Comic Con 2007: Hotel Guide

[Government Man]

Government Man's (largely cribbed) Guide to San Diego Hotels--8-) UPDATED 8-)

Note: Updates are in 8-) bloo 8-)

I started research to decide where Sparky and I are going to stay for the 2007 San Diego Comic Con. The Con website 8-) has announced 8-) their hotel specials (8-) see this (http://www.fosters-home.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1406) thread 8-) ). It's not a good idea to announce on a public board like this one exactly who's going where and when, but I thought some of you might find the following useful.

Part I: San Diego Neighborhoods

The 2007 San Diego Comic Con will be held in the San Diego Convention Center, located "in the heart of Downtown San Diego" (see map (http://www.geocities.com/McPoodle43/CC2007/San_Diego.gif)). All of Downtown is within a mile of the Convention Center, so getting a hotel there means you can walk. The airport is northeast of Downtown. North of the airport is Old Town (3 miles from the Convention Center) and east of that is Mission Valley (4 miles from the Convention Center), where the vast majority of affordable hotels are.

San Diego has a trolley system to handle public transportation. See the orange and blue lines on the map for the routes; the plus symbols mark the stations the trolleys stop at. For those taking the train, the Amtrak station is located where the orange and blue lines meet (south of #18). The trolley runs through Old Town and Mission Valley, so I'll be posting about hotels there in a few days.

[Government Man]

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels

Part II: Downtown Hotels 8-) (Updated a lot) 8-)

8-) My first source for hotel information is the PDF supplied by the Comic Con. They give special discount prices for 17 hotels in the downtown area. To sign up at these rates, you must call the ComicCon's travel desk at 1-877-55-COMIC instead of the hotel's phone number (9 am to 7 pm Eastern time) or through their website at www.comic-con.org between February 6th and June 13th. 8-)

Next, I consulted Expedia to see what hotels were available for Tuesday, July 24th to Sunday, July 29th. ::) Many of the hotels I listed in December now appear to be booked. ::)

The name of each hotel below is followed by the distance to the Convention Center. Unfortunately, these are distances "as the crow flies", not how far it would be in San Diego's one-way streets.

Next, each hotel is given a rating of one to five stars (including "half stars"). Here's what they mean to Expedia:

* Economy: no guarantee of in-room phone or bathroom,
limited hours, no on-site dining
** Value: private bathroom, phone, TV; Continental breakfast
*** Quality: pool and a restaurant
**** Superior: room service, valet parking
***** Exceptional: DSL internet & DVD players in every room,
spa and golf course in the back, solid gold mint on your pillow

Downtown San Diego has no five-star hotels.

When a hotel was rated by AAA, I give the number of "diamonds" from them (1D, 2D, 3D, 4D or 5D). The meaning of the diamonds are pretty close to what the stars mean; if a hotel isn't AAA rated, it's either a new hotel or it's in trouble.

Following the rating is the lowest price per night for a two-bed, two-person room 8-) (a single room is $5 to $10 less) 8-) .

When neither the ComicCon nor Expedia had a price, I turned to the 2006 San Diego guide by Fodor's. They rate hotel prices as follows:

c = under $90
$ = $90 to $120
$$ = $121 to $175
$$$ = $175 to $250
$$$$ = over $250
? = not in Fodor's

(That "c" is supposed to be a cent sign.)

Finally, I'll include what Fodor's had to say about each hotel that's in their book (a note at the beginning of the listings in Fodor's says, "You can assume that all rooms have private baths, phones, TVs and air-conditioning unless otherwise noted. Downtown hotels cater primarily to business travelers, while those at Mission Bay, in coastal locations such as Carlsbad and Encinitas, and at inland resorts offer golf and other sport facilities, spa services, children's activities, and more. As far as meals included with rent, San Diego hotels operate on the European Plan (meaning without meals), unless we specify that they use the Continental Plan (with a Continental breakfast), Breakfast Plan (with a full breakfast) or Modified American Plan (with breakfast and dinner) or are all-inclusive (including all meals and most activities). We always list facilities but not whether you'll be charged an extra fee to use them, so when pricing accommodations, find out what?s included.")

