Holiday Inn Hotel San Diego-Downtown

not worth the worth at all!
parking is 17 dollars and no valet parking and the parking lot is really not nice.
noisy because near the freeway.
slow internet.

The staff could not be more accomodating and friendly. If you need a room change for any reason, they will make it happen in just minutes.
They have non-​smoking rooms on the 8^th floor but you can tell they used to be smoking rooms. The smell is still there. The staff will not admit to this though. The room doors on the 8^th floor need painting. The 8^th floor has an overall «unclean» feel to it. The 14^th and 15^th floors are awesome and much cleaner but these are for preferred Starwood members.

This hotel is super easy access to the I5, and walking distance to the Gaslamp and dowbtown. The rooms are clean, but being so close to the airport, you hear planes that take off in one certain direction, although I am sure that is common for all places downtown. It was never too loud, just noticable.

The good: Convenient location to downtown San Diego. Wouldn’t walk around at night, but during the day it was fine. I had a room on the top floor with a beautiful view of the bay. The room renovations were nicely done. The front desk staff was very friendly and helpful. A service request for the toilet handle not working right was promptly fulfilled.
The bad: parking is very weird and awkward. The «restaurant» is horrible. Ate one meal there – how bad can a cheeseburger be? Really bad, greasy and I felt awful afterwards. It sounds like breakfast is better, but I wasn’t willing to take the risk.

We had a standard room, it was plenty big for the four of us.
However, there were a few things that we didn’t like, such as the bathroom door was a sliding fogged glass door that didn’t lock. The toilet wasn’t flushing properly and would either not flush completely and would continue to run. Then there were the mysterious smear marks on the walls, one in the bathroom and one in the main room above the TV. My sisters thought maybe blood or the guts of a smooched bug… either way it was gross.
On the plus side, there was gated garage parking included. They had a gym, which was located next to the parking garage; you have to go outside to access it. It was a small room with windows… it looked like a cage to me (but at least they had one). There was a mini snack style deli in the lobby. The internet was FREE. Free internet is the best.

Just a few quick details–
My wife and I booked through the «name your own price» feature on Priceline, so for the per-​night cost, this hotel was exceptional. However, I don’t think I would have been quite as impressed at the normal booking rate, but still satisfied.
POSITIVES:
1) Close to Downtown and the Gaslamp District, Balboa Park and all it’s activities and Coronado Island is not far off. It’s also extremely close to I-​5, so getting to places North of San Diego proper was pretty easy, minus the actual traffic. The Mexican border is only about 15 minutes South, although I’m not really into dodging bullets and our rental car didn’t have «drive in Mexico» privileges, so we didn’t venture that way.
2) Courteous and friendly staff. We didn’t really utilize the front desk much, but the two things we needed – directions to a walking-​distance liquor store and silverware for the sweets we bought at Extraordinary Desserts – we both provided promptly and accurately. They also quickly switched us to a King bed instead of two fulls (not sure how that happened) without hesitation or upcharge.
3) Rooms were clean, fairly spacious and nicely decorated. The only (small) issue was a relative lack of outlets – there was one in the lamp on the desk, and one behind the chair/​table. That was it outside of the bathroom. But the free wireless was nice.
NEGATIVES:
1) Location was also *kind of* a negative, but a minor one. I only say this because it’s not something you would probably pick up on if this was your first time in SD or at the hotel. The entrance to the hotel is on a one-​way street that goes towards the I-​5 N and I-​5 S access ramps, but away from the main areas like Gaslamp and Coronado island. So it was close to things, but sometimes the logistics of navigating all the surrounding one-​way streets was tricky. Our GPS-​equipped phones really helped.
2) Parking was $ 17/​day, and there aren’t really any other options. Oh well.
3) Wireless internet was spotty at times. Seemed to shut itself off if the website you were trying to bring up was too big of a bandwidth load. This was at times frustrating and annoying, but fairly typical of about every hotel wifi I’ve experienced.
All in all, this is a good, affordable choice if location and access to a multitude of activities are important to you. It’s also clean and stylish with good staff. I would probably stay here again in the future.

