Comic-Con 2009 Hotel Thread

[Government Man]

Government Man's (perennially-updated) Guide to San Diego Hotels

NOTE: THIS THREAD IS FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY! PLEASE DO NOT DISCUSS WHERE YOU ARE STAYING IN 2009, AS YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO MIGHT READ THIS THREAD SOME DAY.

I decided to put this thread in "Other Entertainment" rather than the "General Board," as there will not be a Foster's panel in 2009.

The hardest part each year in making it to the San Diego Comic Con is getting a hotel room. The hotel specials announced each February get snapped up earlier and earlier each year, so as ludicrous as it may seem to prepare for a trip ten months in advance, now may be the best time to arrange your accommodations.

On this thread I will provide maps and prices (mostly from Expedia) to help would-be Con visitors to decide where to stay.

Part I: San Diego Neighborhoods

The San Diego Comic Con is held in the San Diego Convention Center, located "in the heart of Downtown San Diego" (see map). All of Downtown is within a mile of the Convention Center, so getting a hotel there means you can walk. The airport is northwest of Downtown. North of the airport is Old Town (3 miles from the Convention Center) and east of that is Mission Valley (4 miles from the Convention Center), where the vast majority of affordable hotels are.

San Diego has a trolley system to handle public transportation. See the orange, blue and green lines on the map for the routes; the plus symbols mark the stations the trolleys stop at. For those taking the train, the Amtrak station is located at the northern junction of the orange and blue lines (southwest of #19). The trolley runs through Old Town and Mission Valley, so I'll be posting about hotels there as well.

[Government Man]

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels

Part II: About the Listings

The Comic Con website will announce discounted prices in January and a time frame to sign up for them starting in February. I can list which hotels participated in the program and list the prices used last year, but these are subject to change.

For the most part I consulted Expedia for hotel availability and prices for the period of Tuesday, July 21st to Sunday, July 26th.

The name of each hotel below is followed by the distance to the Convention Center. Unfortunately, these are distances "as the crow flies", not how far it would be in San Diego's one-way streets.

Next, each hotel is given a rating of one to five stars (including "half stars"). Here's what they mean to Expedia:

    * Economy: no guarantee of in-room phone or bathroom, 
       limited hours, no on-site dining
   ** Value: private bathroom, phone, TV; Continental breakfast
  *** Quality: pool and a restaurant
 **** Superior: room service, valet parking
***** Exceptional: DSL internet & DVD players in every room, 
       spa and golf course in the back, solid gold mint on your pillow

The U S Grant (#15) is the only five-star hotel in downtown San Diego. Probably the best one-star hotel is 500 West (#16); book it now before it's gone.

When a hotel was rated by AAA, I give the number of "diamonds" from them (1D, 2D, 3D, 4D or 5D). The meaning of the diamonds are pretty close to what the stars mean; if a hotel isn't AAA rated, it's either a new hotel or it's in trouble. If Expedia didn't have a listing for a hotel but AAA did, then I listed the AAA listing.

Following the rating is the lowest price per night for a two-bed, two-person room (a single room is $5 to $10 less). If Expedia doesn't list a price, it either means that the hotel is not accepting reservations this far in advance, or all rooms are sold out. Unfortunately, there's no way for me to tell which of these is the case.

When neither Expedia nor AAA had a price, I turned to Fodor's San Diego online travel guide. They rate hotel prices as follows:

   c = under $90
   $ = $90 to $120
  $$ = $121 to $175
 $$$ = $175 to $250
$$$$ = over $250

(That "c" is supposed to be a cent sign.)

Finally, I'll include what Fodor's had to say about each hotel that's on their site (a note at the beginning of the listings in Fodor's says, "You can assume that all rooms have private baths, phones, TVs and air-conditioning unless otherwise noted. Downtown hotels cater primarily to business travelers, while those at Mission Bay, in coastal locations such as Carlsbad and Encinitas, and at inland resorts offer golf and other sport facilities, spa services, children's activities, and more. As far as meals included with rent, San Diego hotels operate on the European Plan (meaning without meals), unless we specify that they use the Continental Plan (with a Continental breakfast), Breakfast Plan (with a full breakfast) or Modified American Plan (with breakfast and dinner) or are all-inclusive (including all meals and most activities). We always list facilities but not whether you'll be charged an extra fee to use them, so when pricing accommodations, find out what's included.")

