diego a couple of weeks ago for vacation and spent hours at the La Jolla Cove (I stayed five nights in La Jolla at the Grande Colonial, which I loved!).

Have fun and let us know what you decide to do!

 

[AspiringCindy]

Thanks everyone for all the info!! I started pricing other options like...Marriott at Coronado($575)for a villa and Loews Coronado ($425) for a 1 bedroom suite! Now I'm really getting confused!!For some reason, Paradise Point really appeals to me! I especially like the sandy pool!!!

 

[DawnCt1]

Thanks everyone for all the info!! I started pricing other options like...Marriott at Coronado($575)for a villa and Loews Coronado ($425) for a 1 bedroom suite! Now I'm really getting confused!!For some reason, Paradise Point really appeals to me! I especially like the sandy pool!!!

Staying on Coronado is nice...for a couple of days but really take a look at the Marriott Marina as well. How much time are you realistically going to spend at the pool, etc? We used the Marriott's beautiful tropical pool at night. We didn't have time during the day. Too much to do and see. If I were to go again, I would stay downtown or at the Embassy Suites downtown. I also don't have a problem with an extra child in the same room, particularly given the ages of your kids.

 

[AspiringCindy]

Decided to bite the bullet...we booked a bungalow at Paradise Point! A little costly...but the grounds look beautiful! I know that we will definitely spend time at this resort! We have plans as well to go to Seaworld, San Diego Zoo and a Padres game on our last night! Any suggestions on dining!!??

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

The Travel Channel did a show on Paradise Point a few weeks ago and it looked fantastic for families. It made me even think about a trip to San Diego.

As a child we spent many summers at Mission Beach which is right near Paradise Point. It is a great location.

For those of you in San Diego, is Paradise Point the old Princess Resort near Sea World and south of the Catamaran?

Elise

 

[AspiringCindy]

The Travel Channel did a show on Paradise Point a few weeks ago and it looked fantastic for families. It made me even think about a trip to San Diego.

Elise

I saw a show on Paradise Point 2 weeks ago too!...Was it the "Kids are in Charge"...where the kids plan the entire vacations? If so, I thought the grounds looked awesome.