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San Diego

SAN

lobbyMore Photos
  • by panda1
  • A September 2006 travel journal
  • Last Updated: October 14, 2007
Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
Journal Usefulness
20
Reviews
32
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It's too hot a climate here for my preference, but doable for a brief visit.

SAN

Overview

Hotel Circle area has alot of motels with competitive rates that's a good value near the airport. Balboa Park has a collection of museums of various interests one should visit. San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld are major tourist attractions. Old Town has mainly rebuilt businesses of the past opened as museums, restaurants, shops. The Downtown is expensive to park if you can't find street parking, Gaslamp Quarter is way too crowded with crawling traffic and people, with relatively pricey dining options. The Hillcrest neighborhood is a really nice area not being too crowded with several gay/lesbian venues with a nice neighborhood art movie theatre, 24 hour Mexican food.

Quick Tips:

Resourses: San Diego Visitors, San Diego Zoo, Giant Pandas, Gay Lesbian Times

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving is probably the fastest and most convenient but you'll be paying pretty for parking in more congested and popular areas, rental car, public transit Metropolitan Transit System is available from/to the airport; and North San Diego County Transit District are less expensive but more time consuming travel options.

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lobby

Hilton San Diego Resort

Hilton San Diego Resort is situated on an 18-acre beachfront property with a Mediterranean village styled design. Located on Mission Bay off I-5, fifteen minutes from San Diego International Airport and downtown. Across the bay from Sea World, close to Old Town historic park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the San Diego Zoo. Tijuana, Mexico is a 25-minute drive.

The lobby has complimentary wifi access, the 300+ rooms and 8 suites have high speed Internet access for $12 for a 24 hour period.

Our room wasn't ready when we checked in before noon. Once in the room, it was nicely appointed and world class with very comfortable queen size beds, large balcony or patio, mini-bar, coffee maker, 27-inch television, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, voice mail, and dataports.

Amenities include a large swimming pool, 2 whirlpools, fitness center, business center, meeting facilities, wheelchair accessible, on site dining, tennis, and golf. The grounds look very neat and well managed. The large swimming pool is adjacent to the lobby with a bar and towels, and is open till midnight, accessible with your hotel card key.

Walking along the beach looks better than it actually is. My partner stepped into the water and got out of it right away as it's not something you want to wade in, swim nor fish in. It's convenient for a conference booked here, but once that was over, we left for something easier on the budget. We prefer ideally a closeby walkable neighborhood with shopping, dining, movies, not in a isolated area.

Room service is available with a $2.50 service charge and a 18% gratuity added. Check-in 4pm, check out before 12 noon. No pets allowed. Parking overnight $14 per night.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 13, 2006

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Hilton San Diego Resort
1775 E Mission Bay Dr. San Diego, California 92109
(619) 276-4010

bedroom - beds are lined with plastic sheets underneath, toss and turn all night on these beds

Pacific Inn Hotel And Suites

Pacific Inn is a relatively low budget accommodation advertising free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, parking on an available basis. The two beds were lined underneath with plastic sheets and we didn't have a comfortable rest, turning on our beds throughout the night unable to get a good night's sleep. The Wi-Fi wasn't available in our room, and had to resort sitting right outside the office lobby to get a signal, when we came back late we parked illegally as the parking lot was full. Pricing varies depending on activities nearby. There's a lack of a waste basket in the room and not enough AC outlets to plug-in electrical/electronic devices. Make your own waffle breakfast available from 7:30 to 9:30am.

It's right next to the railway tracks so Amtrak and freight trains go right by behind the property. Our overall experience earns this place a do not recommend. You might try one of several other motels in the immediate area or try one located around the Hotel Circle area.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by panda1 on September 13, 2006

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Pacific Inn Hotel & Suites
1655 Pacific Hwy. San Diego, California 92101
(619) 232-6391

one of two swimming pools

Vagabond Inn Hotel Circle

Vagabond Inn San Diego Hotel Circle is a good value for our stay at Hotel Circle. This particular place is a bit run down, it offers two swimming pools open till 10pm, modest room with two beds, convenience store and a restaurant next door. Lack of sufficient AC outlets for your electrical/electronic devices. Make your own waffle breakfast in the morning is included. We got a good night's sleep from being very tired and lack of sleep on our travel day flying.

