San Diego's only over the water hotel and cottages

For California, this is a novel idea, however in the South Pacific, many islands have overwater bungalows. Of course the Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages is totally different from anything you will find on a south pacific island. For starters this hotel is built on an actual pier, that stretches from the shore at Pacific Beach, into the blue waters of the Pacific ocean.

Guest who are staying for the night, can drive their cars directly onto the pier, and park next to their cottage, which sits above the surf. The "Cape Cod" style cottages are furnished with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, private patio, and most important of all, spectacular sunsets and ocean views are just outside the windows, above the long white sandy beach.

This unique hotel dates back to 1936, the pier on which they sit dates back to 1927, but there is no need to worry both have been renovated and maintained over the years, making them safe for use. The cottages are non-smoking, as is most of California, has a gated key-entry access and nighttime security. The present ownership of the Hotell dates back to 1961, from which time it has been owned by the same family.

The cottages range from studios which accommodate a maximum of 2 people, to one-bedroom cottages where as many as four adults can stay together, or the 2-bedroom suites that will take 6 guests. There are also hotel rooms, some of which do not have kitchens, and depending on which model you reserve, they can sleep 2 or 4 guests. Due to the ocean tides during the day and night, not all the cottages stand above the surf below.

Pacific Beach is right outside the entry to the Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages, and is one of the most popular areas in San Diego. The area is largely populated by young people, surfers, and college students, and is home to one San Diego's largest nightlife scenes with bars, dining options and dozens of clothing stores, surf shops, smoke shops, craft galleries, and funky souvenier shops. Here one rent everything - surfboards, bodyboards, rollerblades, kayaks, and bicycles - that can be used on the 3-miles of bike paths that follows the wide sandy beach, or use in the ocean that flanks both sides of the Pier.

Due to the popularity of these cottages it is necessary to make reservations between four to six months ahead of arrival As there are only about 26 cottages and hotel rooms, space goes quickly. Phone number is 858-483-6983, or visit www.crystalpier@san.rr.com

Guests can either fly into San Diego Airport, and rent a car to drive to 4500 Ocean Blvd., or if driving from anywhere in southern California and connect to the 5 freeeway. For exact direction google it.