Here (http://www.geocities.com/McPoodle43/CC2007/Downtown_hotels.gif) is a map showing the locations of the Convention Center (the big red star is the northern end of it, at address 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) and surrounding available hotels in the Downtown area. As with the neighborhood map, the orange and blue lines show the two main trolley routes, with the crosses for stations--note that one of the stations is right next to Hotel #21.

Coronado Island is off the southern end of this map. Its hotels are just under a mile from the Convention Center, but I left them off the list because they are all four-star hotels (with four-star prices), and I've heard the drive over the long bridge connecting the island with the mainland is hellish.

[Sparky]

A note to everyone:

DO NOT POST ON THE FORUM ANY DETAILS ABOUT WHAT HOTEL YOU MAY OR ARE GOING TO STAY AT FOR THE CON.

Do not post ANYTHING about your plans on the forum, in any thread. *Anyone* can be reading this. This thread is for information purposes only and will be locked.

[Government Man]

(continuing the Downtown list, 8-) with updates 8-) )

In the following list, numbers 1 - 21 are less than a mile from the Convention Center, 22 and 23 are far away but definitely have shuttles to the Convention Center, and 24 - 30 are between one and two miles away (I left the hotels with more than three stars out of this last list).

1. Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina (0.05 mi) **** 8-) $445, $225 through the ComicCon (this is the headquarters hotel for the Con) 8-) This 25-story twin tower next to the convention center has everything a businessperson--or leisure traveler--could want. As a major site for conventions, the complex can be hectic and impersonal, and the hallways can be noisy. Lending some tranquility are the lagoon-style pools nestled between cascading waterfalls. The standard rooms are smallish, but pay a bit extra for a room with a balcony overlooking the bay and you'll have a serene, sparkling world spread out before you. Seaport Village and a trolley station are nearby. 333 W. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero 92101. Phone 619/234-1500 or 800/228-9290, fax 619/234-8678, web http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SANDT. 1,300 rooms, 54 suites. 3 restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, 6 tennis courts, 2 pools, fitness classes, health club, hair salon, outdoor hot tub, massage, sauna, boating, bicycles, basketball, 3 bars, recreation room, video game room, shops, laundry facilities, concierge, concierge floor, business services, convention center, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking (::) $19 a night self parking, $25 a night valet parking ::) ); no smoking. Accepts AE (American Express), D (Discover), DC (Diner's Club--does anyone still have this?), MC (MasterCard) and V (Visa).

2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.18 mi) *** 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $185 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) A Victorian confection, the Horton Grand comprises two 1880s hotels moves brick by brick from nearby locations and fit together. The delightfully retro rooms are furnished with period antiques, ceiling fans, and gas-burning fireplaces. The choicest rooms overlook a garden courtyard that twinkles with miniature lights. The hotel is a charmer, but service can be erratic. 311 Island Ave., Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/544-1886 or 800/542-1886, fax 619/239-3823, web www.hortongrand.com (http://www.hortongrand.com). 132 rooms, 24 suites. Restaurant, kitchenettes, microwaves, refrigerators, piano bar, theater, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking ($20 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

3. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (0.27 mi) **** 4D 8-) $399, $192 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) Fodor's choice hotel. The 34- and 40-story towers adjacent to Seaport Village make the Manchester the West Coast's tallest waterfront building. The interior combines old-world opulence with California airiness; palm trees pose next to ornate tapestry couches in the light-filled lobby. All of the British Regency-style guest rooms have water views and windows open to catch fresh bay breezes, The hotel's proximity to the convention center attracts a large business trade. The Business Plan includes access to an area with desks and office supplies. A trolley station is one block away and the Gaslamp's clubs and restaurants are also within walking distance. 1 Market Pl, Embarcadero 92101. Phone 619/232-1234 or 800/233-1234, fax 619/233-6464, web www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com (http://www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com). 1,625 rooms, 95 suites. 3 restaurants, room service, minibars, cable TV, in-room data ports, 4 tennis courts, pool, health club, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, boating, bicycles, 2 bars, shops, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, concierge floor, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking ($19 a night self parking, $25 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

4. San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter (0.33 mi) **** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

