San Diego - can anyone recommend a hotel?

[Earlybird]

Long shot, I know, but thought I'd ask just in case someone can help.

We'll only be there a few days (side trip from visit to LA), and the Zoo, Sea World and the Safari Park are our 'must do' activities. But would love to hear suggestions on other things (activities, restaurants, etc), if someone has experience/knowledge.

TIA.

We stayed here and it's virtually opposite the Zoo. Not loads to do in San Diego compared with other parts of California such as LA. We also did the bus tour and took a trip to Mexico on the train.

sorry here

Thanks for that. Will have a look.

There are so many options, that a person could spend ages researching. I always prefer a personal suggestion based on experience.

Anyone else?

We had a few days in San Diego in May 2010 after driving down from LA and en route to Arizona.
We stayed in the Hilton, Gaslamp Quarter, for a couple of nights first of all. The pool was closed for refurb, so we could use the Hard Rock Hotel pool around the corner which was far swisher (although the Hilton itself is fine)! We went to the baseball to see The Padres, which is just down the street and also to the shops etc. Gaslamp Quarter has a lot of bars and restaurants and you can walk to the main drag. We ate out for all meals, at cafes for breakfast.
We then moved hotel (using DH's various loyalty points) to the Holiday Inn on the water front, near the cruise ship terminal. From there, we took the shuttle bus to the zoo one day. We also went to Sea World another day, but drove there ourselves - it wasn't very far. We ate at the hotel as it was a bit of a hike to the restaurants - there was a 'British pub'-themed restaurant on site which the DCs really liked, so we took it easy and strolled along the waterfront in the evening.
I think there's plenty to do in SD for a few days - we enjoyed it there.

I live here so haven't stayed in any hotels. I do know that the ones in Liberty Station are quite new though (couple of years maybe??) so perhaps they would be nicer?

I don't know how expensive it is, but we have stayed in Homewood suites in other cities and really liked them, there is one on Liberty Station -- you wouldn't be too far from the Corvette Diner if you would like to go there.

Have you tried trip advisor?