We were able to get a better rate than what was initially offered by mentioning rates offered by the nearby competitors and being there early in the morning where we have time to shop around, not late at night where options would be more limited.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 13, 2006

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Vagabond Inn Hotel Circle
625 Hotel Circle South San Diego, California 92108
(619) 297-1691

Crest Cafe

Restaurant

exterior

Crest Cafe

Crest Cafe in the Hillcrest area spoke to us after walking around the area for a while looking for a place to dine with it's prices, look and atmosphere. Our waiter was patient as I tried to make up my mind of what to select. The food quality was high, though the peach cobbler ala mode dessert was only fair.

A split/sharing charge of $3, 18% gratuity will be added for parties of 5 or more. Credit cards accepted min. $5, open daily 7am to midnight.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 17, 2006

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Crest Cafe
425 Robinson Ave. San Diego, California 92103
(619) 295-2510

exterior

Moose McGillycuddy's Pub & Cafe

Moose McGillycuddy's Pub & Cafe in the Gaslamp Quarter was a place we felt comfortable trying based on price, looks, and atmosphere. There are a lot of places in this area, but a lot of them are pricier. This place offers a balance of price/value for this area with comfort food. We dined outside, as it's cooler and quieter than inside and also offered us the opportunity to people watch walking by the restaurant.

Our server was courteous and patient, and offered suggestions as I decided what to order. The food quality was high, fresh, and plentiful.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 17, 2006

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Moose McGillycuddy's
353 Fifth Ave San Diego, California 92101
(619) 702 5595

Cafe in the Park

Restaurant

Cafe in the Park

Cafe in the Park is a relatively inexpensive place for lunch in a fairly basic setting indoors near the museums in the nearby area. The sandwich is prepared fresh and good. The smoothie was fresh, but I was unimpressed with its taste.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by panda1 on September 17, 2006

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Cafe in the Park
1649 El Prado San Diego, California
(619) 237-0322

Cafe Coyote

Restaurant

exterior

Cafe Coyote

Cafe Coyote in Old Town was one of two places my partner felt like dining at because it was busy with a party positive type energy when we walked by here earlier. We came back later after walking around and seeing the sights and saw that it was still busy here. We sat down, and shortly after we found they weren't seating any more people, as it was 9pm. I ordered one of the more popular dishes, Margarita Chicken, $10.95. The food is good, fresh, and hot. We were pleased coming to dine here.

Open daily at 7:30am-9pm, till 10pm Friday-Saturday, credit cards accepted.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 18, 2006

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Cafe Coyote
2461 San Diego Ave San Diego, California 92110
(619) 291-4695

Kojack's Restaurant

Restaurant

counter

Kojack's Restaurant

Kojack's Restaurant is located near the beach, at the end of W Mission Bay Drive. We got lost trying to find our hotel and came across this area, and returned here for lunch later after settling in our hotel. We walked around this area and decided on this unpretentious place, which offered Greek food with a brighter atmosphere. We each had the lamb gyros with a Greek salad and a drink. I liked the lamb gyros, it was pretty tasty, but the Greek salad was too different for my personal likes. The people working here are decent and nice. Credit cards are accepted.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 18, 2006

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Kojack's Restaurant
714 Ventura Place San Diego, California 92109
(858) 488-5647

Posta

Restaurant

exterior

La Posta N-8 de Acapulco's Taco Shop

La Posta N-8 de Acapulco's is an inexpensive, no-frills, bare-bones 24-hour Mexican fast-food place with dishes made to order. Line up at the window counter, select the item(s) to order, pay, and wait for your order to be called. There are tables and benches to sit there and dine in, or you can take away. The atmosphere isn't much to speak of, but the food is fresh, hot, and filling. Al pastor (marinated pork) isn't listed but is available. It's great to come here for a late night meal or anytime. Cash only.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 18, 2006

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Posta
3980 3rd Avenue San Diego, California
(619) 295-8982

Vulcan Steam & Sauna

Vulcan Steam & Sauna is the nicest of the three gay baths here being better maintained and it costs less than the competition for entry. Limited parking is available for a few customers on this two story property with lockers, private rooms, TV room, video room, bunk area, steam room, showers, whirlpool, and outdoor patio. Open daily 24 hours. Twelve hour time limit, in and out allowed for an hour. One dollar for a one month membership, $13 locker, $17 room. Keep some singles on you in case you want some convenience drinks or snacks.