8-) 4 (actually, two blocks west) Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (0.55 mi) ***.5 SOLD OUT on Expedia, $195 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) Just stepping into the lobby, which is modern and sophisticated, but with cozy lounge spaces and wood accents, tells you this isn't your usual downtown hotel. Inspired by the Gaslamp, this Hilton has unique style. The loft rooms in the Enclave Tower are urban retreats with extra-high ceilings, light dimmers, and portable phones; some have whirlpool tubs. An outdoor terrace, furnished like a comfy living room, affords relaxation amidst the city hustle. And you can't beat the location; the San Diego Trolley whizzes by, the San Diego Convention Center is across the street, and the nightlife and eateries of the Gaslamp are just outside your door. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/231-4040 or 800/445-8667, fax 619/231-6439, web www.sandiegogaslampquarter.hilton.com. 282 rooms, 3 suites, 8 lofts. Two restaurants, room service, in-room safe, minibars, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room data ports, pool, health club, hair salon, bar, shop, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking ($26 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V. 8-)

5. Omni San Diego Hotel (0.35 mi) **** 4D 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $202 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) The product of burgeoning downtown growth, this modern masterpiece occupies the first 21 floors of a building that rises 32 stories above the new Petco Park baseball stadium. The hotel is connected to the stadium by a skybridge, and each baseball season offers a Bed and Baseball package that bundles the room along with tickets to a game. Though marred by surrounding construction in the revitalizing East Village area, the hotel doesn't fail to amaze. The modern lobby is stunning; all rooms have windows that open to the breeze, and most have views of the ocean, bay, or the downtown skyline (some into the Petco outfield). Pleasantly decorated, rooms have DVD players and soothing sound machines. The pool terrace has a stone fireplace, outdoor dining, and a tanning area. 675 L St., Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/231-6664 or 800/843-6664, fax 619/645-6517, web www.omnisandiegohotel.com (http://www.omnisandiegohotel.com). 478 rooms, 33 suites. 3 restaurants, room service, in-room safe, minibars, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, Wi-Fi, pool, gym, hot tub, lounge, shop, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking ($26 a night valet parking), pets (fee); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

6. Comfort Inn Gaslamp (0.42 mi) ** $233 660 G St., Downtown 92101.

7. Embassy Suites San Diego Bay (0.43 mi) ***.5 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $195 through ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) The front door of each spacious, contemporary suite opens out onto a 12-story atrium, and rooms facing the harbor have spectacular views. A cooked-to-order breakfast and afternoon cocktails are complementary, as are airport transfers and a daily newspaper. Room rates vary greatly depending upon occupancy. The convention center, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and a trolley station are nearby. 601 Pacific Hwy., Embarcadero 92101. Phone 619/239-2400 or 800/362-2779, fax 619/239-1520, web www.embassy-suites.com (http://www.embassy-suites.com). 337 rooms. Restaurant, room service, microwaves, refrigerators, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room data ports, tennis court, pool, health club, hair salon, outdoor hot tub, sauna, bicycles, bar, shops, laundry facilities, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking ($24 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

8. Westin Horton Plaza Hotel (0.43 mi) **** 8-) $383, $185 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) You know you're there when you see the startling lighted blue obelisk fronting this high-rise hotel. Inside, it's all understated cream-color marble and curved staircases--and guest rooms freshly redecorated in a stylish urban design in 2004. The lobby lounge is packed every night with business travelers and weary shoppers back from the adjacent Horton Plaza. 910 Broadway Circle, Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/239-2200 or 888/625-5144, fax 619/239-0509, web www.westin.com (http://www.westin.com). 450 rooms, 14 suites. 2 restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, 2 tennis courts, pool, health club, hot tub, basketball, lounge, sports bar, shops, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking ($25 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

9. Ramada Gaslamp Convention Center (fka the St. James Hotel, 0.46 mi) *** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

10. Gaslamp Plaza Suites (0.48 mi) *** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::) Fodor's Choice.

[Government Man]

(Downtown Hotels 11 - 20, 8-) with updates 8-) )

