TimMeineke

Did the just give it to you, or did you have to request it? I'm checking in with my family tomorrow

drjhwang

I'm planning to book a 3 night award stay in San Diego, and all the downtown hotels cost 10K points/night. I'm currently leaning toward the US Grant, but I don't have status and would not expect an upgrade. Would appreciate any other reviews of this particular hotel vs. the others.

As an aside, I found it strange that ALL the downtown hotels were at the same level. I'm sure this will change with the upcoming devaluation, so I'm hoping to lock in a good value while I still can. It seems that the W and US Grant should be a level above the others, if only based on their typical rates.

jaysue

Taking our kids - 8 and 4 to San Diego in August - looking to stay in the city area for 4 nights or so (Zoo, Sea World, Legolabd, Balboa Park etc).

Would appreciate recommendations on which SPG property to stay at - we have just over 50,000 points accumulated

Cheers
jaysue

PCTraveler

Are you looking for luxury or convenience? If luxury, with the kids, I would stay away from the W. Might suggest the Westin Horton Plaza.

If convenience, any of the Sheratons would be good, with the Sheraton Suites allowing you all to stay most comfortably in one room.

Would suggest you lock in one of these properties tonight as some of the properties may be going up in category tomorrow.

Also, with SPG, the 5th night is free on an award stay, so you may want to consider doing a 5 night stay.

KENNECTED

Welcome to FT.

its always suggested you do a search first.

If you do a search using the words "san diego" you come up with a bunch of great information. Here is one for starters.

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...ight=san+diego

jaysue

Thanks for the search thread - yep missed doing that first

Follow up question - my kids love trolleys and streetcars - does that help narrow down recommendations to specific properties other than mentioned?

Never been to SoCal - we are looking forward to it!

Cheers
jaysue

TimMeineke

Downtown is fairly compact and thus you could easily get to the trolley from the US Grant, W and Westin (and maybe from the Suites, I just don't know where it is). The marina would not be convenient.

We stayed at the US Grant and my 2 year old was obsessed with the train, which we rode 5 times. You can go all the way to San Ysidro (Mexican border) for $1.50 - what a great deal! One thing to keep in mind is that the trolley ticket machines can't give more than $10 in change, so keep some $5s & $10s handy

Uniter

I've got an upcoming stay in SD April. To me, a room is a room. Most important to me is breakfast so I can bank some per diem. Any of the hotels have comp breakfast (in a lounge, I'm assuming) for plat? I'm trying to get away from Hilton ... but they keep pulling me back in! (with breakfast!). Thanks.

mazzer

The Sheraton Suites gives Plats a free continental breakfast.

damon88

We live in San Diego and have stayed at almost all of the SD properties.


Here's our take:


Westin: It has been over 5 years since we stayed at the Westin. At the time the rooms were rather "tired." We were not Plats yet (we were Gold).
We did not receive an upgrade.

Sheraton Hotel & Marina: We just tried this hotel for the first time in January and were pleasantly surprised. We were curious what type of room we would get on a $109 internet special. We were upgraded to a great room in the West Tower with a beautiful water view. It was one of the best Starwood deals we've found

W: I have mixed feelings about this W. We've stayed there at least 4 times.
We typically love W hotels-- but the rooms at this W aren't as comfortable as other Ws. One of things I like about other Ws are the plush chairs or loveseats and the heavy black-out drapes. This W goes for a beach theme with white shutters instead of drapes and a window seat. It looks good but it's not as comfortable. We've always booked a Kool Korner and never been upgraded. One time we pre-booked a suite (can only be done through the hotel) It's a good location if you're visiting the Gaslamp or Old Globe theater. The staff is great.

US Grant: We've only stayed here once, but we're planning to visit again in May (it's walking distance from the opera). We used our free nights from a promo for the stay (back when it was a cat 4) and we couldn't have been happier- we loved this place. The rooms are gorgeous-- they upgraded us to a Legacy Suite. The service was impeccable.

Here are some of our photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ourshot...7600007642311/



I'm also very curious about the new hotel tha't opening in May -- the Emerald Plaza. It's in the same vicinity as the W, the Westin and the Grant (and a Sheraton) Looks as if it may be the tallest (best views?) Plus, I love new hotels.

There isn't much info (photos- room descriptions) on the website yet, but right now it's a cat 4 and the prices are reasonable.

SanDiego1K

I believe this is an existing hotel with change in management. In "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" where the dinosaurs end up rampaging thru downtown San Diego, you see the towers with their green neon trimmed hexagon towers.

damon88

sorry 1K-- when I said "new" I meant "renovated" like the US Grant.

The Grant has been there forever, but all the furnishings etc. are brand new.

Is the Emerald just a management change?

If so, then it's not as interesting to me.

Thanks for the Jurassic Park reference. I love spotting hotels I know in movies. I haven't seen that film in years but I don't remember that.

San Diego doesn't star in as many films as it should (it's so photogenic)
Some Like it Hot, Almost Famous, Traffic ???

Kobi

Any promos for extra miles, points, etc for staying in San Diego paying with an AMEX? Thanks

KathyWdrf

Did you check the promos feature on the spg.com website?

KENNECTED

Have you:
- checked the "hotel specials" for each property?
- checked www.frequentflyerbonuses.com