San Diego hotels, I've narrowed it down to 2

[laughinplace199]

We'll be staying in San Diego for 3 nights in August (family of 5, kids will be 15, 13, & 7). We are definitely going to the zoo. Other than that, I'm not sure yet. Probably USS Midway and Balboa Park.

I've been reading reviews on tripadvisor, and I think I've narrowed the search down to 2 hotels, Best Western Plus Island Palms or Homewood Suites Liberty Station.

I don't know the area at all, so and thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Syndrome]

After an extensive search for a San Diego hotel for our stay this summer. We have come up with Homewood Suites Liberty Station. It was by far the best value we could find, and one of the nicest suite hotels in the area that was close to everything.
We got a great rate with a discount code because we are HHonors members (free to join). If you are interested, I will PM you the promo code . It was 20% off with the code.

We almost decided on the "Del" , but as nice and historical as the "Del" is ..........we prefer more room to spread out, free breakfast, free parking and the much lower price at the Homewood won out !

BTW, we are also planning on visiting the Zoo, Sea World, and the SD Beaches. We are also flying in/out of SD for our trip (also visiting DL) .

Good Luck !

 

[grnflash]

I think you would be happy with either one, they're both in nice, scenic locations with plenty of restaurant options.

DO put the Midway on your must do list though if you're even remotely interested. We go every year during Museum Month and it never gets old exploring the inside of the ship and hopping in the planes on the flight deck. It is super interesting for all ages. If you go, be sure to line up to take a tour of the Bridge - we overlooked it the first couple times. It doesn't cost extra, just line up by the entrance on the upper flight deck and you'll get to go up top to the bridge plus sit in the Captain's chair. As beautiful as Balboa Park is, and I wouldn't discourage a visit there by any means, the Midway is hands down the best museum in San Diego.

 

[laughinplace199]

I think you would be happy with either one, they're both in nice, scenic locations with plenty of restaurant options.

DO put the Midway on your must do list though if you're even remotely interested. We go every year during Museum Month and it never gets old exploring the inside of the ship and hopping in the planes on the flight deck. It is super interesting for all ages. If you go, be sure to line up to take a tour of the Bridge - we overlooked it the first couple times. It doesn't cost extra, just line up by the entrance on the upper flight deck and you'll get to go up top to the bridge plus sit in the Captain's chair. As beautiful as Balboa Park is, and I wouldn't discourage a visit there by any means, the Midway is hands down the best museum in San Diego.

Thanks for this info. We have 2 boys, who will be 13 & 7 when we go and I think they will both love exploring the ship! I think DD14 has her heart set on Balboa Park, but I think we'll have time to fit it all in.

It's good to hear that both hotels are in good areas with restaurant options. Homewood Suites doesn't have a real restaurant. They have a free breakfast, but one of our kids has serious food allergies and places like that usually don't work for her. The Best Western has a restaurant on-site, so that would be helpful, but if there are restaurants close to both hotels, then having one on-site isn't as big of an issue.

 

[the donut]

Second the suggestion of touring the bridge on the Midway aka the Island tour. They can only let about 20 people up there at a time, so the line can get long. We like to get there at opening and head straight for the top and the tour if it's on our agenda for the day.

Liberty station area is great for restaurants, and that complex also has a big Von's (grocery) and a Trader Joe's. They put a Stone Brewing Co. there that is absolutely enormous. The food is decent though a bit on the pricey side. People also love the Corvette diner, a 50's diner (we haven't been yet). The bakery, Con Pane, always seems busy. I've tried the chocolate bread from there and it was delicious. And I'm completely obsessed with the Tender Greens chain down here if you're craving a salad, though they have grilled meats as well if salad isn't your thing. They might be good with the allergy issues, but I'm just guessing on that.