11. 8-) Westin San Diego (was the Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza) 8-) (0.49 mi) ***.5 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $157 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) This property's office and conference facilities draw many business travelers. Still, the Wyndham is also fine for vacationers who want to be near downtown shopping and restaurants. The beige-dominated standard rooms are rather bland and not large, but many of the upper-floor rooms have panoramic views. The health club is fully equipped and rarely crowded. 400 W. Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/239-4500 or 800/996-3426, fax 619/239-4527, web www.wyndham.com. 416 rooms, 20 suites. Restaurant, minibars, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, pool, health club, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, bar shops, laundry service, concierge, Internet, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking (::) $20 a night self parking, $23 a night valet parking ::) ); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

12. The U. S Grant (0.50 mi) **** ::) $441 ::) Across the street from the Horton Plaza shopping center, this 1910 San Diego classic was build by President Ulysses S Grant's grandson. Crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, and mahogany furnishings in the stately rooms recall the days when President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh stayed there. High-power business types gather at the hotel's clubby Grant Grill, and afternoon tea is served in the lobby 1 PM--4 PM Thursday through Saturday. The hotel closed in early 2005 so that $48 million in renovations could be carried out to recreate its 1910 ambiance; at presstime its reopening was set for late 2005 [obviously, it's open now]. 326 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/232-3121, fax 619/232-3626, web www.usgrant.net. 225 rooms, 60 suites. 2 restaurants, café, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, gym, bar, shops, concierge, Internet, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking (fee); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V (no DC!).

13. Bristol Hotel (0.51 mi) ***.5 3D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

The next two are on top of each other on the map, so they get the same number.

14. 500 West Hotel (0.51 mi) * ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

14. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown-Gaslamp (0.54 mi) *** $377 530 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter 92101.

15. Westgate Hotel (0.52 mi) **** 8-) $341, $199 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) Fodor's Choice. A nondescript, modern high-rise near Horton Plaza hides what must be the most opulent hotel in San Diego. The lobby, modeled after the anteroom at Versailles, has hand-cut Baccarat chandeliers. Rooms are individually furnished with antiques, Italian marble counters, and bath fixtures with 24-karat overlays. From the ninth floor up the views of the harbor and city are breathtaking. Afternoon tea is served in the lobby to the accompaniment of piano and harp music. The San Diego Trolley stops right outside the door. 1055 2nd Ave., Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/238-1818 or 800/221-3802, 800/522-1564 in CA, fax 619/557-3737, web www.westgatehotel.com. 223 rooms. 2 restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, health club, hair salon, spa, bicycles, bar, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking ($26 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

16. W San Diego (0.63 mi) **** 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $299 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) The W chain's urban finesse adapts to San Diego with nautical blue-and-white rooms with beach-ball pillows and goose-down comforters atop the beds. The Beach bar has a heated sand floor and fire pit, but the pool is tiny by San Diego standards. The lobby doubles as the futuristic Living Room lounge, a local hipster nightspot where non-hotel guests have to wait behind a velvet rope. Be sure to get a room on an upper floor--the leather and black-clad crowd parties into the night. The hotel restaurant, Rice, serves stylish Asian and Latin cuisine, and the Anatomy Spa caters to both body and spirit. 421 West B St., Downtown 92101. Phone 619/231-8220 or 877/946-8357, fax 619/232-3626, web www.whotels.com/sandiego. 277 rooms, 16 suites. Restaurant, room service, cable TV with video games, in-room VCRs, in-room data ports, gym, spa, bars, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking ($26 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

17. Sheraton Suites San Diego (0.78 mi) ***.5 3D 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $164 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) 701 A St, Downtown 92101. ::) Parking costs $20 a night for self parking, or $23 a night for valet parking. ::)

18. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.79 mi) **.5 3D 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $150 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) 555 W. Ash St., Little Italy 92101. ::) Parking costs $10 a night for self parking. ::)

19. Quality Inn & Suites Harborview (0.86 mi) ** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

19 (again). Holiday Inn Express Downtown Harborview [not in Expedia] 3D $162 1430 7th Ave., Downtown 92101 (did Holiday Inn buy the Quality Inn, or vice-versa?)

