I live `on the outskirts of San Diego` (~30 min north, <10 miles to coast) and Marriott branded hotels (not motels) is currently listed as $125/night in spring break season. The hotel pricing argument to me indicates travel at peak season or insisting on being in the most touristy areas.

I will accept arguments on rental cars and dining/tips though (protip to any intl travelers, you can skip tipping on everything except table-service dining, Americans hit skip on every other prompt, the whole tip prompt everywhere thing was driven by payment processors wanting to increase their own profits)