I recently returned from San Diego where, with 40 family members attending, I was married. I live in Minneapolis, so it was important to me to find a nice hotel for family and friends who where traveling to be at our wedding. The rates available through group sales were significantly higher than those on other websites or even the hotels own website, where we finally booked, individually. Because I wasn't able to get a better group price, most of the group stayed at the newly opened Residence Inn 2 miles away (they loved it!)

My husband and I checked into Paradise Point on a Thursday night. We had gotten a map of the place earlier and were always confused by the pricing structure. We'd walked around the grounds and found the rooms we didn't want; the rooms in the 100's were more like a strip motel then separate cottages like the rest of the resort. We were told that indeed we had a room in the 100's, so we upgraded to a "bayside room", along the outer rim of the resort, along the water. We were hoping for another upgrade since we brought in 4 other couples, and because we were getting married, but we didn't get any special treatment. Not required, I know, but it would have been nice.

One more comment on the rooms, they are fairly private and beautifully scattered around the property. There are several areas where a cottages surround a pond. On both trips we discovered that some of the ponds that don't have moving water, and the stagnent ends of the man-made "river" looked green and had a distinct smell of standing water. Not much they can do about it, I know, but by August, it's really gotta start smelling bad; check out your location when you arrive.

The location of the resort is excellent. Close to many things, Sea World, Mission Bay, but far enough away to not be as hectic as the choices on hotel circle.

The grounds at Paradise Point are beautiful! We've stayed there twice and each time we've spent more time walking the grounds than in our room. If you want a place where you technically don't have to leave, this is a good option.

The pool area is wonderfully maintained and usually not too crowded. You can rent water equipment to use on Mission Bay, although we were told that while water sports are fine on Mission Bay "no one really swims in it" a staffer told us.

There is also a mini-golf course that winds through part of the property. While the walk is nice, the course is nothing special.

There is also a spa close to the pool; several guests used the spa and were happy with their services.

The actual rooms are adequate but nothing special. At one time they must have been nice, but they now show their wear. On both of my stays, there were large, noticeable stains on the carpet, couch and bedspreads. Everything just seemed old, which would be fine if I weren't paying $219 a night. Because there is water all around the rooms do seem damp, but I didn't think it was unbearable, and the view was worth it.

After our wedding on Friday night we wanted to go to the bar for a drink with friends and were assaulted by a scene from MTV's spring break coverage. The Barefoot Bar and Grill is apparently a San Diego hot spot, which can be good or bad I guess, depending on your view. I'm only 30 (not completely out of touch?) but I wanted to have a drink, talk with my friends, have a seat; and could do none of those. We finally left and drank warm beer in our room. I know they have to make a profit, but when guests can't even get a drink on a Friday night?

The next night we didn't want to drive anywhere so we decided on Baleen restaurant for dinner. My friend talked to the hostess at 7:45 and was told our wait would be 20-30 minutes. At 9:30, with no explanation or apology we were seated. We were really unhappy by that point so it's probably unfair of me to judge the food, but, while it was certainly good enough, it wasn't anything memorable; maybe the kitchen was closing?

My initial reason for choosing Paradise Point my myself and other guests (some elderly) was because of the convenience of having restaurants, pools, entertainment on the grounds, no car requirement. Since I had bad experiences at both restaurants this time, that reasoning is gone.

I'm perfectly happy to pay the price for quality; at another meal on our trip my husband and I spent $400 and didn't bat an eye, because it was worth it. My overall experience at Paradise Point wasn't "bad", but it wasn't as good as it should have been for what we paid over our weekend there.



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