Hi Lois
The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn is about a mile from Universal Studios and while the hotel doesn't have kitchenettes it does offer airline rates and "kid suites". "A kid suite is comprised of a parent's room with a balcony, microwave, refrigerator, queen-size bed and a sitting area adjacent to a fully walled private room designed just for kids that is furnised with bunk beds, Play Stations 2, DVD Player, 17" TV, CD player and other amenities that appeal to youngsters." BTW, there's a grocery store within walking distance of the hotel and the hotel provides a free shuttle service to Universal Studios and Universal City Walk.

As far as a rental car, Enterprise offers good rates; driving time to San Diego is about 2 hours, depending of course, on traffic and if you like to put pedal to metal--ZOOM-ZOOM!

Have fun

Keep'em flying