Posted 18 May 2007 - 05:38 AM
For a great value for a one night stay in San Diego, I highly suggest Priceline bidding in Old Town area, 2 1/2*, for about $50. Hopefully you'll get the Courtyard. Ask for a room facing toward the courtyard... And yes, you are probably bidding too early. I know for a fact that the downtown Hilton doesn't make rooms available for Priceline until 30 days out...
If you are only in San Diego for one day, you could take the Old Town Trolley -- just a few blocks away from the Courtyard, and get on & off privileges to all the downtown and Coronado main tourist areas. Alternatively, and more cheaply, you could have plenty to do just by taking the red SD Transit Trolley from Old Town (either walk, or park your car in their lot) to the Santa Fe or America Plaza stop downtown, and walk along the waterfront, see the Star of India and other boats, the Midway, Seaport Village, have a drink at the top of the Hyatt for an incredible sunset view, walk south along the waterfront by the yachts, past the Marriott, and down to the middle of the Convention Center, where there are sculptures, and steps (and elevators, which don't always work) which go up and over the Conv. Ctr, just south of their white sail covered convention hall. When you walk down the other (east) side you'll be facing the entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter, the Gaslamp Trolley station across the street, and the Hilton and Omni hotels. If you really would like to splurge, try checking Travelzoo starting in Sept. for $99 deals for the Omni. You can also try bidding 4* downtown, but you could get the Hilton, or others. These hotels charge a fortune for parking though. There is a Padres Parcade parking garage across the street from the Omni which is much cheaper. You could either take the trolley back to the hotel from the Gaslamp station, or if you still have the energy, walk up 5 th Avenue for a very entertaining walk, and dinner if you like. Return to the Santa Fe Station to get back to Old Town. If you take the trolley back from the Gaslamp Station, you have to change trains at the America Plaza station.....
PS: San Diego is impossible to do in one day.....If you are an early riser, try driving out to the Point Loma Lighthouse before you do what I've suggested above... Terrific view and visitors center....