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TRAVELERS AVOID “PAIN AT THE PUMP" IN SAN DIEGO
Even in the face of rising gas prices nationwide, summer travelers can still afford to experience San Diego’s 70 miles of beautiful beaches, world class-attractions and near-perfect weather. Ranging from gas cards and rebates at the region’s world-class hotels to a myriad of public transportation options, the following money-saving strategies can help savvy travelers access all San Diego has to offer while keeping an eye on the bottom line.
BOOK “CASH FOR GAS” HOTEL PACKAGES
San Diego hotels are helping visitors offset the high cost of fuel this summer with special hotel packages that include gas rebates, hotel credits and gas cards. These value-added packages allow drive-in visitors and those renting cars in San Diego to recoup some of their gas expenditures and save that money for fun in the sun.
• In addition to white-sand beaches, fine dining, a luxury spa, lush gardens and pools, Paradise Point Resort & Spa on Mission Bay is offering visitors a $100 gas card and free parking with a qualified 4-night stay. Rates start at $249 per night (plus tax), and a minimum 4-night stay is required. Gas cards are issued at check-out. Reservations must be booked by June 30, 2008, and travel must be completed by September 30, 2008. To book this package, reserve online by using the promotion code “FREGAS” at www.paradisepoint.com.
• Located directly across from the world-renowned Del Mar Race Track and minutes from the Pacific Ocean, the Hilton San Diego-Del Mar offers a “Gas & Go” package that includes a $25 gas card, free parking and complimentary buffet breakfast for two. Package rates are $30 more than the best available rate at time of reservation. This offer is subject to availability; blackout dates may apply. Gas cards are issued at check-in. To reserve the “Gas & Go” package, visit www.sandiegodelmarhilton.com.
• The Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown, located just minutes from San Diego International Airport, San Diego Bay and downtown’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, is offering a package that includes a $25 gas card for each night of a guest’s stay. Rates range from $204-$304 per night (plus tax), and a minimum two-night stay is required. Gas cards are issued at check-out. This offer is valid Thursday-Sunday through December 31, 2008 and subject to availability; blackout dates may apply. To reserve, use the promotion code ZZ1 when making online reservations at www.residenceinn.com/sanph.
• Set in the heart of downtown’s exciting Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter is offering a one-night “Summer Sizzle” package that includes a $25 gas card, free valet parking, breakfast and 10-15% off select area attractions booked through the hotel’s concierge. Rates start at $279 (plus tax) double occupancy, and this offer is subject to availability and valid through December 31, 2008. Other restrictions may apply. To book the “Summer Sizzle” package, use the promotion code EB5 when making online reservations at www.marriott.com/sangl.
• Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa, nestled on a private peninsula on San Diego Bay, is offering visitors a one-night “Money for Miles” package that includes a gas credit of up to $50 off their hotel bill, complimentary self-parking and a list of the least expensive gas stations in the area. Rates range from $289-$429 per night, based on availability, and this offer is subject to availability and valid through September 1, 2008. Guests submit gas receipts for a credit at check-out; receipts must be dated one day prior to arrival or during a guest’s hotel stay. To reserve the “Money for Miles” package, book online at www.loewshotels.com.
GO CAR-FREE FOR A WEEKEND
Visitors who leave their cars at home this summer and stay in downtown San Diego can enjoy a weekend free from any pain at the pump. Flying into the San Diego region, travelers can use public transportation and the convenient, walkable layout of downtown San Diego to craft a perfect car-free vacation and fun urban escape.
• San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located right in downtown, just a 10-minute, $12 cab ride from most downtown area hotels. Visitors can also take a 10-minute ride on San Diego Municipal Transit System’s “Airport Flyer” Route 992 to downtown San Diego. Fares are $2.25 each way, and children aged 5 and under ride free. www.san.org
• In downtown San Diego, visitors find an eminently walkable destination laid out on an easy-to-navigate grid of lettered and numbered streets. With more than 44 diverse hotel properties clustered downtown, there’s a wide range of hotel choices. Downtown neighborhoods like Little Italy, the East Village and the waterfront Embarcadero offer ample opportunities for strolling, shopping and dining. The historic Gaslamp Quarter alone offers over 100 restaurants, 35 bars and nightclubs and dozens of charming boutiques to explore. Downtown’s art and cultural options include the USS Midway Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, New Children’s Museum, Balboa Theater, San Diego Repertory Theater, San Diego Opera and San Diego Symphony. At the end of a long day, visitors catch one of downtown’s people-powered pedi-cabs if they don’t feel like walking.
• When it’s time to hit the beach, car-free travelers can hop aboard the San Diego Bay-Coronado Ferry at Broadway Pier for a quick 20 minute cruise across scenic San Diego Bay. Ferries leave on the half-hour and run between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday); round-trip fares cost $6 per person. www.sdhe.com
Upon docking at Coronado Ferry Landing, visitors have access to the enchanted isle of Coronado where they find small town charm along manicured Ocean Avenue, at the historic Hotel del Coronado and on Coronado Beach – consistently voted the Top Family Beach in North America by the Travel Channel.
RIDE THE RAILS
It’s a win-win when visitors embrace the romance of rail travel and avoid costly gas prices. Travelers from along the West Coast and beyond can book a seat or berth on an Amtrak train and enjoy great coastal views and a relaxing ride. While in San Diego, visitors can also use the region’s San Diego Trolley and Coaster trains to explore the region by rail.
• Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains pull into San Diego’s downtown Santa Fe Depot 12 times daily. Rail travel on this route offers travelers scenic views of the Southern California coastline and easy connections at Los Angeles’ iconic Union Station with points beyond. Service from Los Angeles to downtown San Diego is $29 each way with additional San Diego County stops in the coastal towns of Solana Beach and Oceanside. www.amtrak.com
• The red San Diego Trolley is an easy, cost-effective way for guests to get around town. The trolley travels quickly, reliably and safely to destinations around San Diego County, including the international border, downtown San Diego, Mission Valley and Fashion Valley shopping centers, Little Italy, Old Town and select East County communities. The trolley even has stops at Amtrak’s Santa Fe Depot and connects with MTS’s Airport Service Route 992. Day Tripper passes allow for unlimited use on the region’s trolley and buses for as little as $5 per day. www.sdcommute.com
• During Monday through Saturday, the North County Transit District’s Coaster trains connect downtown San Diego and Old Town with coastal communities throughout the county including Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside. These trains offer visitors car-free access to some of the most charming beach communities in the region. Adult round-trip fare from downtown San Diego to Oceanside is $11, and children aged 5 and under ride free. www.gonctd.com
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