The holiday appears to be Martin Luther King Jr, which isn't one of the big major holidays in the United States, as compared to 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Presidents Day. As noted in a previous entry, my wife and I just stayed in that same region, the weekend after thanksgiving for $85 per night for two nights and over Valentines day weekend, which was also a three day weekend for Presidents day in February for $75. We have been to San Diego, staying in 4* hotels in the Marina area in various times of the year, spring, winter, fall and summer, and not paying more than the $85 we paid 2 weeks ago. Not sure why they are not getting you better deals, maybe they just don't like the English....just kidding. I'd say keep trying. We usually start about 2 weeks prior to our visit to look for a room. Good luck