An older Holiday Inn that has been renovated within the last year and a half. This is not a resort hotel. The size of the rooms are more of a business class hotel. More European in room sizes. The hotel building is circular so the rooms are «piece of pie» wedge shaped. The higher numbered rooms have the disadvantage of facing I-​5 and you can definitely hear it during rush hours, or when you want to sleep.
The rooms are nice, the hotel is very clean.
There is not much around the property, but most anything is a reasonable walk. Little Italy, Harbor Front, or Horton Plaza. The SD Trolley is about a 10 minute walk. You can take to the border if you want to toto Tijuana, or go north to Old Towne, Fashion Valley, Mission Valley Center, Murphy Stadium

Nice hotel in the heart of downtown San Diego. Your close to everything even within walking distance. They have a shuttle service to take you as far as 3 mile away and will pick you up. They also have easy access to the I-​5. They have great service and are willing to work with you. The reason I mention this is that we booked a room on price line with name your own price. Our room was two double beds and we asked if we could get upgraded to a queen or king in a suite and the front desk did that.
The reason I gave it a 3 star was because even though it is a nice hotel, close to everything, and the front desk upgrading us; the room does not have a mini fridge or a microwave!!! How are you supposed to keep you drinks cold in a small bucket of ice and keep your left overs from going bad???
Other than that its a nice hotel and would recommend it for the price we paid.

I have stayed at this hotel many times now. It is always wonderful. First off the location is fabulous! You can walk almost everywhere from this location. It was remodeled several years ago which makes it really nice. The rooms are nice and clean. Two double beds in each room. The higher floors have the king size beds. Coffee in the room, but no fridge. There is a micro wave downstairs. Internet is free, and there is 2 computers with a printer in the lobby. There is even a nice little café that serves hot food as well as cold. Even beer and wine. If you so desire. It is so close to little Italy which is one of my favorites. The parking is underneath the building. Love this Hotel.

Convenient location within walking distance to most places including Hillcrest and downtown.
Rooms were a little small and seems a tad grimey. Hotel itself need a bit of an update but it was more than workable.
Good value for money in SD.

I’m quite pleased about my stay here for my birthday weekend in San Diego. It probably helps that we got a screaming deal through
but all in all, my only complaint would be that there are no mini fridges in the rooms, not ours at least.
All the positives…
— About 6 blocks from Little Italy
— With tip included, about a $ 8 – 10 cab ride down to the Gaslamp Quarter
— Super easy on/​off access to I-​5
— Roughly 15 minutes from old town, mission beach and Coronado Island
No one at the front desk thanked us for staying here, whether at checkin or checkout, but that’s not too big a deal. A little brushing up on customer service would do the trick. And despite that, I would stay here again.

I stayed there on a Saturday/​Sunday night while I was in town for a concert and baseball game. The room was OK — I didn’t like the sliding door on the bathroom, it didn’t seem to offer a lot of privacy. Otherwise the room was clean and the hotel overall was in decent condition. Parking is a joke. I HAVE to pay $ 17 for a night, but when I return for the evening all of the spaces are taken? That is unacceptable. I left my hairdryer and some toiletries behind upon check out, by accident. I promptly called the hotel to ask how to set up to have them returned to me, and they said they had the hairdryer but nothing else. Interesting. They took my address and contact information and said someone would call me to confirm shipment. I never heard from anyone, and finally — after THREE WEEKS, I have just received back my hairdryer. They also never refunded the remainder of the deposit that was left on my account at check out.
The area is not horrible — it is right by the freeway, and there are nice restaurants within walking distance. It is a short cab ride to the Gaslamp Quarter (don’t even think about talking their shuttle, it’s never available unless you are going to the zoo).
I would definitely never stay here again. I didn’t want to stay here to start, but got stuck with this hotel via a priceline quote, which is ridiculous. I am sure that there were better hotels available for what I paid, but oh well!

