<p>Tomorrow my father and I are going to take a plane to San Diego and we need to find a place to stay. We're going to arrive at the San Diego airport (I think there's only one airport in San Diego, so I'm guessing this is where we're going to land) at 8:40 p.m. on Friday night. We're going to leave for Admit Day the next morning, and our flight back leaves that night at 7:45 p.m. So, we just need a cheap motel to stay at that's close to UCSD. Any recommendations? Where are you guys staying (I'm guessing at least a few of you are flying in to San Diego)?</p>
<p>I should mention that we're looking for something under $100 a night.</p>
<p>Er... La Jolla has a reputation for being really expensive. The hotels are no exception. I don't know if there are any motels around here.. I've never seen them, not around campus at least. The closest hotels to campus are the Mariott La Jolla, Mariott Residence Inn, and Radisson, I believe. I've stayed at all three with my parents when they come down to visit, and I think they're all pretty expensive.</p>
<p>Try searching hotels.com with the city of La Jolla as your choice. Also google places to stay near UCSD. This should net you at least a few options. You can then use mapquest.com to determine how far the hotel is from the campus and get directions.</p>
<p>One more piece of advice. Don't book through hotels.com. Google the name of the hotel once you find one that looks good and then call them directly. You will get the same rate if not better and receive superior treatment and amenities.</p>
<p>I've found some hotels, but the problem is that we're going to arrive in San Diego at 8:40 p.m., and all of these hotels seem to have check-in times of ~3 p.m. or so. I've never stayed at a hotel, but doesn't this mean that we have to check-in by that time? I can't find any hotels with 24 hour check-in.</p>
<p>I stayed at the Days Inn in the Mission Bay area, which was about ten minutes away from the UCSD campus. It was about $88 a night for a two queen room when I went last week. The place was pretty clean and well kept.</p>
<p>The Days Inn that adzuki posted says that check-in is "after 2:00 p.m." and that check-out is "before 11:00 a.m." Is this the system that is usually used with hotels? So those hotels that I saw that said 3:00 p.m. check-in were actually "after 3:00 p.m."?</p>
<p>Are you two renting a car? I'll be on campus tomorrow if you want any help with anything. PM me if you're interested in maybe having a talk with a current grad student who has some experience with the undergrads (as a TA.)</p>
<p>I recommend, then, that you consider staying about 15-20 minutes away from campus, as the cost of the room will drop significantly. It's really quite expensive around UCSD. Mostly business class hotels and slightly expensive lodging.</p>
<p>Aw, that sucks. There are a TON of hotels in the Mission Bay area because most of them are located on a street called Hotel Circle or something, so you could do a few more searches for hotels/motels in that area and you'll still be pretty close to campus. I've stayed at a few different hotels in that area in the past and they were all under $100.</p>
<p>California Suites Hotel
5415 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117</p>
<p>It's only 9 minutes from UCSD and it looks like it'll only cost $85 a night from Expedia.com (is Expedia not recommended like hotels.com, or is it okay to use it?)</p>
<p>Yes you can check in anytime after 3:00PM. Since you are arriving a little later I would advise you call the the hotel and let them know about what time you will be arriving (just to make sure they keep your room for you). Once again use Expedia.com to find the hotel room but don't book with them. Just call the hotel directly and ask for the room price. If their price doesn't match (remember you pay a fee for expedia so add that in) ask for the price you were quoted on Expedia. They will almost always match it and give you better service too.</p>
<p>If you already booked with Expedia.com you should still call the hotel to let them know when you will arrive. If you did not book with Expedia.com make sure to bring your registration # with you. For Expedia bring a copy of your receipt.</p>