Want some class(ic) vacation style?

I once dated this guy from Philidelphia who spent the better part of our dates telling me how San Diego was devoid of culture and was basically a waste land of people who had no appreciation for history (not like perfect, wonderful, amazing Philidelphia where the people were awesome and history threw up all over the place).

In the end I kind of figured out I hated that guy more then I liked him and after we broke up there was a part of me that wanted to call him and leave some message like "Suck it San Diego hater, we've got culture and history up the bum!" (Cause I'm mature).

San Diego does have some very classic historical elements which can often go unnoticed by the every day dweller or even tourist. According to this article in the Seattle Times:

The old-new mix is mirrored in its hotels. San Diego is ringed by chain motor inns and its downtown is dotted with modern concrete-and-glass corporate hotels. But the traveler longing for something a bit more atmospheric can chose from three grande dames — hotels where your grandparents, great-grandparents (and in one case, your great-great grandparents) could have spent the night.

The article covers the US Grant, La Valencia and Hotel Del Coronado, all hotels I've visted but never had the privilage of staying at. And some day when I get an anynomous benefactor I will stay at each and every one. (The Hotel Del is great to visit even if you aren't staying there. Have a quick bite and stare at the ocean.)