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By Leah Laux


SIGNONSANDIEGO STAFF WRITER

In walking distance to the Mission Beach Boardwalk and Belmont Park, the bayside Bahia Resort Hotel is all about location. Queen palms, banana trees and bougainvillea provide a tropical backdrop to this eclectic hotel complex, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2003.

A multitude of low-rise buildings dots the peninsular Bahia complex, cupped by two coves along the sparkling shoreline of San Diego's sprawling Mission Bay.

The Bahia's most desirable guest rooms are within the string of pink single- and dual-level buildings zigzagging stylishly along the perimeter. Hand-painted room numbers and pull-in parking echo old-school charm. Interiors are homey, and bayside patios are quaint -- some opening directly onto the sandy beach of Santa Barbara Cove, where guests will find the sternwheeler Bahia Belle and all manner of watersports rentals. Privacy on ground-level patios varies, particularly during the summer months when public access on Mission Bay is at a premium.

Overall, the hotel complex offers more than 300 rooms -- standard, studio and suite -- with various views. Self-service laundry facilities are on site. Pull-out couches, refrigerators and kitchenettes are available (appliances and tableware vary). With so many options, it pays to work closely with the reservationist when booking a room.

At the hotel entrance, a manmade seal enclosure curves through palms and plants, a reminder that SeaWorld theme park is about a mile away. Adjacent to the lobby is a wall-enclosed pool and extra-large spa. Deck furniture, a game room and a fitness room complete the space.

And further along the hotel property, a lush, park-like patch of tropical plants and trees hides a small gazebo, the site of many a romantic vow. Beyond that are two tennis courts.

Tangier Bar and the Bahia Cafe are connected by a large patio. The outdoor fountain, fireplace and Byzantine portico warm the atmosphere. The cafe serves a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner. The bar serves cocktails and a limited bar menu after cafe hours. Room service is available.

As at all San Diego hotels, rates vary according to level of occupancy, day of the week, location and season. Generally, July and August are high season, March through June and September are mid-season, and October through February is usually considered low season. Weekends also fetch a premium price. At the Bahia, expect to pay $110 to $350 per night in the off-season, $230 to $520 during high season, and more during high occupancy.

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