You may notice that I skip some numbers in my listings. Those were hotels that are currently unavailable and didn't arrange rooms through Comic Con last year.

[Government Man]

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels

Part III: Downtown Hotels

Here is a map showing the locations of the Convention Center (the big red star is the northern end of it, at address 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) and surrounding available hotels in the Downtown area. As with the neighborhood map, the orange and blue lines show the two main trolley routes, with the crosses for stations--note that one of the stations is right next to Hotel #26.

Coronado Island is off the southern end of this map. Its hotels are just under a mile from the Convention Center, but I left them off the list because they are all four-star hotels (with four-star prices), and I've heard the drive over the long bridge connecting the island with the mainland is hellish.

In the following list, numbers 1 - 26 are less than a mile from the Convention Center, 27 is far away but usually has a shuttle to the Convention Center, and 28 - 33 are between one and two miles away.

1. Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina (0.06 mi/0.10 km) **** 4D $515 (the cheaper rooms are already sold out), $236 last year through the ComicCon (this is usually the headquarters hotel for the Con). This 25-story twin tower next to the convention center has everything a businessperson--or leisure traveler--could want. As a major site for conventions, the complex can be hectic and impersonal, and the hallways can be noisy. Lending some tranquility are the lagoon-style pools nestled between cascading waterfalls. The standard rooms are smallish, but pay a bit extra for a room with a balcony overlooking the bay and you'll have a serene, sparkling world spread out before you. Seaport Village and a trolley station are nearby. 333 W. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/234-1500 or 800/228-9290, fax 619/234-8678, web http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...el-and-marina/. 1,362 rooms, 54 conference rooms, 3 restaurants and a Starbucks, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, refrigerator and microwave on request, 6 tennis courts, 2 pools, fitness classes, health club, hair salon, outdoor hot tub, massage, sauna, boating, bicycles, basketball, 3 bars, recreation room, video game room, shops, laundry facilities, concierge, concierge floor, business services, convention center, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking ($20 a night self parking, $26 a night valet parking); no smoking. You can bring pets, for $75 each for the entire stay. Accepts AE (American Express), D (Discover), DC (Diner's Club--does anyone still have this?), MC (MasterCard) and V (Visa).

2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.18 mi/0.29 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con (had a shuttle to the Con). A Victorian confection, the Horton Grand comprises two 1880s hotels moved brick by brick from nearby locations and fit together. The delightfully retro rooms are furnished with period antiques, ceiling fans, and gas-burning fireplaces. The choicest rooms overlook a garden courtyard that twinkles with miniature lights. The hotel is a charmer, but service can be erratic. 311 Island Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/544-1886 or 800/542-1886, fax 619/239-3823, web www.hortongrand.com. 108 rooms, 24 suites. Restaurant (breakfast and high tea only), piano bar, billiards, business services, meeting rooms, parking ($25 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, DC, MC, V.

The next two hotels are really close to each other on the map, so they get the same number.

3. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (0.19 mi/0.31 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $474 on AAA (one bed only), $203 last year through the Comic Con (had a shuttle to the Con). Step into the lobby, modern and sophisticated with cozy lounge spaces and wood accents, and you'll know this isn't your usual Hilton. Inspired by the Gaslamp, this Hilton has unique style. Rooms have pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, two-line phones, and free Internet. The 5th Avenue Loft rooms, a boutique hotel within this hotel, are urban retreats with extra-high ceilings, tall windows, Frette linens, and keyed access; some have whirlpool tubs. An outdoor terrace off the New Leaf lounge is furnished like a comfy living room and has a fire pit. And you can't beat the location: the San Diego Trolley whizzes by, the convention center is across the street, and the Gaslamp nightlife and eateries are just outside your door. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/231-4040 or 800/445-8667, fax 619/231-6439, web www.sandiegogaslampquarter.hilton.com. 282 rooms, 3 suites, 8 lofts. Three restaurants, room service, in-room safe, refrigerator on request, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room data ports, free wireless internet, spa, pool, gym, hair salon, babysitting service, bar, business center, parking ($32 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

4. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (0.27 mi/0.43 km) **** 4D SOLD OUT on Expedia and AAA, $$$-$$$$, $215 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Built primarily for business travelers, this hotel between Seaport Village and the convention center is the largest in San Diego, and its 40- and 33-story towers make it the West Coast's tallest waterfront hostelry. The interior combines old-world opulence with California airiness; palm trees pose next to ornate tapestry couches in the light-filled lobby. All of the British Regency-style guest rooms have water views and windows that open to catch fresh bay breezes. Stay in the newer Seaport Tower for more recently updated rooms. The hotel's Business Plan includes access to an area with desks and office supplies. A trolley station is one block away and the Gaslamp's clubs and restaurants are also within walking distance. 1 Market Pl, Embarcadero, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/232-1234 or 800/233-1234, fax 619/233-6464, web www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com. 1,625 rooms, 95 suites. Three restaurants, room service, minibars, cable TV with movies, wireless internet, computer rental, 4 tennis courts, 2 pools, gym, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, bicycles, 2 bars, dry cleaning, business services, meeting rooms, parking ($18 a night self parking, $24 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

There were two hotels at #5, but both are unavailable.

6. Omni San Diego Hotel (0.35 mi/0.56 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $$$$, $202 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). The product of burgeoning downtown growth, this modern masterpiece occupies the first 21 floors of a 32-story high-rise, overlooking Petco Park baseball stadium. Though built for the business traveler, the hotel attracts a fair share of sports fans (it's connected to the stadium by a skybridge). The modern lobby is simply stunning; all rooms have windows that open to the breeze, and most have views of the ocean, bay, the downtown skyline, or the Petco outfield. Pleasantly decorated, rooms have DVD players and soothing sound machines. The pool terrace has a stone fireplace, outdoor dining, and a tanning area. 675 L St., Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/231-6664 or 800/843-6664, fax 619/645-6517, web www.omnisandiegohotel.com. 478 rooms, 33 suites. Three restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room DVD, free wireless internet, pool, gym, laundry service, parking ($30 a night valet parking), pets under 50 pounds ($50 per stay); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

No #7.

8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, aka Westin Horton Plaza (0.41 mi/0.66 km) **** 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). You know you're there when you see the startling lighted blue obelisk fronting this high-rise hotel. Inside, it's all understated cream-color marble and curved staircases -- and guest rooms freshly redecorated in a stylish urban design. The lobby lounge is packed every night with business travelers and weary shoppers back from the adjacent Horton Plaza. 910 Broadway Circle, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/239-2200 or 888/625-5144, fax 619/239-0509, web www.westin.com/. 450 rooms, 8 suites. Two restaurants, room service, cable TV, wireless internet, bar, pool, gym, business services, computer & cell phone rental, babysitting, laundry service, parking ($25 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

9. Comfort Inn Gaslamp (0.42 mi/0.68 km) ** 2D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $360 through AAA (1 bed). No Fodor's review. 660 G St., Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/238-4100 or 800/598-1810, fax 619/258-5310, web www.comfortinngaslamp.com/. 103 rooms. Free Continental breakfast, cable TV with free HBO, free wireless internet, in-room refrigerator and microwave, business center, laundry service, parking (free); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

9 (again). Ramada Gaslamp Convention Center (formerly known as the St. James Hotel, 0.46 mi/0.74 km) **.5 $399. Found on the northern end of the Gaslamp, this historic, 10-story building was San Diego's tallest when it opened in 1913. It's close to restaurants, nightclubs, and shops on 4th and 5th avenues, but you escape the racket when you enter the lobby, adorned with a big crystal chandelier. Good value and location make up for the small rooms. The suites come with robes, coffeemakers, and in some cases hot tubs and big-screen TVs. 830 6th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/531-8877 or 800/664-4400, fax: 619/231-8307, web www.stjameshotel.com/. 95 rooms, 4 suites. Restaurant, room service, cable TV, free wired internet, cribs available, bar, free gym next door, pool table, dry cleaning, free airport shuttle, parking ($20 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

10. Ivy Hotel (0.44 mi/0.71 km) **** $349, $325 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). No Fodor's review. 600 F Street, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/814-1000 or 877/814-1000, fax 619/531-7955, web www.ivyhotel.com. 159 rooms. Restaurant and nightclub, room service, plasma TV with cable TV and movies, free wireless internet, in-room refrigerator, umbrella rental, bar, pool, gym, dry cleaning, parking ($30 per night valet), small pets allowed ($150 per stay); no smoking.

