When traveling to San Diego, it’s a good idea to check out what the area is like before arriving. There are so many parts to this fabulous city, that it will be hard to determine what San Diego hotel rooms are going to be the best deals. Many factors need to be taken into consideration, such as; the hotel accommodations, services and amenities offered by the hotel, dining choices, if there are any special rates, and which ones are located near popular attractions.
Accommodations- The decision on what type of room is needed should be easy enough to make. Most hotels have the option of choosing between suites with one or two king-sized beds, or one bed and a pull-out couch. There is usually just one bathroom in the smaller rooms, but some suites also have balconies, refrigerators, microwaves, and television. If necessary, there are also rooms that have wheelchair accessibility. Family rooms often have one large bed and a set of bunk beds, which is very exciting for the kids.
Services and Amenities- If the trip to San Diego is for business, be sure to check on the availability of access to fax and copy machines. They usually offer the rental of audio and visual equipment and have an excellent variety of meeting rooms. Wireless high-speed Internet services are almost always offered, as well as computer use, in case an extra is needed.
For families, there are numerous hotels with activities for children, kids’ menus, and even video rentals of movies that children enjoy. Cribs are available for babies and toddlers, as well as high chairs. These can make traveling with very small children a smoother process. Airport transportation can be a huge plus, especially when there is a large family traveling to the hotel. It’s hard to find a taxi big enough to carry everyone, plus the luggage.
Added services provided by most hotels include; an ATM in the lobby, complimentary breakfast and/or beverage area, multi-lingual staff members, room service, and safety deposit boxes. There is often the option for baggage storage when check out comes way before the tram to the airport is due to leave. For general personal cleanliness, some hotels have barber shops and laundromats included inside the hotel. Pools and fitness rooms are found in just about every popular hotel in San Diego, even water parks for kids and relaxing Jacuzzis for the adults.
Dining Choices- Many hotels will have at least one restaurant, while others will also have a pub or multiple eateries to choose from. There is usually room service that can be ordered between mid-morning and 10pm. If there is a strong desire to eat outside the restaurant, the main desk generally has a map or a listing of places nearby to eat at.
Specials and Discounts- Some hotels will give one night at a discounted price for booking multiple days in a row. Other places will offer packages for sites in the city in combination with a night’s stay; such as a trip to the local zoo, a night at the drive-in theater, or a trip to Sea World. There are also packages that include the whole family, even the pet or pets of the house can stay at the hotel with the family. Booking rooms way in advance will usually generate a discounted price. It’s always a good idea to check on what might be available for a discounted rate.
Attractions- Finding a hotel that is in the center of things is fantastic, but not always feasible. The best way to handle this is to make a list of sights to see in order of importance. There are many hotels that are near multiple sights. There are also some that can easily provide transportation to some of the hot spots. Top attractions in San Diego are; the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Legoland, Balboa Park, San Diego Harbor, Old Town San Diego, Mission Bay Park, La Jolla, and the many magnificent beaches.
Booking any of the San Diego hotel rooms can usually be accomplished over the internet or phone. Both are equally as easy and can be done any time of day. When booking online, there’s a section to fill out with the dates of the desired stay and availability is checked once this information is entered. After the dates, number of people, and the type of room are filled in and submitted, the total cost is listed. If this is acceptable, a credit card is used to secure the room, but won’t be charged until after the stay.