I don’t care about those who scoff and say San Diego can never compare with the Islands. Sure, California is different than Hawaii. It’s like comparing oranges and pineapples. But I love visiting San Diego, the city with great hotels offering an amazing array of amenities I’ve not seen elsewhere. One of my favorite “island getaways” in San Diego is Catamaran Hotel, located on the bay across from Mission Beach.

From the minute you check in and see the gushing waterfalls next to the front desk, you have to prepare yourself for exotic charms and the unexpected. On one visit I received a first floor suite overlooking the bay and to my surprise, learned that the exotic birds who live on site slept next door in their very own private quarters. They were quiet neighbors–you could hear a pin drop at night.

On another visit to the hotel, I had the pleasure of staying in the tower with an amazing view overlooking the swimming pool, beaches and Crystal Pier. During that visit I determined there’s really not a bad room “in the house”. If I had been on the other side of the building, my views would have included Mission Bay.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, kick back, walk, bicycle, sail, jog, play volleyball, shop, dine and take a dinner boat ride offered free to hotel guests on Bahia Belle, where world famous Pina Coladas are served, you can’t go wrong at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa, where you’ll see Catamaran boats docked and available for rent.

Fun things at Catamaran Resort & Spa:

• Bahia Belle free bay rides (most months)
• Exotic birds to see
• Tiki torches light pathways at night
• Great water views, bay or beach
• Waterfalls throughout
• Beach rentals — boats, kayaks, bicycles, Segways, surfboards
• Dining and bars on site
• Restaurants across the street
• Starbucks a few blocks away – can walk to it
• Beach across the street
• Bay on site
• Quirky shopping on the beach
• Grocery store a few blcoks away
• Belmont Park , a beach amusement approx. 1 mile away
• Best weather in mainland U.S., anytime!