The Dana on Mission Bay

[three_kids_mom]

After reading reviews on here, I am leaning towards staying at this hotel for our October trip. Before I fork over the money for it, I have a few questions about it for anyone who can help me out!

We will have 2 adults and 3 kids (9,7,4) staying, so I need either a pull out bed or floor space to have a child sleep. Also, we will be staying for 3 nights.

Are the certain rooms that are better then others? Are certain rooms worth paying more for the view?

Are the pools heated? I am wondering if it will be cold swimming in October.

Is the beach accessible. I would like to be able to walk to the beach and stroll or swim. Are we able to do that there?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[aliceindisneyland]

We stayed at The Dana in Feb 09. Note that the view rooms face the marina, not really the ocean, so up to you if you are willing to pay for a view of that. You will see the marina as you leave the hotel to head to Sea World, etc. Yes, you can walk down to the marina (but of course the dock is locked) but again, it's not a beach.
To us the best thing about The Dana is that you can walk across the street to Sea World -- just takes a few minutes even w/small kids -- and not have to work your schedule around the shuttle.
Not sure if the pools are heated but the pool we were near had a large spa we used nightly.