My mom (75 yrs. young) and I will be in San Diego for the Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4th - 7th). We're flying in and don't want to rent a car. Not being familiar w/San Diego I'd like to know the best area to stay in and some hotel recommendations.
We'd like to stay in a area that we can walk around and enjoy the neighborhood, close by good coffee, cafes, etc. We will probably visit Sea World/Zoo but can take local transportation to/from. We're not beach bums nor are we shop-a-holics but we're not against either in determining the location. Just looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful area and weather.
I've seen postings about Little Italy and the Little Italy B&B and La Pensione Hotel but I'm not sure if this is good central location or not. I've stayed in the Mission Bay/La Jolla area which was very nice. Is it better to stay away from downtown San Diego?
I know Shannon and Jane live in San Diego as well as others, I'm hoping they can help with some suggestions.
Linda, if you don't want to rent a car and plan to take public transportation everywhere, I'd stay in Old Town. They have a trolley station there you can walk to, and there are lots of buses in and out. You could also stay in Little Italy but you wouldn't be so close to public transportation. Downtown, there are areas that are nice (by the water) and areas that are nasty.
I would say that La Pensione is just OK - I found it to be more of a glorified motel than anything, but the price is certainly right.
You could also stay in Shelter Island, there are lots of restaurants to walk to, but it is not so easy to get to places like Balboa Park/Zoo on public transportation from there.
I think the Downtown area will work the best for us and I'd like to see about staying in a place that has a suite option so we have a sitting area available.
I've found the Embassy Suites and Gaslamp Plaza Suites. I'm familiar with E.S. but does anyone have any feedback on the Gaslamp Plaza Suites?
