Winter in San Diego? While the rest of the nation is in deep freeze, San Diegans are enjoying 70-degree temps. Ok, so maybe it dips into the 60s some days. It’s still a pretty perfect place for a winter getaway: Crowds are gone – and lodging prices are at their lowest.
Imagine sleeping over the surf in one of the 23 white clapboard cottages on historic Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Units have fully equipped kitchens and private patios. In summer, 1-bedroom cottages go for $300 a night – and there’s a 3-night minimum. The regular off-season rate is $235, with a 2-night minimum. But, midweek through February, cottages are going for as little as $125 a night, with no minimum stay required. Book by phone at 800-748-5894 – and be soothed to sleep by sounds of surf.
Not far away, at The Dana on Mission Bay, where standard rooms typically run $169 in summer, the off-season “Sleep Like a Baby” package has rooms for as little as $89 a night – and the deal includes free parking (an $18 value), free WiFi ($9.95 value) and a daily $20 food and beverage voucher for use at hotel restaurants, the pool bar or room service. There’s a 2-night minimum stay required and the deal must be booked online: www.thedana.com. Full nonrefundable prepayment is due when booking.
Most of the 20-plus hotels in Mission Valley are offering blockbuster deals through February (except Presidents Weekend). When I checked in late January, I found rates of $50-a-night or less at the Mission Valley Resort, Travelodge and Super 8 on Hotel Circle. Restrictions, such as advance purchase, may apply.
Head North to the Best Western Stratford Inn in Del Mar for a $219 deal that includes overnight lodging, two 50-minute massages in the hotel’s new spa (a $180 value), continental breakfast, WiFi, parking and taxes. Along with the new spa, the hotel has two pools and a whirlpool; it’s a short walk to the beach. The deal requires 3-day advance purchase, is nonrefundable and must be booked online: http://best-western-stratford.pacificahost.com/.
There is, quite simply, no bad time to visit San Diego – but for those hunting for top value, there may not be a better time than right now.