I come from Charlottesville, VA, but I'm currently a grad student in the UK. I usually travel for study/research in the Mediterranean or for conferences/interviews in the US. I love affordable yet decent hotels close to the sights in historic cities.
December 15 2007: I stayed here for a conference that was being held in the hotel, and someone was paying my way (it's definitely outside a grad student's budget!). The hotel was nice and comfortable, and had plenty of conference rooms to hold all the paper sessions, not to mention several bars in the hotel itself (something classicists definitely appreciate). It's an easy walk from (slightly tourist-trappy) Seaport Village, which has shops and restaurants, and from the Gaslight District with lots more shopping and better restaurants. My room had a nice view of the marina and the harbor and was very nice inside (luxurious by a grad student's standards). If anyone at the APA is reading this, please book this hotel for the convention next year - who wants to go to Chicago in January anyway???
Date of stay: January 2007
Purpose of stay: Business
Location. The Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina is positioned on the waterfront in scenic San Diego, Calif. This property is adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Hotel Features. The smoke free Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina consists of two gracefully curved towers and a 446 slip private marina. A marble floored lobby leads to Molly's Restaurant and bar which serves seafood, steaks, and seasonal local produce. LC's is open for breakfast. DW's Irish Pub serves imported draft beers, boasts a single malt scotch collection and prepares traditional pub fare. A Starbuck's outlet serves specialty coffees and pastries. A business center offers fax, photocopy, messenger and notary public services. The hotel's 54 function rooms offer 110,000 square feet of event space. Wireless Internet access is available for a fee. Outdoor amenities include two freeform pools, a spa tub and tennis courts. A complimentary fitness center contains cardiovascular and weight training equipment, and free weights. Spa services such as body scrubs, facial treatments, nail care and massages are available at the poolside cabana or in guestsrooms. Additional hotel amenities and services include concierge assistance and currency exchange.
Guestrooms. Two 25 story towers house 1,362 guestrooms with views of the downtown skyline and San Diego Bay. Beds are dressed with down comforters, custom duvets and cotton linens. Accommodations include coffeemakers. Rooms are equipped with high speed Internet access for a fee and cable television. In room safes are provided.
Expert Tip. This hotel offers bicycle rentals, a great way to take in the sea air and sunshine while exploring San Diego's waterfront attractions.
December 15 2007: I stayed here for a conference that was being held in the hotel, and someone was paying my way (it's definitely outside a grad student's budget!). The hotel was nice and comfortable, and had plenty of conference rooms to hold all the paper sessions, not to mention several bars in the hotel itself (something classicists definitely appreciate). It's an easy walk from (slightly tourist-trappy) Seaport Village, which has shops and restaurants, and from the Gaslight District with lots more shopping and better restaurants. My room had a nice view of the marina and the harbor and was very nice inside (luxurious by a grad student's standards). If anyone at the APA is reading this, please book this hotel for the convention next year - who wants to go to Chicago in January anyway??? 
