Where to stay in San Diego?

[Freyja]

We´ve decided to stay for 5 nights in San Diego in October, sort of to cool down after Disney.

What would be the best place to stay for a family of 5? We´re on a fairly tight budget so we would prefer something under $100. We´re staying at the HoJo Plaza in Anaheim but the HoJo's in San Diego get horrible reviews.

Any good advice?

Thanks guys

Freyja

 

[MossMan]

Take a look at the Beach Haven Inn.

Beach Haven has an incredible pool and though not on the beach itself, it is only about a 60 second walk away from the beach. It took us about 10 minutes to drive to SeaWorld and the zoo.

They have one bedroom suites with kitchens, so it is possible to keep the spending down. The rooms are very dated, think the 1970's. I thought this only added to the charm of the place (and probably keeps the price down as well). But if you are looking for your standard chain hotel room, the Beach Haven is not for you.

Though aged, they kept the place very clean. Just don't book for their continental breakfast. About all you get is a cup of coffee and a prepackaged danish. But otherwise my family quite liked it. We spent a lot of time around the pool or at the beach. If these are the activities you are looking for, this is a pretty good place to stay.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

We stayed at the Comfort Inn near Sea World when we were there, and I was happy with that hotel. However, I'm looking at the link for Beach Haven Inn, and that looks really nice.

If you have AAA, be sure to use them for the AAA discount.

 

[mobetsy]

I'm not sure if it would hit your $100 mark in the fall (maybe a bit higher, and the website doesn't list fall rates), but you might check out Villa Capri by the Sea. Rooms are older but have cooking facilities (and dishes, etc) which really helps keep costs down, and are very clean; the manager John is extremely nice and helpful; and it is directly across the street from the Hotel del Coronado! Great beach there, and easy access to just about everywhere, plus the small downtown Coronado area is kind of fun. They do have a AAA discount.

 

[mommytotwo]

We had stayed at the Double Tree. That place is on the pricier side, but you never know until you ask if they have specials at that time.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Ive stayed at both the Super 8s in SDiego and both were very nice (for being Super 8s) The one not on Hotel circle was an old apartment complex that was renovated so the layout is a bit different than most hotels but nice-

-em

 

[carolsherman]

We stayed at the Dana Inn last year and loved it not on the beach and it has transportation to sea world a good 20 minute walk to the beach and prices were cheap. It also has a restaurant on site that was great and cheap

 

[DepCor0311]

I am not sure about the $100, but The Holiday Inn on the Bay is a pretty good deal. It is right across from the Star of India and is walking distance to Seaport Village. About a $5 cab ride to the Gaslamp District.

 

[LuvTigger]

Another vote for Dana Inn. We've stayed there a couple of times. It's more motel-like, but clean and large rooms. Last time the marina was right outside our door, which was kind of nice to look at. And we LOVE the restaurant there too! We have fond memories of the chicken fried steak breakfast!!!

When you make reservations, make sure to check about parking costs. One year we decided to stay somewhere else we thought would be better (a "real" hotel with interior corridors, etc.), but parking was kind of expensive, and the area was just "okay." I would much rather go to Dana Inn on $100 budget.

One more suggestion...consider Priceline. You can get a really good hotel for really cheap, even if you have to pay for parking. Last year I got a Hyatt near Disneyland for $44! Parking was $12, but that was still less than I would've paid for the HoJo!

 

[MossMan]

Just one note about Priceline:

I love it, but I don't use it for family vacations. Mainly because they will only guarantee you one queen sized bed. True, most places have two beds and you can always order up a cot. But you can't be sure of that with priceline. And since you have to pay in advance, there is nothing you can do if you find out that the room you have been awarded won't due for a family of 5.