20. Days Inn Downtown/Convention Center (0.91 mi) ** 2D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

20 (again). Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn (0.91 mi) [not in Expedia] 3D ? 840 A St., Downtown 92101.

[Government Man]

(Downtown Hotels 21 - 30 and a final note for Downtown, 8-) with updates 8-) )

21. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (0.94 mi) **.5 ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

22. Holiday Inn on the Bay (1.37 mi) [not in Expedia] 3D 8-) $164 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) 8-) On the Embarcadero and overlooking San Diego Bay, this hotel made up of twin high-rises has unsurprising but spacious rooms and hard-to-beat views from the balconies. Although the hotel grounds are nice if fairly sterile, the bay is just across the street and offers boat rides, restaurants, and picturesque walking areas. The hotel is very close to the airport and Amtrak station. The English-style Elephant and Castle Pub is a great place for food, drink, and meeting people. 1355 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero 92101. Phone 619/232-3861 or 800/877-8920, fax 619/232-4924, web www.holiday-inn.com. 600 rooms, 17 suites. 3 restaurants, cable TV, in-room data ports, 2 pools, gym, outdoor hot tub, sauna, bar, shops, laundry facilities, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking (::) $18 a night self parking, $22 a night valet parking ::) ); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

23. Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina (2.25 mi) ***.5 8-) $269, $185 through the ComicCon (see Neighborhood map for location; has a shuttle to the Con 8-) ) Of this property's two high-rises, the smaller, more intimate West Tower has larger rooms, with separate areas suitable for business entertaining. The East Tower has better sports facilities. Rooms throughout are decorated with plush, contemporary furnishings. Views from the upper floors of both sections are superb, but because the West Tower is closer to the water it has fine outlooks from the lower floors, too. 1380 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island 92101. Phone 619/291-2900 or 888/625-5144, fax 619/692-2337, web www.sheraton.com. 1,044 rooms, 50 suites. 3 restaurants, patisserie, room service, minibars, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, 4 tennis courts, 3 pools, wading pool, health club, 2 outdoor hot tubs, massage, sauna, beach, boating, marina, bicycles, 2 bars, shop, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking ($16 a night self parking, $22 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

24. Pacific Inn Hotel and Suites (1.01 mi) ** 8-) $234 8-) 1655 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy 92101.

25. Super 8 Motel San Diego Bayview/Convention Center (1.07 mi) ** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

8-) 25 (actually, about 1200 feet southeast) Radisson Hotel Harbor View (0.98 mi) *** SOLD OUT through Expedia, $150 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) This 22-story hotel dwarfs the many two-story Victorian homes in the area, providing many rooms with unobstructed views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. The art deco-inspired rooms are ordinary, but most have balconies. Although the hotel is practically adjacent to a freeway offramp, the noise level is tolerable. The airport and the eateries and coffeehouses of Little Italy are nearby. 1646 Front St., Downtown 92101. Phone 619/239-6800 or 800/333-3333, fax 619/238-9561, web www.radisson.com. 313 rooms, 20 suites. Two restaurants, cable TV with video games, in-room data ports, pool, gym, hot tub, sauna, bar, lounge, business services, airport shuttle, parking ($12 a night self parking). Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V. 8-)

26. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown (1.08 mi) *** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

27. Marina Inn Hotel and Suites (1.15 mi) *.5 8-) $202 8-) 1943 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy 92101.

27 (again). Days Inn Harbor View (not in Expedia) 2D $171 1919 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy 92101.

28. Americas Best Value Inn Convention Center/Downtown (1.15 mi) * 8-) $266 8-) 1801 Logan Ave., Little Italy 92101.

29. Harborview Inn and Suites (1.19 mi) *.5 8-) $160 8-) 550 W. Grape St., Little Italy 92101.

29 (again). Little Italy Inn (1.19 mi) *.5 c-$$$ This old world-style bed-and-breakfast, in a renovated 1910 property, has 22 unique, well-appointed rooms and a secluded courtyard pool, unusual for area B&Bs. Wide hallways lead to room with luxury touches like wood floors, whirlpool tubs, and free bottles of water, not to mention bay views. And the cafes, boutiques, and bakeries of Little Italy are steps away. The lowest-price rooms have shared baths; VCRs, DVD players, irons, ironing boards, hairdryers, fridges, and microwave are available upon request. 505 W. Grape St., Little Italy 92101. Phone 619/230-1600 or 800/518-9930, fax 619/230-0322, web www.littleitalyhotel.com. 22 rooms. Cable TV with movies, in-room safes, in-room data ports, Wi-Fi, pool. Accepts AE, D, MC, V. Meals on the Continental Plan.

