- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 61
- Reviews
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2
- Photos
My Recent Vacation - April 2009
- April 15, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Wow, what a place. Our room was called a 'Garden View' room. My wife and I, with another couple were able to get two rooms together, each with their own balcony overlooking a small 'stream/lagoon'. The view from the room reminded me of Hawaii, plentiful birds, fish, turtles, palm tress, tiki torches. Very very nice. The room was clean and well appointed.
The only drawback was that they charged us $13 a night to park the car on the property. They said we could park out on the street, however, there are NO parking spots available, since the resort is located one block from the beach.
Also, be VERY CAREFUL where you park we you go out. We had parked behind a Taco Bell to have breakfast at a IHOP located next door. 30 minutes later, we came out and our rental car was towed away. It cost us * to the the car out of the tow lot. Bummer.
Overall, it was one of the best vacations we have had in a long time. There is a LOT to do and see in San Diego, and we only brushed the surface.
Have a great time, and look for the Green Flash!
Bad Experience
- April 14, 2009
- Rated 1 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Given several other ratings on this website we were very disappointed in our stay at the Catamaran Resort and Spa. Many of the reviews seemed to like the atmosphere, however we wondered if we were staying at a different resort.
I believe the hotel has a tower with rooms, however we ended up in the two level sections of the resort and can tell you they were not much better than a Motel 6, with the exception of the TV.
Had a room directly across from the Sales office and the hallway to the room was embarassing to say the least.
The rooms were dark with limited lighting and were musty.
Bathroom shower was dangerous with the temperature changing from warm to pretty darn hot whenever a flush of a toilet or use of the sink was made. Not good for kids under age 7 or 8.
Pools was nice with the exception of the ducks that were swimming and chasing each around the pool area. This seems like a potential health hazard.
I am hoping that the tower rooms are a lot better and worthy of the $* night that we paid for the disappointment. If we got charged the wrong amount for the hotel room and did not question it, then shame on us.
My wife worked at a resort and spa now owned by Marriott and I think we can honestly say, that this should not be called a resort.
In my work, I have travelled all throughout the Western US, Asia and the Central and South Pacific and this for the money was the worst ever spent.
If by chance the tower rooms are better make sure you stay in them.
I'm not sure I trust the ratings on this site anymore.
A great family hotel
- April 13, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
Our whole family (my family, my husband's siblings and their teenagers) stayed at the Catamaran for 3 nights. The hotel was very accomodating regarding our requests for our rooms to be groundfloor and close together. Each member of the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I was a little nervous about booking (I planned this trip for everyone and I wanted them to be happy) but once we got there I was very pleased. The rooms were spacious, very clean and I did not feel that they were outdated. There was a separate vanity area with two sinks and plenty of counterspace. There was a refrigerator and a coffeemaker. The $5 pricetag for a bottle of water in the room seemed a little high but that was minor. We thought this hotel was perfect for our family get together as each room has either a patio or a balcony to relax or socialize in the midst of beautifully landscaped grounds with the sounds of the streams and ducks around you as opposed to a sterile high rise hotel that does not offer this relaxed common area to relax and socialize. Mission Bay was right out the backdoor where we played volleyball in the sand, rented kayaks and rented bikes to explore the area. In the evening (I think about 8:30) you can sit on the bay and watch the fireworks from SeaWorld each night. The restaurant on the property, Atoll, was very good but a little pricey. There were restaurants (both nicer and casual) within walking distance of the hotel. Teenagers are often very difficult to keep happy while on vacation but all three of ours had a great time and would love to go back again.
Location, location, location!
- April 5, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
This hotel is one block from Pacific Beach and right on Mission Bay. It took me less than five minutes to walk to the beach for my morning coffee. Pacific Beach is great for walking and people watching and was never crowded. The hotel and grounds were clean and well maintained. We were upgraded to a studio and while the appliances were a bit outdated, they all worked fine. Most of the people staying at the hotel were families or couples. Our room in the tower was quiet. The front desk honored our request for a higher floor in the tower which gave us excellent views of the beach...7th floor or higher is best.
Good place and great value
- April 1, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
We went to the Catamaran for spring break this year via travel website. Overall our visit was great. The location is perfect, the room clean, and the grounds of the hotel better than I expected. I have two teenage kids and we had more than enough to do. It was relaxing, great to have the bay in the backyard and just across the street the beach. The pool was nice and heated. Lots of places to eat close and very close to the airport. By the way, the package was a great deal and the flight out and back worked as billed.