Safe place to spend the night between Phoenix and San Diego area (Tucson: oceanfront, crime)

[RenW]

Husband and I are going to be making the trek from Phoenix to San Diego for the first time. We'd rather not drive the full way on a Friday night, but we are concerned about finding a safe place to stay in the wasteland between.

The fastest route for us would go from Phoenix to Yuma on to the San Diego suburb we are visiting, but I'm not sure Yuma is the best place to stay the night? Taking 10 over and then 78 down to 8 would be a half an hour faster but perhaps the Blythe / Ripley / Palo Verde area is a better place to stay?

Thoughts?

[rational1]

Not sure what you are worried about. Pick a name-brand hotel chain just off the interstate. Or take the detour to Blythe and stay in one of the Indian casinos. Cheap, no alcohol, plenty of smoking, and safe if you stay away from the slots.

[DetroitN8V]

If flying is a viable alternative, I'd suggest that. It's so much easier and you'll be able to relax in San Diego instead of some gross motel on the 8.

[A1eutian]

I made the drive a couple times from Albuquerque to San Diego and stayed in Yuma. You will not find any place significantly safer on the way to SD from Phoenix. El Centro and Calexico are definitely not better.

You don't have to stay in a fleabag motel, there are definitely decent hotels/motels in Yuma that are safe enough for a one night stay. Park under a light near the front desk if you're worried about your car being broken into. I never had problems.

Depending on exactly where your start-end points are, it's roughly 300 miles, or 4.5-5 hours with time for stops and delays. It might be worth driving straight through, or leaving early on Saturday, getting to SD by early afternoon. I've driven straight through from Albuquerque in one day, but probably would not do it again.

[sh9730]

Stay in Yuma - you will be just fine - there is a huge Hampton Inn right along the freeway (exit 3 I think). TOTALLY safe.

4.5 stars on tripadvisor with over 500 reviews.

[Zippyman]

Yuma has great hotels & plenty of them, right off the highway.

[new2colo]

I recommend staying in Yuma. Yuma has very nice lodging. I recommend the Radisson (free hot breakfast buffet), Hampton Inn Pivot Point, Towne Place Suites by Marriott, or one of the Holiday Inns. All are right off the freeway, in a very safe area. There is an outdoor mall called Yuma Palms that has numerous restaurants. The mall is within a 10 minute drive of all hotels that I mentioned.

[RenW]

Thanks, everyone! I've just never been through Yuma before and I didn't know. From looking it had some pretty bad crime stats in general. Thought I would check with people "in the know".

[gemstone1]

" From looking it had some pretty bad crime stats in general."....interesting. From what I see, Phoenix and Tucson has far worse looking crime stats than Yuma......where did you get your information ?

Yuma...safer than 14% of other US cities
Phoenix...safer than 10% of other US cities
Tucson...safer than 1% of other US cities

Moderator cut: Link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Yuma, city-data stats....average
Phoenix, city-data stats....low to high
Tucson, city-data stats....high to very high

Regards
Gemstone1

[Hal Roach]

I did that exact trip, but I stayed at a Motel 6, right on the outskirts of SD, then the next morning, had a leisurely breakfast, went to Food4Less, checked into my Oceanfront hotel, and was in the water by noon. It is somewhat easier than LA, and considering it was a long Fourth of July weekend, I didn't fight one crowd. Took a counter seat at Anthony's.. RIP.