San Diego Archaeological Center

The good: Nicely situated resort. Close to parks and beaches. Four well kept, heated pools and hot tubs, with enough room and towels for everyone. Clean rooms and facilities. Very friendly and pleasant to deal with staff. Plenty of dining options around, including delivery to whatever spot you're currently resting at. The bad: be ready to pay up - restaurants, take out, snacks, and beverages all cost double to triple the norm around these parts, within the resort as well as surrounding areas. I booked a waterfront room, but got one that was close to water front yet with no windows or view of any sort (behind a waterfront unit). The landscaping and ponds throughout the property looked very rundown. The surrounding beaches are walkable but do not plan to swim - dirty, rocky, full of weeds and growth. Traffic can be seen and heard all around. Our room was separated by interior doors from two others and we could hear every child scream, cough, and conversation from the adjacent units. Each bungalow comes with a parking spot, but you're charged $42/day for parking still.

Great setting right on Mission Beach, close to restaurants. Friendly staff and comfortable rooms. Parking at $35 a day is a poke in the eye but that is nature of area. Building exterior could do with refurbishment and the week we were there the smell of weed permeated the passages - not a good image for a non-smoking family hotel. Otherwise enjoyed it.