Where to stay
As we will be hosting all events on the main UCSD campus in La Jolla, we have decided not to have a conference hotel. The main reason is cost: we do not want to block out a set number of rooms and be financially responsible. We have also found that hotel rates are similar or sometimes better when we look independently!
We have some hotels that are walking distance to all conference events. They are (in order of distance):
1. Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa. This is a 4-star hotel just across the street from the university. Walking is extremely easy to campus – a flat and short walk. Good for folks with accessibility concerns, since the terrain to and from the hotel and conference site is wheelchair-friendly. The pool is small but aesthetically nice. Pretty hotel and the prices reflect that. $$$$
2. The Sheraton La Jolla is also walking distance across a footbridge, but slightly farther – about ½ mile away from our campus buildings. People with mobility issues will probably still want to take a lyft/uber/taxi to campus. $$$
3. The Residence Inn by Marriott is less than a mile away, and the walk is mostly uphill to the part of campus where we will be. This hotel is pretty bare bones and the pools are not great. People with mobility issues will need to take a lyft/uber/taxi to campus. $$
4. La Jolla Shores Hotel and other hotels just south of campus in La Jolla Village: This is a cute walking area and the hotels are older but quaint. A lot of people prefer to stay down here despite the intense uphill walk to campus because they want to walk along the beach first thing in the morning. These hotels all sit on or adjacent to the beach. If you stay in these hotels, prepare to ask for extra hotel blankets. The ocean brings in a chill and Californians don’t insulate well. People with mobility issues will need to take a lyft/uber/taxi to campus. $$$
Other options:
5. Hotels just east of campus (UTC area): There are many hotels located just east of campus on Torrey Pines/La Jolla Village Dr. These include the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine, the San Diego Marriott La Jolla, and the Embassy Suites by Hilton. Proximity to large mall, some suburban street life. These hotels are not walking distance, but it is a very short trolley ride to campus. Taxis will also be pretty affordable given the proximity. $$-$$$
6. Hotels north of campus (Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines $$, The Lodge at Torrey Pines $$$$) via car: The Lodge is very expensive. Lovely and spa-like, fabulous swimming pools, some have direct access to northern beaches. The Hilton is more affordable. Pretty quiet, remote vibe. Mostly taxi/uber/lyft access to campus, but rental bikes may be an option. Guests should contact hotel directly if this is of interest. $$-$$$$
7. Hotels north and east of campus (Torrey Hills, Sorrento Valley, Carmel Valley) via car: These are for the more work-oriented set (not super luxury vibes like Torrey Pines – more like corporate Residence Inns.) Affordable, clean, quiet. No access to beaches (obviously), not terribly pretty but also perfectly fine. Limited public transportation. For taxis/ubers/lyfts, you will be moving WITH rush hour traffic if you stay in these areas and come to UCSD in the morning. $$
8. Hotels in Old Town via trolley: much more affordable. Old Town has a lot of Spanish/colonial/Kumeyaay history. Super interesting, walkable area. Family friendly, if far from the really lovely swimming beaches. There is a trolley that goes straight up to campus (The Blue Line – look here for schedules and prices.) People with mobility issues may need to take a lyft/uber/taxi to campus. $-$$
9. Hotels downtown (Gaslamp district, Little Italy) via trolley: much more variety and many are affordable. Downtown is a serious tourist area with a nighttime party scene. If you are walking around Horton Plaza and the Gaslamp at night, you might want to stay alert. Most locals don’t go to these areas regularly because parking is a nightmare. Also the trolley ride is longer than Old Town. (The Blue Line – look here for schedules and prices.) $-$$10. Inexpensive basic hotels: Hotel Circle and Mission Valley have super low fares. Some of the hotels are close to the trolley, although you’ll need to transfer. For taxi rides, without traffic, it can take around 15-20 minutes to get to campus. With traffic, 45 minutes. We will send a detailed map and parking directions a little closer to fall for those who are interested in driving. $-$$