I worked at both of these hotels the Hyatt La Jolla is a far nicer hotel aesthetically, more austere and lot of marble. It has a fancier vibe, and is a nice place to walk into and feel important. It is a Michael Graves designed building, inside and out, down to the upolustery and silverware. My best description is pop neo-classical. It is more of a business hotel, but it has a nice pool. It is located in an area near the freeway with (very upscale) stripmalls and townhouses surrounding. It is drive to get anywhere, but the surrounidng beach areas are quieter, more residential and upscale. The islandia is a vacation hotel right on the waters of mission bay. It has more of lanai/cabana vibe. the staff is older and more entrenched in the union, so service isn't as snappy but can be good. If I had kids I'd go here -- it is surround by waterfront parks, walkable to the beach and roller coaster (which is quite a scene in summer), very close to Seaworld and nearer to the zoo, balboa park, downtown, and the airport. And it is really not much farther from the interesting part of La Jolla than the Hyatt "La Jolla." hank
