We just returned from the Dana, August 1st weekend. Our family of four decided to take a weekend trip to San Diego at the last minute, and used Trip Advisor to help us find a suitable hotel. While the Dana seemed expensive with a Marina view room (2 Queen beds) in the older section of the hotel going for $251 a night, we liked the idea of being able to walk to Sea World from the hotel, and being able to watch the fireworks from the Firefly Cafe and pool/jacuzzi in front of it. The room was pleasant - upgraded in 2007 - had a small refrigerator, microwave, two sinks separated from the toilet & tub/
shower, with plenty of room to unpack and put clothes in drawers and closets. There is not enough room, however, to pass each other on the way to the bathroom. The hotel offers a shuttle at three different morning times to Sea World, and three late afternoon/evening times back from Sea World. The walk to Sea World only takes 20 minutes (which suites my family who prefers the exercise and freedom from a hotel shuttle schedule). There are two restaurants on site - the Firefly Cafe (reasonable for lunch, a little expensive for dinner - great food and beautiful views of the Marina and infinity pool), and the Blue Pearl (a family-style restaurant - very reasonable prices, no view). Great walkway along the Marina, which we enjoyed day and night. Can rent bikes, boats, etc. at reasonable prices. We will definitely return to this hotel in the future, but will plan ahead for better room pricing.

We just came back from our San Diego vacation and the whole experience was wonderful. We stayed at The Dana for 8 nights in a bay view room in the newer section. We had room service and ate at both onsite restaurants. We also used both pools and had a couple of housekeeping special requests. I would like to say that our experience was GREAT and The Dana exceeded our expectations. The service was above par. Everyone was very accommodating and helpful. I had asked for more paper towels in my room and for my bed to be changed because my young son had an accident. For both requests I received a follow-up call that the request was being taken care of and by the time we came back from seeing one of the many great attractions in San Diego the request was fulfilled with a message on our room phone that the request was completed. Our room was spotless when we got back at the end of each day. The food was great at all locations. The pools were both enjoyable. You could see fireworks from Sea World at night by the bayside pool. The tropical pool had a good-sized shallow area (3') that my young kids enjoyed. All the staff we had contact with was friendly and professional. In fact it was a gentleman that brought our room service to us one night that told us about the Sea World fireworks. I would highly recommend both San Diego and this hotel for a very enjoyable family vacation.

We are a family of four who spent three days at the Dana from July 23-26, 2008. After reading reviews, we opted for one of the newer rooms and selected a premium bay view: WORTH IT! Great view of Mission Bay from our room and balcony, boats gliding along all day long. The infinity pool was beautiful. Service from the Firefly Restaurant was excellent. The waitresses were top notch and the breakfasts were very good.
Reasonable prices, too. Would definitely return.

Staying at the Dana for a weekend in San Diego is quite the comforting experience. We had a downstairs room (with patio) in the Tropical Pool section. The Dana offered an atmosphere that you felt like you were in Hawaii. The room with Queen Size beds was clean and came with a large plasma television, refrigerator, and microwave. We enjoyed the pool and there was even an events coordinator throwing in pool toys for all the kids. Make sure you take the opportunity to rent bicycles to take a ride to Mission Beach and around the bay; it’s well worth it. The staff and accommodations is exactly what you need for a weekend get-away in San Diego. I recommend this hotel for couples, children, and people of all ages.