Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

DISCOUNT HOTELS / DISCOUNT ATTRACTIONS / LAST MINUTE DEALS

No Jedi Mindtricks Required

You know who you are. Most of the time you appear to be normal and responsible but once a year you make the pilgrimage to San Diego Comic-Con where your alter ego gets to shine. You're no longer the IT tech guy, you're Obi-Wan!

Those who aren't fanboys don't get it, but to many the opportunity to act out their fantasies as a superhero proves irresistible. What? That's right, grown adults, many with higher education and high paying jobs, all flock to San Diego's Comic-Con to catch the latest gossip, see the newest items, and maybe even meet some of the writers and actors who made their dreamworld come alive. They brave the mocking and proudly don their costumes and the personas of those they admire. Hey, you gotta give them credit! Would you dress up as Gandalf and walk down a busy street? I didn't think so!

The Trouble with Tribbles

Pay attention if you want a hotel room! Visitors multiply and hotel room rates skyrocket during Comic-Con week so plan ahead and book early - really early. It's probably easier to find a spare flux capacitor than a parking space near the Convention Center so either stay close to the area or make sure there is some sort of shuttle or trolley access.

Best Hotels within Walking Distance

Hilton San Diego Bay front: Awesome new hotel, one block away, Comic-Con HQ location featuring events at the hotel.

Marriott Hotel and Marina: Beautiful giant hotel with a resort style swimming pool, one block away, Comic-Con HQ location.

Hilton San Diego Gaslamp: A smaller "boutique" feeling hotel, one block away.

Manchester Grand Hyatt: Fancy giant hotel with fantastic views of the bay, two blocks away.

Hard Rock Hotel: Hip and trendy, with top end Nobu sushi restaurant on site. One block away.

LOCAL WALLY GOOD EATS TIP: Step away from the hot dog stand and step outside the Convention Center if you're hungry and want good food because right across the street is Kansas City BBQ, the place where the sleazy bar scene was filmed for the movie "Top Gun". And when you are ready to get some fresh air away from the Wookies, The Fish Market is the place to go for fresh seafood and a great outdoor patio with appetizers and an excellent view. Of course, you can also venture in The Gaslamp District where you can get a pint of Guiness at The Field or Dublin Square. Just don't eat at Fred's Mexican Cafe, the worst Mexican food in San Diego. For a complete guide to dining, visit my Good Eats section.

 

Best Hotels with Shuttle Service

DISCOUNT HOTELS / DISCOUNT ATTRACTIONS / LAST MINUTE DEALS

Embassy Suites San Diego Bay: Close enough to walk if you get impatient, across the street from Seaport Village and restaurants.

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown: Unique hotel in a historic building that used to be a bank, very cool.

Omni San Diego: Close to Petco Park and right in the heart of the Gaslamp District, great location.

Doubletree Hotel Downtown San Diego: Great hotel and who can resist their warm chocolate chip cookies?

Hotel Solamar: Trendy cool hotel, they call it "urban coastal chic", rooftop pool and lounge.

Andaz Hotel (formerly The Ivy): Hip, contemporary, very upscale, rooftop bar, this place is hot.

LOCAL WALLY HOT BAR SCENE TIP: Gaslamp is filled with cool, hip and trendy bars. If you're a player there's no better place than the Hard Rock Hotel's Float or the rooftop Altitude Bar on top of the Marriott. The Stingaree attracts the celebs and The Beach at the W Hotel brings the beach, sand and all, to the setting. And for something completely different, check out the dueling piano singers at The Shout House, a fun and rowdy place for the blue jeans crowd.

 

Best Hotels with Trolley Access

Doubletree Mission Valley: With the trolley station right outside the front door you can't much more convenient than this.

Best Western Hacienda Old Town: 5 minute walk to the trolley station, margaritas and Mexican food right down the street.

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Old Town: Easy walk to the trolley station and Old Town.

San Diego Marriott Mission Valley: Great location away from the freeway and crowds, nice mini-resort feel.

Best Western Encinitas Moonlight Beach: If everything near downtown is booked then go north to a real beach town with a trolley station right down the street.

 

 

DISCOUNT HOTELS / DISCOUNT ATTRACTIONS / LAST MINUTE DEALS

Check Hotel Rates

Vacation Rentals

Sponsored Ads

Featured Hotels

Corporate Housing

 

Latest Tweets