<p>We’re headed down there in a week and a half. We plan to go to San Diego zoo one day, so I’d like to be within a half hour of there. Looking for a beachfront (or a block or two away from the beach) hotel suite or condo (something that has a separate bedroom) within walking distance to some shops and restaurants. </p>
<p>Any suggestions? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m a San Diego native and there are many hotels to choose from that are close to the zoo. Check out the tripadvisor website. They have a map of San Diego hotels and attractions as well as reviews and rankings. There is also a forum. </p>
<p>Others may chime in with specific suggestions.</p>
<p>If you can afford it, look at the Hotel Del on Coronado. They sometimes run specials. Beach is gorgeous.</p>
<p>We always stay at the Pacific Terrace Inn. They have a variety in room types, some with kitchenettes. We used to stay at the Catamaran, beautiful grounds, larger hotel “feel”, needed upgrading but clean. It is on the bay but a quick walk to the beach. I don’t remember if there was a fee for parking. I know there are a large number of condo’s available to rent by owner. Lots of charming hotels in La Jolla, on the hillside above the beach. Just looked at trip advisor and noticed a Travelodge in La Jolla. It is 1 block from the beach and received good reviews. Makes me want to go back to SD.</p>
<p>I would recommend Paradise Point. Pricey but beautiful and less crowded than anything in La Jolla. The lodge at Torrey pines is also wonderful. One of the best hotels I have ever stayed at but it is not beachfront.</p>
<p>scubasue,
I sent you a PM.</p>
<p>The Del!!! Absolutely a gorgeous/historic hotel. Frank L. Baum wrote the Wizard of Oz there and the hotel was supposed to be Oz. I went there many times as a child and we took our children there as well.</p>
<p>Yes, Coronado is beautiful! If the Del isn’t available, try the Marriott Coronado. Loews is also nearby but not in Coronado.</p>
<p>Here’s a unique type of hotel across the street from the Hotel Del to consider - </p>
<p>[Coronado</a> Boutique Hotel | San Diego CA | Glorietta Bay Inn](<a href=“http://www.gloriettabayinn.com/]Coronado”>http://www.gloriettabayinn.com/)</p>
<p>I am not sure what you budget is, but second (third?) the Hotel Del Coronado. Really a great place. I also like The Dana, and The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club (and The Shores next door). A lot of the hotels downtown/gaslamp district look like fun too.</p>
<p>Mission Beach?</p>
<p>It’s been many years, but our family loved our stay at the Del… not only is the hotel itself lovely and a memorable experience, I loved that you could easily walk anyplace in Coronado and weren’t isolated and it was an easy drive to anywhere you wanted to go in San Diego.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for the suggestions. I’ll check them all out. </p>
<p>Except the Hotel Del Coronado. $480 a night? Waaaaayyyyyy out of our league. :)</p>
<p>In case anyone else has any other suggestions: we really do need a condo or a suite style hotel room with a separate bedroom.</p>
<p>I don’t know how many nights you are going for, but I would suggest looking at Priceline or Expedia as you may be able to get a last minute deal. If you are going for a whole week you might want to look at VRBO for San Diego as you might find a last minute rental close to the beach this way.</p>
<p>Years ago I stayed at a fun place on a wharf out over the water in Mission Beach. Don’t know if it’s still good but I liked it a lot then.
[Crystal</a> Pier Hotel | San Diego Beach Hotels Over The Ocean](<a href=“http://www.crystalpier.com/]Crystal”>http://www.crystalpier.com/)</p>
<p>Another possibility is Humphries Half Moon Inn; there’s a small bayfront beach nearby. the problem is that there aren’t that many hotels (especially with suites) right on or adjacent to the beach in San Diego, and they do tend to be expensive! And then you might not find places you want to walk to nearby. I second looking at VRBO, perhaps in the Sunset Cliffs or Bird Rock or Windandsea areas, or La Jolla. If you just wanted a suites hotel in a great location for driving places, I recommend the Homewood Suites at Liberty Station. Not near the beach but there’s a small shopping area close by with a grocery and a few places to eat (I think).</p>
<p>Thank you all for the suggestions. We found a lovely 2 bedroom vacation rental in Mission Beach. It looks a little more touristy than I normally like, but I think for 4 days it will be fun. Daughter has a friend who lives at Coronado Beach, so at least she’ll get to visit him and his beautiful community and beach. </p>
<p>When we get our kids both through college in a few years, we’ll try a couple of the luxurious looking places a few of you suggested here!</p>