Telephone: (619) 238-1980
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by panda1 on September 13, 2006

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Vulcan Steam & Sauna
805 West Cedar St. San Diego, California 92101
(619) 238-1980

United Artists Horton Plaza 14

United Artists Horton Plaza 14 is part of the Regal Entertainment Group with 14 screens on two levels and 2 concession stands with validated parking good for 4 hours done as you give your movie tickets to be torn. The facility was good, able to watch our movie without any problems.

There are lots of food places to eat on level 4 outside of the theatre in the Gaslamp Quarter here. This area can be too busy to be comfortable in with traffic and crowds of people. Matinee shows are starting times before 6pm Monday-Friday, before 4pm on weekends and holidays. Admission $10, matinee $7.50, child & senior $6.50, student & military $9.00

Telephone +1.619.444.3456
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by panda1 on September 13, 2006

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Horton Plaza -Westfield Shoppingtown: Versailles
324 Horton PLZ San Diego, California 92101
(619) 232-2696

Hillcrest Cinema

Activity

Hillcrest Cinemas

Hillcrest Cinemas is part of Landmark Theatres showing independent and foreign films on a 5 screen cineplex. Admission is $9.50. If you come to the Landmark Theatres frequently, you may save some money by buying 5 admissions for $35.

Specialty items at the concessions counter include gourmet chocolates, espresso coffee beverages, Italian sodas and popcorn with 100% real butter.

It's nice to be able to go to see a movie that's not on the mainstream circuit. The facility here is very good even before entering the theatre on the second level. The Italian soda was a delightful change and even offers sugar-free flavors. The popcorn is offered with 4 flavorings instead of just the salt to top off with. The drink cup holder is located in front of you instead of being on the edge of your armrest, a nice touch. This was a completely enjoyable experience coming here, especially with your significant other, date or friend(s).

Telephone (619) 819-0236
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by panda1 on September 13, 2006

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Hillcrest Cinema
3965 Fifth Ave San Diego, California 92103
(619) 819-0236

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center built 1973 has IMAX films and planetarium shows inside the 76 foot high dome. Basically it's a gimmick, if you like IMAX films, you'll like this.

Personally, after seeing one or two of these, I'd prefer a more traditional screen presentation. I wasn't all that impressed with the subject nor presentation and fell asleep through most of the show. Admission to the show includes admission to the Science Center exhibits which are very similar to other science exhibits from different places around the world and gets rather mundane after a few times. The food area by the entrance offers free wifi.

Telephone (619) 238-1233
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by panda1 on September 13, 2006

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Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
1875 El Prado San Diego, California 92101
(619) 238-1233

Campo Depot

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum located in Campo presents rail cars from the past in this museum and includes an excursion ride with two departures, first at 10am, the second at 2:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays. The excursion ride takes us close to the border but doesn't cross it.

On the third Saturday of each month, except December, a train for Tecate, MX boarding at 10am, departs from Campo at 10:30am, arrives at Tecate at 11:45am, Tecate Brewery Walking Tour is available, re-boarding at 2:45pm, departs from Tecate at 3:15pm, and arrive at Campo at 4:30pm. Online booking or mailing in your advanced reservations is required as this event is very popular, sold out months in advance. U.S. Customs require that certain information be provided from each passenger prior to ticketing. Train fares are: adult $40, child $20, baby is free if it doesn't occupy a seat.

The gift shop has railroad related items you may be interested in purchasing. Admission is $15 when we went which had three railcars hooked up to the engine. One was a converted hospital car used during WWII, another car has reversible seats which no one was sitting at as it was hotter in that car due to poorer air circulation, another car was for a private function. If you should miss the excursion train ride, you'll get in to see the museum for $5 with a coupon good for sixty days to return to catch the train ride for $10 admission. Allow about 1 1/2 hours drive to reach this place in time from San Diego. Bring water to drink or buy a drink at the Campo Depot as it gets pretty hot and dry there.

Recommended for big or serious rail fans, otherwise it's quite a long drive for relatively little to offer. The museums in San Diego Balboa Park area offerings have much to recommend and your time would be much better served there instead.

There is another location in Le Mesa which is only a business office, 4695 Nebo Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941-5259, Telephone (619) 465-7776 on weekdays.

Private car is available for a private function if interested. Volunteers interested donating their time and labor are welcomed.

Campo Depot is open weekends from 9am to 5pm.Campo Depot Telephone (619) 478-9937 on weekends.