Hotel advice

Question

We had thought about Town and Country but feel it is too far out. Now considering Spring Hill Suites or Best Western Plus Bayside. We will not have a car and would like to be close to transport links and walking distance to restaurants etc. we will visit early September. Any advice welcome. Thank you

Answer

If your priority is to be car-free, close to public transportation, and within easy walking distance of restaurants and San Diego’s main waterfront attractions, then staying near the Embarcadero or Little Italy is a far better choice than Town and Country. Town and Country is a pleasant resort, but it sits in Mission Valley, which isn’t walkable and requires rideshares or long trolley trips for most activities.

Between SpringHill Suites (Downtown/Bayfront) and Best Western Plus Bayside, you’re really choosing between two excellent “no-car” locations with easy access to the city’s best areas. Both are convenient for airport access, the trolley, the waterfront, and walking to dining—especially in Little Italy.

Below is a breakdown to help you choose.

SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront – Modern hotel directly across from the USS Midway and Waterfront Park. Excellent if you want a clean, contemporary stay with bay views, quick access to the Embarcadero, and very easy airport transit (about a 5–10 minute drive or quick bus ride). You can walk to Seaport Village, Little Italy, the ferry to Coronado, and the harbor cruises. The County Center/Little Italy trolley stop is right behind the hotel.
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn – A more budget-friendly but still well-located hotel in a quieter section of Little Italy. Rooms are older than SpringHill Suites but generally comfortable and the location is superb if food is a priority. You’ll be a short stroll from the main Little Italy dining corridor, Waterfront Park, and the same trolley stop as SpringHill. It’s a great value for car-free travelers.

Both are good without a car, but SpringHill gives you a newer, more scenic bayfront stay, while Best Western puts you closer to the heart of Little Italy’s restaurants at a better price point. Either one will let you explore easily on foot.

As for public transport, you will have excellent access to the San Diego Trolley, buses, and even ferries. Early September is a great time to visit San Diego—warm, sunny, and usually not too humid—so walking around these neighborhoods is pleasant.

If you want the most walkable food scene: Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (Little Italy)
If you want the newest building, bay views, and waterfront access: SpringHill Suites Bayfront
If budget is important and you don’t mind older rooms: Best Western
If you prefer a more resort-style feel close to the water: SpringHill Suites

You truly can’t go wrong with either choice, but if pressed, SpringHill Suites offers the more polished stay and immediate waterfront access, while Best Western is a great “value + food + walkability” option in the heart of Little Italy.

Both are absolutely suitable for a car-free trip, especially in early September when walking is comfortable and the waterfront is lively.