San Diego hotels

[J-Chow]

Hey guys,

I'm planning a trip for the gf and I to SD in Feb, and I've done some researching on what to do, but I'm bummed out on where to stay. (and this part is important because I'm planning to pop the big Q to the gf)

I'll be flying with allegiant, and with their packages they gave me a few choices in hotels and resorts.

I can choose between a 3 star beach resort called Bahia resort and/or Cataraman resort located around mission bay. The rooms seem kinda outdated and looks mediocre but I'm assuming a patio leading to the beach is a big plus, aside from the old interior rooms.
OR

I can choose a 4 1/2 star downtown hotel called the US Grant or the W San Diego hotel both located near gaslamp district which has way WAY nicer rooms, but lack thereof, a beach.

Pricing between all the hotels are relatively similar +/- $30
Has anyone been to SD and stayed at the above hotels who could possibly give me some insight and suggestions?

Thanks!

[yomitameow]

I spent my vacation in California back in October, and of course I planned a few days for San Diego. We were somehow tight on budget, so we stayed at Days Inn at the Hotel Circle which was clean afterall but not a classy hotel. Price was reasonable at $79/night.

[syee]

I haven't stayed at any of those you mentioned above (but Mission Bay I believe is close to Seaworld so there should be a few more options available - maybe not through Allegiant). I'm not sure what their price range is, but the last time I was in the area, I stayed here:

Beach Hotels in Pacific Beach San Diego CA | Pacific Terrace Hotel

It's located on Pacific Beach - about 10 minutes north of Mission Bay. The hotel itself was very nice and the service there was outstanding. It looks out onto the Pacific Ocean so it's a different view. It'll be a west facing view if you can get one that overlooks the ocean, so you'll look out onto the sunset if you're looking for a good time to pop the question.

[J-Chow]

I ended up booking at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay. The photos and reviews of the resorts by mission bay were kinda so so, and rooms were a bit outdated. Plus the beach looks deserted and not well maintained.

Figure I'll probably pop the question in the hotel on the balcony with a decent view of the ocean and sunset, or while at dinner or something. Still in the plannings