12/2007 San Diego, CA Vacation

April and I stayed at the Best Western Blue Sea Hotel.  Before we came in their reservation system was down...but their staff was surprisingly good about getting back to us as soon as the system was back up and running with our confirmation number  - good start.  The hotel itself is nothing to look at...it looks more like a motel than a hotel but it is situated right in front of the beach and today we saw dolphins and surfers out there.  The waves were pretty nice and on the best morning there were 20/30 surfers out there.  Our partial view was very "partial" but it did have a view of the pool and had a very partial view of the beach - I do not recommend room 323, although room 322 should be ok.  Room 323's balcony does not have a very good view. The room was cozy but was mediocre as far as extras and there was also a nest of pigeons in the balcony and April got attacked.  We didn't feel like disturbing the pigeons home so we didn't call the front desk. They also have an indoor parking garage which is huge since the area doesn't look too friendly and there are a lot of people on the boardwalk.   The entrance to the garage was only 6ft high so it is not suited for SUVs nor trucks.  Our remote on the TV also did not work...but a simple call to the front desk had a maintenance guy up here in less than 10 minutes. Wonderful service, so far all our needs have been met. Also, there is a restaurant right next to our hotel called World Famous...try the California Omelett - it is delicious (priced ~$8.50).  Breakfast right there on the beach overlooking the surfers and people watching on the boardwalk every morning...it was great!!

On the first day we also went to Beautiful Old Town with wonderful small shops where you can talk directly with the owners. There were all kinds of things that you can look for - from beautiful custom glass shops, to jewelry shops, to Mexican dresses, you can find anything you wish. We ate at the Cafe Coyote Mexican Grill Restaurant which was reasonably priced. The service was surprisingly quick even though the place was packed full and the food was very good. Great atmosphere as well and TVs if you are a sports watcher (the Patriots & Giants are playing in an hour!!).  We also wanted to do the Trolley around Old Town but got there too late. Make sure you get there between 9am and 3pm for the Trolley ride. We walked throughout the Old Town and April and I thought it was beautiful and very interesting. But we forgot the camera...WOW...big mistake!! Might return just to take pictures...very interesting and beautiful place. It was not crowded at all, but there were people walking around and it was busy.  Great place to eat and shop...definetely recommend people visit Old Town.

In the late evening I went to Hooters, which is about a 3 minute walk from the hotel.  The Patriots & Giants were playing as well as UFC 79 was on.  Since I am a sports watcher, I had a few beers and called it a night.  April and I flew into San Diego today...so we packed up early and went to bed.  By the time we went to bed it was already past midnight Tampa time.  We fell asleep to the sound of the ocean...how peaceful and nice!