Good airport hotels are wondrous things, especially when they’re located near tourist attractions. That’s the case with the new Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport – Old Town. Located at 1955 San Diego Ave., just off Interstate 5, the 123-room property was, until recently, a Comfort Inn.
With the name change comes a $2 million makeover of the three-story hotel: refreshed guest rooms, new furniture, bedding, lighting and bathrooms. It’s the basics that can make or break a stay – not glamorous lobbies, or revolving rooftop restaurants. General manager Yasmine Zaya calls the newly-refurbished hotel, “Modern, fresh, clean and uncomplicated.”
In addition to being close to the airport (which itself is a mere two miles from downtown), this Holiday Inn Express is within walking distance of Old Town, a magnet for those in search of SoCal food, ambience and entertainment. Take in an improv show at the National Comedy Theater, immerse yourself in a yoga session at a local bikram studio, or kick back in Mission Hills Park.
One of the best-known eateries within walking distance is Café Coyote at 2461 San Diego Ave.
The bar boasts a selection of 100, count ‘em, tequilas. Sip (slowly please) a frosty margarita while you watch folks fashion fresh tortillas. Ask for a table on one of the courtyards and listen to the sound of splashing fountains and strolling mariachis. Drink in the smells of fresh flowers suspended in a bit of fog, cooled by the California night.
When dinner’s finished head back to the hotel, get a good night’s sleep, and refresh for the day to come. The San Diego Zoo and Sea World are just a short drive away.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Image: Ken Lund)