30. San Diego Airport Motel 6 (1.42 mi) ** 8-) $147 8-) 2353 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy 92101.

The following hotels were listed in Expedia but were booked for at least one day between July 24th and 29th: Comfort Inn Downtown and Hotel Solamar A Kimpton Hotel.

[Government Man]

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels

Part III: Hotels Near Trolley Stops, Downtown to La Mesa 8-) (with updates) 8-)

(These are all covered on the main map (http://www.geocities.com/McPoodle43/CC2007/San_Diego.gif).)

As you might have realized from reading the Downtown list, most of the hotels there are for folks who sound like Thurston Howell III. To get something affordable, you have to rely on the San Diego Trolley to get you to the Convention Center.

Here (http://www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/trolley/trolleymap.asp) is a map of the trolley routes. I will be rating each hotel based on how close it is to a trolley station, stopping at the half-mile point.

From now on, I will only include a hotel if it is under $200 a night ::) (some of them crept over that limit since December) ::) . If the number is less than 30, it's in the Downtown area and you can look up the complete hotel description in my earlier posts.

Orange Line (Downtown)

City College Station
The fare to go to the Convention Center would be $1.25 each way (this is the discount rate for all downtown stations).

20. Days Inn Downtown/Convention Center (0.28 mi) ** 2D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

Fifth Avenue Station
The fare is $1.25 each way.

10. Gaslamp Plaza Suites (0.14 mi) *** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

17. Sheraton Suites San Diego (0.19 mi) ***.5 3D 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $164 through the ComicCon 8-)

19. Quality Inn & Suites Harborview (0.27 mi) ** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

11. Westin San Diego (was the Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza) (0.37 mi) ***.5 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $157 through the ComicCon 8-)

Civic Center Station
The fare is $1.25 each way.

13. Bristol Hotel (0.11 mi) ***.5 3D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

America Plaza Station
This is the transfer point for the Blue Line. The fare is $1.25 each way.

18. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.23 mi) **.5 3D 8-) SOLD OUT on Expedia, $150 through the ComicCon 8-)

Blue Line Stations (Downtown)

Santa Fe Depot
This is also the Amtrak station. The fare is $1.25 each way.

14. 500 West Hotel (0.11 mi) * ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

Little Italy Station
The fare is $1.25 each way.

24. Pacific Inn Hotel and Suites (0.03 mi) ** 8-) $234 8-)

21. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (0.06 mi) **.5 ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

27. Marina Inn Hotel and Suites (0.16 mi) *.5 8-) $202 8-)

25. Super 8 Motel San Diego Bayview/Convention Center (0.25 mi) ** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

29. Harborview Inn and Suites (0.32 mi) *.5 8-) $160 8-)

29 (again). Little Italy Inn (0.34 mi) *.5 c-$$$

Blue Line Stations (Old Town)

Middletown Station
The fare is $2.25 each way. It's at this point that day passes become economical: unlimited travel for four days for $15.

30. San Diego Airport Motel 6 (0.38 mi) ** 8-) $147 8-)

Washington Street Station
The fare is $2.25 each way.

31. Comfort Inn Airport at Old Town (0.35 mi) **.5 3D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

Old Town Transit Center
The fare is $2.25 each way.

