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But if your budget can afford more than that (I stayed at a motel 6 once in my life - never again), in addition to the hotels in Hotel Circle, which are all pretty close to USD, there are nicer, but more expensive, hotels right on San Diego Bay or right on Mission Bay that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation. If you’ll only use it for a bed at night it’s not worth it but if you have time to use the pools, wander around, etc. you might like to stay at one of them. If you have frequent flyer/hotel points you might be able to use some of them.</p>
<p>The San Diego Bay ones (Marriot, Hyatt, Hilton, etc.) are right on the bay walking distance to the bay with an old aircraft carrier that’s now a museum, Seaport Village (somewhat touristy shopping), restaurants, Gaslamp district (more restaurants), etc. There are less expensive ones in this same general area but not right on the bay.</p>
<p>The Mission Bay ones are right on that bay - Paridise Point Resort, Hilton Mission Bay, Hyatt Regency, Catamaran, and others.</p>
<p>All of these including the many hotels in Hotel Circle are pretty close to USD, downtown, SD bay, Mission bay, Old Town (which has some Mexican restaurants you should try), Sea World, Balboa Park (with the zoo and museums), the beach (Mission Beach, Coronado, others), etc.</p>