Mission possible at Bay Motel

The Mission Bay Motel in the heart of Pacific Beach makes it possible to enjoy San Diego vacations without spending a lot. The motel is located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, with one of the most popular San Diego beaches and the boardwalk stretching for 2 miles right in front of the motel.

You can just pretend to be a beach bum, and spend all your time lazing on the beach, or you cna take a walk or bike ride along the board walk. Evenings you can spend in the nearby bars or go to the Gaslamp Quarter, take in a ball game, get drunk and raise cain.

Also near the motel is the Mission Bay Park, in case you're the outdoorsy type who enjoys wtaer sports. Of course, you also have Sea World and Belmont Park in Mission Bay.

The Mission Bay Motel offers 50 guest rooms, with a choice of single, double and triple beds, or a pseudo-suite with double beds and a kitchenette. The kitchenette has a 2 burner electric stove, sink and small refrigerator, along with dishes, utensils and pots & pans.

Spring rates vary from $89 to $119, depending on your prefernce of rooms. You get free parking (1 vehicle per room) and all rooms come with showers, phones, and Cable TV. $5 extra for teens, and children below age 12 stay free, as long as they accompanied by a paying adult.

All said and done, the Mission Bay Motel can be said to be a fine specimen, amongst San Diego motels. Sure, you don't get room service at 2 am, but it's well maintained, has no 'bad elements', and if you're getting a room for the entire family at around $100 with the Pacific Ocean and the beach in front of your eyes, I guess I'd be willing to forego the room service, the uniformed staff and the shiny brass doorknobs.

Info: 4221 Mission Blvd San Diego CA 92109; (619) 231-5701; Reservations: 1-866-649-5828; www.missionbaymotel.com/