San Diego weekend getaway

San Diego is a great destination for a weekend getaway. Quick and easy to reach from the San Francisco Bay area (my flight time was under 70 minutes), San Diego is also convenient to any number of destinations in the west.

What to do? Go to the beach. Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and the affiliated Wild Animal Park. Take the kids to Sea World or Lego Land. Watch a baseball game at Petco Park. Enjoy the nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter. Or spend a day at Balboa Park (which features more museums than any other park in the world). Every Sunday afternoon, enjoy a free Organ Concert in Balboa Park. From the picture above, you can guess what I did this past Sunday!

Where to stay? There are a number of great San Diego luxury hotels, but here are two suggestions.

The Grand Del Mar is a brand new resort located about 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego. Finished a couple of years ago, it was built around an existing 18 hole golf course that has been redesigned by Tom Fazio. The resort resembles an elaborate Tuscan estate with marble floors, limestone pillars, beautiful painted ceilings, and lushly decorated guest rooms. Besides golf, the Grand Del Mar offers several swimming pools — including an adults-only pool, tennis courts, and a spa. Free transportation is provided for all guests within a 14 mile radius, a chance to enjoy a day at the beach or enjoy other San Diego area attractions. Pricing is extremely attractive this summer, and there's even an Unlimited Golf package. Virtuoso guests enjoy an upgrade at time of booking, daily full breakfast for two, and a generous resort credit — all at the Best Available Rate.

The US Grant is a historic hotel in downtown San Diego, adjacent to the Gaslamp District and all its exciting nightlife. When you stay, be sure to ask for the brief historic tour of the building offered by Clifford; he will describe some architectural features of the hotel, explain some historic photographs, and point out the immense hand-woven silk rug in the lobby, features you might otherwise fail to notice. Built by the son of President Grant, the US Grant originally opened in 1910. The rooms are comfortable, and the Grant Grille is an excellent fine dining restaurant. Virtuoso guests receive an upgrade on arrival if available, a complimentary Full Breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests, and a $75 credit towards incidental expenses during your stay.

To take advantage of the complimentary amenities at the Grand Del Mar, the US Grant, and over 800 luxury hotels worldwide, simply book through a Virtuoso luxury travel consultant.

San Diego luxury hotels (search here on Google)


copyright (c) 2009 by David J. Ourisman. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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