[Government Man]

(Downtown Hotels 11 - 20)

11. Embassy Suites San Diego Bay (0.44 mi/0.71 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia or AAA, $220 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). The front door of each spacious, contemporary suite opens out onto a 12-story atrium, and rooms facing the harbor have spectacular views. A cooked-to-order breakfast and afternoon cocktails are complementary, as are airport transfers and a daily newspaper. Room rates vary greatly depending upon occupancy. The convention center, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and a trolley station are nearby. 601 Pacific Hwy., Embarcadero, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/239-2400 or 800/362-2779, fax 619/239-1520, web www.embassy-suites.com. 337 suites. Restaurant, room service, in-room refrigerator and microwave in kitchenette, cable TV with movies and video games, cribs available, wireless internet, sofa bed, free full breakfast and late-night snacks, pool table, tennis court, spa, sauna, pool, gym, hair salon, dry cleaning, laundry service, bicycle rental, babysitting, free airport shuttle, parking ($28 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

12. The Sofia Hotel (0.47 mi/0.76 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia or AAA, $265 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). No Fodor's review. 150 W. Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/234-0009 or 800/826-0009, fax 619/544-9879, web www.thesofiahotel.com/. 212 rooms. Restaurant, cable TV with movies, in-room refrigerator and microwave, wired internet, free bottled water, gym, masseuse, business services, dry cleaning and laundry, parking ($28 per night valet), pets ($50 per stay); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

12 (again). Westin San Diego (was the Wyndham San Diego at Emerald Plaza, which Fodor's insists on calling it) (0.49 mi/0.79 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $449 through AAA (1 bed), $179 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). This property's office and conference facilities draw many business travelers. Still, the Wyndham is also fine for vacationers who want to be near downtown shopping and restaurants. The beige-dominated standard rooms are rather bland and not large, but many of the upper-floor rooms have panoramic views. The health club is fully equipped and rarely crowded. 400 W. Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/239-4500 or 800/996-3426, fax 619/239-4527, web www.westin.com/SanDiegoHotels. 416 rooms, 20 suites. Restaurant, café, room service (limited hours), minibars, refrigerator on request, cable TV with movies and video games, wired internet, bar, spa, pool, gym, business center, computer/cell phone rental, sauna, steam room, laundry service, babysitting, parking ($25 a night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

No #'s 13 or 14.

15. The U. S Grant (0.49 mi/0.79 km) ***** 4D $694 (!!!), $549 through AAA, $299 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Fodor's Choice hotel. Stepping into the regal U.S. Grant not only puts you in the lap of luxury, but also back in San Diego history; the 98-year-old building is on the National Register of Historic Sites. A 2006 remodel reintroduced the hotel's original grandeur and opulence. The lobby is a confection of luxurious French fabrics, crystal chandeliers, and Italian Carrera-marble floors. Guests sip tea and martinis here Thursday through Sunday afternoons. The rooms feature custom Italian linens, opera lighting, and original French and Native American artwork, and the sunny baths are elegantly designed with marble tile shower enclosures and stone sinks. The Grant Grill restaurant reopened in January 2007, boasting a fusion of grilled specialties and fresh regional cuisine. The venue's 1940s-style New York decor has a glamorous appeal with African mahogany walls and plush seating. 326 Broadway, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 866/837-4270 or 800/237-5029, fax 619/239-9517, web www.usgrant.net. 270 rooms, 47 suites. Restaurant, room service, cable TV with movies, minibar, wireless internet, bar, gym, dry cleaning/laundry service, limo service, parking ($30 per night valet), allows pets under 30 pounds ($150 per stay); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

16. 500 West Hotel (0.51 mi/0.82 km) *.5 $119. An $8 million renovation in 2004 transformed San Diego's historic 1924 Armed Services YMCA Building into this hip, urban boutique hotel. Catering to the style-conscious, the hotel has small rooms big on quality, with flat-screen TVs, platform beds, Michael Graves-designed lighting, and a postmodern decor. It has single rooms as well as doubles, and all rooms share bathrooms. The Grand Central Café serves breakfast and lunch daily, and the hotel lobby has wireless Internet. Weekly tenants can use a gourmet kitchen equipped with a Viking range and Sub-Zero fridge; there's also a common area with tables and vending machines. The YMCA is still downstairs and guests can use it for $5 a day or $15 a week. 500 W. Broadway, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/234-5252 or 866/500-7533, fax: 619/234-5272, web www.500westhotel.com/. 260 rooms. Restaurant, cable TV, free wireless internet, refrigerator on request, one bathroom per three rooms, microwave in lobby, bar, gym, dry cleaning, laundry room, parking ($5 to $15 per night self); no smoking. Accepts MC and V only.

17. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown-Gaslamp (0.54 mi/0.87 km) *** UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, not listed in AAA, $$-$$$, $189 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Marriott took a venerable 1928 bank building and transformed it. Under a Spanish-style two-story painted ceiling, the marble lobby is a breathtaking architectural space where ornate, numbered teller cages still stand at check-in, separating the lobby from the Lincoln Bar. Since this hotel caters to business travelers, rooms are simply furnished and serviceable. There are some Jacuzzi rooms, and the Presidential Suite has a balcony overlooking the bay. 530 Broadway, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/446-3000 or 800/321-2211, fax: 619/446-3010, web www.marriott.com/sancd. 230 rooms, 15 suites. Restaurant, room service, refrigerator on request, cable TV with movies and video games, free wired internet, bar, gym, business services, dry cleaning/laundry room, limo service, parking ($24 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

18. Bristol Hotel (0.51 mi/0.82 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $-$$, $157 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Pop Art by Peter Max and Andy Warhol on the walls marks the style of this splashy boutique hotel. Rooms are decorated in fearless red, yellow, orange, and bright blue and come with bathrobes and CD players. The San Diego Trolley stops right outside at First and Broadway, but beware, the Greyhound bus depot across the street is noisy. 1055 1st Avenue, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/232-6141 or 888/745-4393, fax: 619/232-0118, web www.thebristolsandiego.com/. 102 rooms. Restaurant, room service (limited hours), minibar, cable TV with movies, free wireless internet, bar, pool table, gym, business & secretarial services, dry cleaning, picnic area, parking ($22 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

18 (again). Westgate Hotel (0.52 mi/0.84 km) ***.5 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $184 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Fodor's Choice hotel. A nondescript, modern high-rise near Horton Plaza hides what must be the most opulent hotel in San Diego. The lobby, modeled after the anteroom at Versailles, has hand-cut Baccarat chandeliers. Rooms are individually furnished with antiques, Italian marble counters, and bath fixtures with 24-karat overlays. From the ninth floor up the views of the harbor and city are breathtaking. Afternoon tea is served in the lobby to the accompaniment of piano and harp music. The San Diego Trolley stops right outside the door. 1055 2nd Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/238-1818 or 800/221-3802, 800/522-1564 in CA, fax 619/557-3737, web www.westgatehotel.com. 223 rooms. Two restaurants, room service, minibar, DVD player, cable TV with movies, video games and internet, wired internet, bar, masseuse, gym, spa, bicycles for rent, business services, dry cleaning, free airport shuttle, parking ($27 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

18 (yet again). Setai San Diego (0.56 mi/0.90 km) no rating $500 (one room). Opening Fall 2008. 240 Broadway, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/515-3000, web www.setaisandiego.com/. 161 rooms. Restaurant, European breakfast, room service, plasma cable TV, DVD player, sound system with iPod plug-in, wireless internet, bar, gym, pool, spa, SUV rentals, business services, laptop rental, valet parking probable, pets allowed; no smoking.

19. W San Diego (0.63 mi/1.01 km) **** $402, $295 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Come here for the trendy decor and neon drinks, not the service. The W chain's urban finesse adapts to San Diego with nautical blue-and-white rooms with beach-ball pillows and goose-down comforters atop the beds. The Beach bar has a heated sand floor and fire pit, but the pool is tiny by San Diego standards. The lobby doubles as the futuristic Living Room lounge, a local hipster nightspot where nonhotel guests have to wait behind a velvet rope. Be sure to get a room on an upper floor -- the leather-and black-clad crowd parties into the night. The hotel restaurant, Rice, serves stylish Asian and Latin cuisine, and the Away Spa caters to both body and spirit. 421 West B St., Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/398-3100 or 877/822-0000, fax 619/231-5779, web www.whotels.com/sandiego. 258 rooms, 16 suites. Restaurant, room service, minibar, cable TV with video games, in-room massage, wired internet, bars, gym, spa, dry cleaning, business services, computer rental, limo service, parking ($26 a night valet parking), pets under 40 pounds allowed ($100 per stay plus $25 per night); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, MC, V (but not DC!).

20. Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall (0.78 mi/1.26 km) **** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $169 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). 701 A St, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/696-9800 or 866/716-8130, fax 619/696-1555, web www.sheraton.com/SuitesSanDiego/. 264 suites. Restaurant, minibar, in-room refrigerator, cable TV with movies, wired internet, sofa bed, bar, pool table, masseuse, spa, gym, pool, business services, dry cleaning, parking ($22 a night self, $28 a night valet), pets accepted; no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

[Government Man]

(Downtown Hotels 21 - 33)

21. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.79 mi/1.27 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $152 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). 555 W. Ash St., Little Italy, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/233-7500, fax 619/239-8060, web http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com...n-bayside-inn/. 122 rooms. Restaurant next door, free buffet breakfast, room service (limited hours), in-room refrigerator and microwave, cable TV with movies and video games, wireless internet, bar, sauna, pool, free use of gym next door, dry cleaning, business services, computer rental, free airport shuttle, parking ($10 a night self); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

There were two hotels at #22, but both are unavailable.

23. Holiday Inn Express Downtown (0.86 mi/1.38 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $279 through AAA. 1430 7th Avenue, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 877/863-4780, web www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/sanrx. 136 rooms, 11 suites. Restaurant, free breakfast, in-room refrigerator, cable TV with movies and video games, free wireless internet, bar, pool, dry cleaning/laundry room, hair salon, parking ($14 per night self); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

24. Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay (0.88 mi/1.42 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia , $199 through AAA (1 bed), $171 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). On the Embarcadero and overlooking San Diego Bay, this hotel made up of twin high-rises has unsurprising but spacious rooms and hard-to-beat views from the balconies. Although the hotel grounds are nice if fairly sterile, the bay is just across the street and offers boat rides, restaurants, and picturesque walking areas. The hotel is very close to the airport and Amtrak station. The English-style Elephant and Castle Pub is a great place for food, drink, and meeting people. 1355 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/232-3861 or 800/877-8920, fax 619/232-4924, web www.HISanDiegoOnTheBay.com. 600 rooms, 10 suites. Three restaurants, room service, cable TV with video games, refrigerator available ($10 per night), wired internet, bar, gym, pool, dry cleaning/laundry room, business services, cell phone rental, currency exchange, free airport shuttle, parking ($20 a night self, $26 a night valet), pets allowed ($100 per stay plus $25 per night); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

25. Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown (0.94 mi/1.51 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $349 through AAA (1 bed), $165 through Comic Con last year (had shuttle to the Con). 1646 Front Street, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/239-6800, fax 619/238-9461, web http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/...ornia/index.do. 333 rooms. Restaurant, room service (limited hours), cable TV with movies, free wired internet, gym, sauna, pool, free airport shuttle, parking ($20 per night self); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

26. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (0.94 mi/1.51 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $179 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). 1531 Pacific Highway, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/233-8408 or 888/540-0907, fax 619/233-8418, web www.sandiegohamptoninn.com/. 177 rooms. Free full breakfast, cable TV with movies, free wireless internet, gym, pool, laundry room, business services, right next to a trolley stop, free airport shuttle, parking ($12 per night self); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

26 (again). Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown (1.07 mi/1.72 km) *** 3D $289. This all-suite hotel is near the harbor; it's a short, refreshing walk to the bay front, where you can watch cruise ships set sail. The suites have full kitchens, but if you don't want to cook, the hotel serves a convenient, buffet-style breakfast accompanied by a morning paper. 1747 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy, San Diego 92101. Phone: 619/338-8200 or 800/331-3131, fax: 619/338-8219, web www.SanDiegoResidenceInn.com. 121 suites. Restaurant, kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave, cable TV with movies and video games, free wired internet, sofa bed, gym, pool, dry cleaning/laundry service, limo service, parking ($8 per night self, higher for valet), pets allowed ($75 per stay); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

The Coronado hotels all go here, around a mile away from the convention center.

27. Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina (2.25 mi/3.62 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $469 through AAA, $192 through the Comic Con last year (see Neighborhood map for location; had a shuttle to the Con). Of this property's two high-rises, the smaller, more intimate West Tower has larger rooms, with separate areas suitable for business entertaining. The East Tower has better sports facilities. Rooms throughout are decorated with plush, contemporary furnishings. Views from the upper floors of both sections are superb, but because the West Tower is closer to the water it has fine outlooks from the lower floors, too. 1380 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/291-2900 or 888/625-5144, fax 619/692-2337, web www.sheraton.com/sandiego/. 1,044 rooms, 50 suites. Three restaurants and a Starbucks, room service, minibar, cable TV with movies and video games, wired internet, bicycle rental, 2 bars, pool table, 4 tennis courts, 3 pools, gym, wading pool, health club, 2 outdoor hot tubs, masseuse, sauna, beach, boating, marina, bicycles, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, arcade, computer rental, currency exchange, free airport shuttle, parking ($20 a night self, $26 a night valet), pets under 80 pounds allowed in some rooms (with a deposit); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Hotel #28 was unavailable.

29. Porto Vista Hotel & Suites, an Ascend Collection (1.07 mi/1.72 km) *** 3D UNAVAILBLE on Expedia, $233 through AAA. 1835 Columbia Street, Little Italy, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/544-0164, fax 619/237-9940, web http://www.ascendcollection.com/hote...lifornia-CA822. 209 rooms. Restaurant, in-room refrigerator, cable TV with movies, free wireless internet, bar, spa tub, laundry room, free parking; no smoking. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

30. Days Inn Harbor View (1.14 mi/1.83 km) 2D $199 (1 bed). 1919 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/232-1077, fax 619/233-6977, web http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/contr...2&brandInfo=DI. In-room refrigerator and microwave, cable TV with movies, wireless internet access in the lobby, pool, laundry room, business services, free airport shuttle, free parking; smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

Hotels 31 - 33 were unavailable.

[Government Man]

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels

Part IV: Hotels Near Trolley Stops, Downtown

(These are all covered on the downtown map.)

You may have noticed that the cheaper hotels are pretty far from the Convention Center. Rather than walk more than a mile each way, you should check to see if your hotel is next to a station for the San Diego Trolley.

Here is a map of the trolley routes. I will be rating each hotel based on how close it is to a trolley station, stopping at the half-mile point.

From now on, I will only include a hotel if it is under $200 a night. If the number is less than 34, it's in the Downtown area and you can look up the complete hotel description in my earlier posts.

Orange Line (Downtown)

Park & Market
The fare to go to the Convention Center is $1.25 each way (this is the discount rate for all downtown stations). It will usually take 14 minutes to go from this stop to the Convention Center using the Orange Line.

17. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown-Gaslamp (0.45 mi/0.72 km) *** UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, not listed in AAA, $$-$$$, $189 through the Comic Con last year

2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.48 mi/0.77 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con.

City College Station ($1.25, 11 minutes)

17. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown-Gaslamp (0.34 mi/0.55 km) *** UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, not listed in AAA, $$-$$$, $189 through the Comic Con last year

Fifth Avenue Station ($1.25, 9 minutes)

17. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown-Gaslamp (0.08 mi/0.13 km) *** UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, not listed in AAA, $$-$$$, $189 through the Comic Con last year

18. Westgate Hotel (0.16 mi/0.26 km) ***.5 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $184 through the Comic Con last year.

20. Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall (0.18 mi/0.29 km) **** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $169 through the Comic Con last year.

8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter (0.21 mi/0.34 km) **** 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year.

18 (again). Bristol Hotel (0.21 mi/0.34 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $-$$, $157 through Comic Con last year.

12. Westin San Diego (0.38 mi/0.61 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $449 through AAA (1 bed), $179 through the Comic Con last year.

16. 500 West Hotel (0.43 mi/0.69 km) *.5 $119.

2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.45 mi/0.72 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con.

25. Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown (0.48 mi/0.77 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $349 through AAA (1 bed), $165 through Comic Con last year.

21. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.50 mi/0.80 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $152 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con).

Civic Center Station ($1.25, 7 minutes)

18. Westgate Hotel (0.03 mi/0.05 km) ***.5 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $184 through the Comic Con last year.

18 (again). Bristol Hotel (0.06 mi/0.10 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $-$$, $157 through Comic Con last year.

8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter (0.14 mi/0.23 km) **** 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year.

17. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown-Gaslamp (0.19 mi/0.31 km) *** UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, not listed in AAA, $$-$$$, $189 through the Comic Con last year.

12. Westin San Diego (0.23 mi/0.37 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $449 through AAA (1 bed), $179 through the Comic Con last year.