32. Good Nite Inn Sea World (0.29 mi) ** 8-) $108 8-) 3880 Greenwood St, Old Town 92110.

32 (again). Hampton Inn Seaworld/Airport (0.29 mi) **.5 8-) $248 8-) 3888 Greenwood St, Old Town 92110

33. Best Western Hacienda Suites Old Town (0.38 mi) *** 3D 8-) $199 8-) Pretty and white, with balconies and Spanish-tile roofs, the Hacienda is in a quiet part of Old Town, away from the freeway and the main retail bustle. The layout is somewhat confusing, and accommodations are not large enough to earn the "suite" label the hotel gives them, but they're decorated in tasteful Southwestern style and are well-equipped. 4041 Harney St., Old Town 92110. Phone 619/298-4707 or 800/888-1991, fax 619/298-4771, web www.bestwestern.com. 169 rooms. Restaurant, room service, microwaves, refrigerators, cable TV, in-room VCRs, pool, gym, outdoor hot tub, bar, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, travel services, free parking; no a/c, no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Blue Line Stations (Mission Valley)

Morena/Linda Vista Station
The fare is $2.25 each way.

34. Comfort Inn & Suites Zoo Sea World (0.47 mi) **.5 3D 8-) $172 8-) 2485 Hotel Circle Pl, Mission Valley 92108.

Fashion Valley Transit Center
The fare is $2.25 each way. This is in the middle of a big shopping center with no hotels nearby.

Hazard Center
The fare is $2.25 each way.

35. Hilton San Diego Mission Valley (0.47 mi) ***.5 3D 8-) $189 8-) ? 901 Camino Del Rio S, Mission Valley 92108

The next five stations are devoid of nearby hotels.

Green Line Stations (Kensington)

Grantville Station
The fare is $2.50 each way.

36. Super 8 Mission Valley/Qualcomm (0.06 mi) ** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

San Diego State University Transit Center
The fare is $2.50 each way. No hotels here.

Green Line (La Mesa)

Alvarado Medical Center Station
nope.

70th Street Station
The fare is $2.50 each way.

37. Days Inn La Mesa Suites (0.43 mi) ** 2D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

[Government Man]

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels 8-) (tiny edit) 8-)

Part IV: Hotels Near Trolley Stops, Downtown to Lemon Grove

Well, taking the Blue Line north didn't work out so well, so let's try taking the Orange Line east. Unfortunately, most of these stations are for residential areas with no hotels. You have to go all the way to La Mesa to find anything.

Orange Line Stations (La Mesa)

La Mesa Blvd Station
The fare to the Convention Center is $2.50.

38. Ramada Ltd La Mesa CA (0.43 mi) *.5 8-) $114 8-) 7911 University Avenue, La Mesa 91941

[Government Man]

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels 8-) (with updates) 8-)

Part V: Hotels Near Trolley Stops: The Run to the Border

We will now turn to our final option if we're using the trolley: the Blue Line running from Downtown to San Ysidro on the Mexican border. This isn't going to be pretty, folks.

Blue Line Stations (San Diego)

Barrio Logan
The fare to the Convention Center is $2.00.

28. Americas Best Value Inn Convention Center/Downtown (0.25 mi) * 8-) $266 8-)

Skip two stations.

Blue Line Stations (National City)

8th Street Station
The fare is $2.25.

39. Howard Johnson Express Inn National City (0.46 mi) ** 2D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

Skip one station.

Blue Line Stations (Chula Vista)

Bayfront/E Street Station
The fare is $2.25.

40. Good Nite Inn Chula Vista (0.10 mi) ** 8-) $135 8-) 225 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista 91910

41. Best Western South Bay Inn (0.14 mi) *** 3D 8-) $88 8-) 710 E St, Chula Vista 91910

41 (again). Days Inn San Diego / South Bay (0.16 mi) ** 2D ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

42. Vagabond Inn Chula Vista (0.41 mi) ** 2D 8-) $125 8-) 230 Broadway, Chula Vista 91910

Skip to the end of the line.

Blue Line Stations (San Ysidro)

San Ysidro Transit Center
The fare is $2.50.

43. Travelodge San Ysidro (0.16 mi) ** ::) SOLD OUT on Expedia! ::)

And that's it. 34 of the original 50 hotels are available (plus 2 new ones), 26 of them under $200 a night. Hopefully, you should be able to find someplace to stay from that, but considering that 16 hotels became unavailable in a little over a month, you had better make your reservations as soon as possible.

[Government Man]

I updated the posts to include February prices and the Comic-Con's discounts. See all the stuff in blue.