PortlySpartacus

I know this is a tough question to answer because "it depends"....

Situation is this: Hyatt Diamond member, traveling with my 16 year old son, just the two of us for a 5 night trip to San Diego over Spring Break in March.

I'm trying to decide on Grand Hyatt Manchester or Park Hyatt Aviara. I'm counting out the Andaz, probably not the scene for the two of us... Also wanted to ask if a trip to Palm Springs would be worth it to stay at the Indian Wells Resort?

We like a good resort but also like location and activities outside of the hotel as well. I'm not keen on paying super high golf fees at resort courses but would venture out to a nice public course.

I'm leaning towards the Grand Hyatt because of its location in the city, activities around the hotel, lack of resort fees and possibility to use a DSU....

Thoughts on this from people that know these hotels and the area? Thanks so much.

MSPeconomist

IIRC DSUs book into what are really junior suites.

I like the place, but it's really a big convention hotel; you might want to try to check whether it will be occupied by a big group, and if so who they are. In terms of location, the Gas Lamp (?) Quarter is a bit of a walk, although there are some restaurants and tourist shops by the water, almost on the hotel grounds.

bbbb

DSUs book into the Signature Suite at the Manchester Grand. You get a 780-square-foot parlor with a 340-square-foot bedroom, two bathrooms. Very nice two room suite using the DSUs and easy to get because they have about 50. They also have a great Regency club.

skunker

16 year old son? Mission Bay. Sun, sand, and surf is all you need. Trust me on this. After 3 days he is going to be looking to go to college here.

Your other two options are going to be boring for a teenager.

azepine00

Grand champions is a zoo around spring break and i suspect mission bay isnt any better. The resort facilities are just not designed for that number of kids/teenagers.

MSPeconomist

Then this is a big change for the better.

jim87

Checking into GH tomorrow. Have stayed over 50 nights the past couple of years. Have also stayed at all the other properties you mentioned. Stay at the GH. Pool and athletic courts. Seaport village next door. Great diamond breakfast and enough in the evening to make a meal. 5-10 minute walk to Gaslamp. Drive, bus or uber to the fantastic zoo and excellent museums at Balboa Park.

skunker

None of that trumps the 5 minute walk from HR Mission Bay to the beach (i.e. girls in bikinis). Think like a 16 yo guy from the Great White North.

Yes, the hotel might be nicer (debatable) but the location for what the OP wants is better at Mission Bay.

gadberry

I would also recommend HR Mission Bay. A much better choice for a teenager. I have never actually Stayed at this Hyatt. I just think the area is much more fun than the Seaport Village area. As a local I am biased, I used to live a few blocks away.

SanDiego1K

I would definitely rule out Park Hyatt Aviara. It is in suburbia, albeit beautiful suburbia, surrounded by high end subdivisions and golf courses.