By Isabel Prontes
San Diego is a beautiful city located a couple of hours south from
Los Angeles in California. With the city's exquisite
beaches and world famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo, historic Old Town district and the Coronado Bridge, there is no shortage of things to do and see while in the area. Before visiting, do some research so you know which hotel is ideal for your needs.
Hotel del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado is a legendary San Diego hotel overlooking the Coronado Bridge. The hotel is famous partially because scenes from the Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis film "Some Like it Hot" were shot here. The hotel has a wonderful blend of modern luxuries and classical elegance (especially in the architecture). There are guest rooms in both "Victorian" and "resort" styles ("resort" rooms come with Pacific oceanfront views), and there are also suites available. The better the ocean view is from the room, the higher the room is going to cost you. (1500 Orange Ave Coronado, CA 92118, Tel: 800-468-3533)
The Bristol
The Bristol Hotel in San Diego is a boutique hotel near the city's Gaslamp Quarter. This hotel has a convenient location, near all of the exciting shopping and dining opportunities of Horton Plaza. It is also a brief drive away from beautiful beaches, the San Diego Zoo and the aquatic theme park SeaWorld. There are 102 rooms for guests at the Bristol, and some of the room amenities include radio alarm clocks, high definition LCD TVs, iPod and MP3 docking stations in the room, same day laundry and dry cleaning, and much more. (1055 First Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101, Tel: 619-232-0118)
Westgate Hotel
The Westgate Hotel has a central downtown San Diego location, and is very close to the Gaslamp Quarter, shopping areas, restaurants and other attractions. It is also very close to one of the city's biggest tourist draws--Balboa Park. The guest rooms include amenities such as large marble showers, work desks, down comforters and pillows, DVD players, data fax lines, slippers, plush robes, free wireless Internet access, minibar, personal safe and much more. (1055 Second Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101, Tel: 800-522-1564)
Horton Grand Hotel & Suites
The Horton Grand Hotel & Suites is located in the Gaslamp Quarter and offers guests a Victorian experience. The hotel is very close to the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Horton Plaza and many other shopping, dining and entertainment attractions. There are 132 guest rooms, which have features including microwaves, refrigerators, wet bars, king-size beds, sofa beds and more. The rooms are designed with hand-crafted antiques, marble fireplaces and period era decor. (311 Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101, Tel: 619-544-1886)
Sofia Hotel
The Sofia Hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Diego, with a convenient location that is mere walking distance to many of the city's biggest attractions. Guests to the hotel will also be very close to many of the area's outdoor, recreational and cruise terminal activities. Whether you want to walk to Seaport Village or to the legendary Old Town area, staying at the Sofia Hotel will make it much easier. The rooms feature laptop safes, mini refrigerators, bedside light and fine linens. The hotel has a 24-hour yoga and fitness center for guests, as well. (150 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, Tel: 619-234-9200)
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
