Early October trip, hotel options

Question

Hi - myself, my husband and our 25 year old son are doing an LA to Palm Springs to San Diego trip from 10/3 to 10/11. We are looking for a hotel in San Diego and both my husband and son want to be on/near the beach. Hotel Del Coronado would have been an option but the rooms left are just out of our budget. We "think" we'd like to be in the Mission Bay area (not knowing a ton about San Diego.). So we are currently looking at the Mission Bay Resort but I gather it's kind of isolated? Any other suggestions? We'd like to stay under $500 ish a night if possible, love a view, a balcony and a nice pool area.

We're big Omni fans and originally planned this thinking we'd stay at the Omni La Costa - until we realized how far it was from everything. So, that's a no but we're open to any suggestions.

Thank you!

Answer

Great question. San Diego has several very good beach-oriented hotels that could fit your budget and give you that “on or near the water” feel — plus more options than just Mission Bay Resort. Here are some thoughtful options + pros/considerations based on what you said (view, balcony, pool, under ~$500/night if possible in early October). Then a few tips to help decide.

Top Hotel Suggestions Near Mission Bay / Beach Areas

Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
- Very well-suited: this Polynesian-themed resort is right on Mission Bay, with lush gardens, water access, and a relaxed tropical-vibe.
- Rooms: Many rooms (resort rooms, suites) have a private balcony or patio with views of the bay, gardens, or coastline.
- Amenities: Large heated pool, whirlpool, spa (the only beachfront spa in San Diego), beach games, water rentals (kayaks, stand-up paddleboards), even seasonal beach bonfires.
- Rooms: Their “Bayfront Room” has direct boardwalk access, and “Resort Rooms” have balconies/patios.
- According to past guest reviews, this resort is walkable to both Mission Bay and Pacific Beach, and offers a good mix of relaxation + access.
- Cost: On Kayak, Mission Bay hotels including the Catamaran show up in a good mid-resort price range for early October.
Bahia Resort Hotel
- Very good “on or very near” the bay: The Bahia has bay-view rooms, secluded beach access on Mission Bay, and garden views.
- Rooms: Their “Resort View” rooms offer patio or balcony overlooking the gardens or bay.
- Studios: They have studio rooms with a kitchenette (compact refrigerator, microwave) and a private patio/balcony — great for flexibility, especially with a 25-year-old who might enjoy making simple meals.
- Amenities: Pool, large whirlpool, peaceful garden spaces, a beach lounge, and even shuffleboard — plus tennis / pickleball.
- Cost: According to Kayak, Bahia shows up in the ~$245+ range for Mission Bay-area stays.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
- This is another strong Mission Bay option. On Kayak, it’s listed in the Mission Bay hotel group.
- Features: Multiple outdoor pools, a marina, water-oriented activities, and a “resort feel.”
- According to Reddit reviews, it’s great for families: pool with waterslides, plenty of greenery, and a laid-back resort atmosphere. > “the swimming pool with waterslides … young kids will love it … tropical vibes”
- Trade-off: Some guests note it’s a bit isolated — not super walkable to restaurants or nightlife, so you’d rely on Uber / driving for going out. (Very similar to what you said about Mission Bay Resort.)
- Cost: On Kayak, their rates begin in a moderate range (e.g., ~$250+ for your timeframe).

Other Nearby Beach-Area Alternatives

Pacific Terrace Hotel (Pacific Beach)
- More ocean-front feel than bay-front.
- According to Expedia, they offer ocean-view hotel rooms in Pacific Beach, which could be very appealing if your husband and son want that “classic beach” feel.
- Pros: Walkable to boardwalk, restaurants, and beach life.
- Cons: Might be slightly more expensive or limited availability in early October, but still worth checking.

Considerations & Tips

You mentioned concern about Mission Bay Resort feeling “isolated” — that’s a fair point, and the same goes for a few of these bay properties. But if you pick Catamaran or Bahia, you’ll have more local restaurants, beach access, and things to do within a short drive or walk.
For a balance of beach + walkability + resort amenities, the Catamaran is probably your top pick. It’s very “resort vacation” but also close enough to other neighborhoods.
Be sure to book early: October is still a lovely month in San Diego, and rates could go up or rooms get limited.
Check for special deals or packages: Sometimes the Catamaran or Bahia offer fall specials, or you might find third-party booking sites with better rates.
If balcony + view is super important, specifically request a “bayview” or “balcony” room when booking, because not all rooms will have the same outlook.

My Recommendation

- First choice: *Catamaran Resort & Spa* — it ticks nearly all your boxes: beach/bay access, balcony or patio, pool, spa, and a resort feel.
- Second choice: *Bahia Resort Hotel* — a bit more understated, but very charming, has balcony rooms, and feels like a relaxing bay-front hideaway.
- Third choice: *Hyatt Regency Mission Bay* — if the pool and resort amenities are high priority, and you're okay using Uber to get to more walkable areas.

Early October trip, hotel options

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