16. 500 West Hotel (0.27 mi/0.43 km) *.5 $119.

20. Sheraton Suites San Diego at Symphony Hall (0.31 mi/0.50 km) **** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $169 through the Comic Con last year.

21. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.36 mi/0.58 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $152 through the Comic Con last year.

25. Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown (0.41 mi/0.66 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $349 through AAA (1 bed), $165 through Comic Con last year.

2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.44 mi/0.71 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con.

America Plaza Station ($1.25, 4 minutes)
This is the transfer point for the Blue Line.

16. 500 West Hotel (0.06 mi/0.10 km) *.5 $119.

12. Westin San Diego (0.11 mi/0.18 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $449 through AAA (1 bed), $179 through the Comic Con last year.

21. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.25 mi/0.40 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $152 through the Comic Con last year.

18. Bristol Hotel (0.26 mi/0.42 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $-$$, $157 through Comic Con last year.

18 (again). Westgate Hotel (0.32 mi/0.51 km) ***.5 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $184 through the Comic Con last year.

8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter (0.34 mi/0.55 km) **** 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year.

24. Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay (0.35 mi/0.56 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia , $199 through AAA (1 bed), $171 through the Comic Con last year.

26. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (0.38 mi/0.61 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $179 through Comic Con last year.

25. Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown (0.48 mi/0.77 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $349 through AAA (1 bed), $165 through Comic Con last year.

17. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown-Gaslamp (0.50 mi/0.80 km) *** UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, not listed in AAA, $$-$$$, $189 through the Comic Con last year.

Seaport Village ($1.25, 2 minutes)

12. Westin San Diego (0.29 mi/0.47 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $449 through AAA (1 bed), $179 through the Comic Con last year.

16. 500 West Hotel (0.30 mi/0.48 km) *.5 $119.

2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.34 mi/0.55 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con.

8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter (0.35 mi/0.56 km) **** 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year.

18. Bristol Hotel (0.39 mi/0.63 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $-$$, $157 through Comic Con last year.

18 (again). Westgate Hotel (0.42 mi/0.68 km) ***.5 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $184 through the Comic Con last year.

Convention Center

Gaslamp Quarter ($1.25, 1 minute)

2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.28 mi/0.45 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con.

12th & Imperial ($1.25, 2 minutes)

The only close hotels are over $200 a night.

Blue Line Stations (Downtown)

Santa Fe Depot ($1.25)
This is also the Amtrak station. The trolley takes 2 minutes to reach America Plaza, but there's also a 6 minute wait for the next Orange Line trolley plus 4 minutes to reach the Convention Center, for a total transit time of 12 minutes.

16. 500 West Hotel (0.12 mi/0.19 km) *.5 $119.

12. Westin San Diego (0.17 mi/0.27 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $449 through AAA (1 bed), $179 through the Comic Con last year.

21. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.23 mi/0.37 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $152 through the Comic Con last year.

24. Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay (0.28 mi/0.45 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia , $199 through AAA (1 bed), $171 through the Comic Con last year.

18. Bristol Hotel (0.32 mi/0.51 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $-$$, $157 through Comic Con last year.

26. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (0.32 mi/0.51 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $179 through Comic Con last year.

18 (again). Westgate Hotel (0.37 mi/0.60 km) ***.5 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $184 through the Comic Con last year.

8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter (0.40 mi/0.64 km) **** 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year.

25. Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown (0.47 mi/0.76 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $349 through AAA (1 bed), $165 through Comic Con last year.

Little Italy Station ($1.25, 14 minutes)

26. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (0.05 mi/0.08 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $179 through Comic Con last year.

30. Days Inn Harbor View (0.16 mi/0.26 km) 2D $199 (1 bed)

30 (again). Marina Inn Hotel and Suites (0.17 mi/0.27 km) *.5 UNAVAILABLE on Expedia.

24. Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay (0.22 mi/0.35 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia , $199 through AAA (1 bed), $171 through the Comic Con last year.

21. Best Western Bayside Inn (0.23 mi/0.37 km) **.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $152 through the Comic Con last year.

25. Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown (0.37 mi/0.60 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $349 through AAA (1 bed), $165 through Comic Con last year.

16. 500 West Hotel (0.48 mi/0.77 km) *.5 $119.

12. Westin San Diego (0.50 mi/0.80 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $449 through AAA (1 bed), $179 through the Comic Con last year.