San Diego Travel Forum

Spring is awesome in San Diego. We had heard tons about it and this year we’ve all decided to come to San Diego for a nice long weekend. Sandy beaches, wild parks, sea world and shopping centers, you got ‘em all here. And of course the thrilling and rocking night life. But we are still undecided on where we are goin’ to stay. Someone suggested California Suites Hotel. Looks like a good location from its website (http://www.californiasuiteshotel.com/). But what about the services and stuff? Pls suggest.

THere seem to be some OK Reviews on Tripadvisor - take a look-

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g60750-d79880-Reviews-California_Suites_Hotel-San_Diego_California.html

BUT it is only ranked 214 out of 255 hotels reviewd which says to me there are 213 higher rated places to stay.

I have not noticed this motel, so can't really comment on it or it's amenities. Also, you weren't specific about your meaning of "services and stuff?"

However, what I'd like to point out to you is that one reason some reviews might not be so positive might be it's location. Clairmont Boulevard which is not touristy, nor "conveniently close" to the downtown area, or the beaches or the major shopping centers. It's not really very far if you will have the use of a car so, this might not be an issue for you. Though there is public transportation available it is less efficient in these outlying areas, than other areas. (Because most people living in this area rely on their own cars.)

This is more of a "residential/business" section, offices, car dealerships etc. than a "tourist" area.

One thing I especially like about this area is that it seems more of an Asian community, not a typical "Chinatown" atmosphere, rather with options, such as Korean, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants and some shopping which is geared to service that community.

The fact is that the farther out from the tourist area you go, the lower the price of a room and in many cases those rooms are a better quality than you'd find for the same price in an area convenient for tourists.

I hope this helps,
Linda

Yeah, this is a pretty terrible location. It's near Clairmont Mesa and the 805 freeway. Without too much traffic, it will take you about 15 minutes to get to La Jolla, but there's nothing else close to there. Downtown will be more like 30 minutes away without traffic.
Check out the Dolphin Motel and the Old Town Inn. Both are convenient, have free parking and are relatively cheap. Staying anywhere within a mile or so of the beaches in San Diego is going to run $100+, especially at this time of the year, unless you're willing to go very far outside of the city (Carlsbad, Encinitas, etc.)

Carlsbad is lovely - it has a small town feel about it ( some locals call it a village). THere are good local bus routes and a quick train ride in to San Diego. Locally - Legoland; Wild Animal Park, Flower fields - at the right time of year of course - and miles of great beaches, walks and trails.

>>>Downtown will be more like 30 minutes away without traffic.

In fariness I'd have to say that if you are going by car, it would take more like fifteen minutes to get from Clairemont Mesa Boulevard to the center of downtown. Of course, by public transportation, it would take longer.

The two motels Colin suggested might be good options. I haven't seen the Dolphin Motel, but it's location is near Shelter Island, which offers several very good dining options and the new shopping area, Liberty Station isn't far away. Public transportation is available but sparse.

The Old Town Inn is located under the I-5 freeway, about two blocks from the Old Town Trolley station and another block from Old Town. It is an industrial area so the streets might seem pretty isolated during the night if coming back from a late night out. Pacific Highway is a broad street to cross with lots of traffic, especially during the day.

Pehaps we should hold fire until we hear back from herveyalgren.
He has not logged in since posting - maybe he had already committed to a booking in that place.

You know Barbara, I think you might be correct. I thought about just that as I made my last reply.

I replied anyway because each of us seem to still be here and like sharing information. Plus, others might happen upon this question and find our perspectives useful.

Have a good day,
Linda