i decided to stay here because my friend’s wedding was at the US Grant. I would say that it was a very pleasant stay and i had no complaints!
i got the king size bed. that thing was roomy and so so so COMFORTABLE! the place was clean. the bathroom was spacious which is very important. there’s hangers in the closet. hair dryer in the bathroom. which those mirrors where you can plug in the outlet for light and you can see everything like 10x zoomed in. they provided bath and body works lotion and body wash. instead of that cheapy other smell or brands. there was an iron and ironing board.
the staff hooked me up with free parking and didn’t give me a hard time for checking in late. staff was friendly.
the parking is gated which makes you feel that your car is safe. they have a tiny gym. so im not sure if you would want to work out there. they have a laundry room for you with chairs on the outside to sit.
the room just blew me away for being the holiday inn. i would highly recommend this location and place! its right next to the 5 freeway. the room prices were decent.

This hotel has improved since my little hiatus of flying. I dont love the neighborhood. but IF you want to trek a few blocks, your in Little Italy and can find some awesome Italian food. The hotel is round, like its trying to be retro. oops! It is! But it kind of stinks when you get off the elevator and your room is in the middle. OF the other side of the elevator! The renovations have granite bathrooms, new duvets and upgrades. Much, much better than it was. Staff is nice, helpful. The restaurant… hmm. its more like a snack bar. Like I said, make the trek down a few blocks or you may starve:-)

I don’t care what others say. We used to stay at this hotel every year when I was a kid. The renovations since then are great. It’s rooms are nice and I’ve never had a problem and it’s in a great location.

The rooms were clean and comfortable and what I expected for a Holiday Inn. The building is old and it’s one of those ancient circular buildings from the 50’s which I thought was cool. Kinda reminds me of the space age architecture from the Jetsons. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to stay in this type of building and now I know. I stayed on the 11^th floor which I thought was fabulous.
Now even though the building is antique, the rooms have been updated with modern furniture and flat screen televisions.
The on-​site breakfast restaurant near the lobby was convenient.
They have complimentary Internet and free shuttle service which will convince you to fore go a rental vehicle.
Although it’s close to downtown, it’s kind of in a bizarre area near the freeway.
You can walk to places of interest such as downtown (about 20 minute walk) or Hillcrest Gayborhood, but I wouldn’t attempt it since it’s uphill. You can take Bus # 11 and get off on University. It’s ultra-​fierce! There’s a lot of bars there, restaurants, trendy thrift stores, coffee houses and other ultra fabulous independent specialty shops.

A great find in San Diego. Very friendly staff; clean/​modern rooms — I travel for a living and while this is not the most convenient to the Convention Center for business travel; the rate was great; people were friendly; it’s clean and comfortable and $ 75 — $ 100 less/​night than others hotels… short cab ride or walk to anywhere… I enjoyed my stay. No bar or formal restaurant but the breakfast staff was friendly, food was very good — I have no idea what others reviewers are complaining about. I’d stay here again.

This hotel has long been one of my favorites. I can’t complain. I like the rooms, small (what you get for a downtown hotel) yet very accomodating for a downtown area. This hotel is in the center of everything. Little Italy is close by and there are lots of cool restaurants around like burger lounge. I haven’t eaten at the hotel, mainly because I’m not so sure of the selection as it seems small.
The hotel van is always on time at the airport pickup (if not, already waiting for you when you arrive).
The staff at this hotel is very nice and I can’t complain about that at all!
I did sit on hold for 10 minutes last night while trying to order the van for a ride. They were still very nice once they did get back on the line with me, even though I was a little impatient. Lol
There are also various shops around the area, a little gas station convienience store across the street, and a really neat health food store down on India street in little Italy. (you know which one it is when you turn right onto India street and it’s on the right side with a fruit stand out front).
The freeway is right next to the hotel, but you won’t have to worry about noise, the windows block ALL sound. A/​C system is great in the room as well. They updated the interiors since I first started coming here 4 years ago, I’m thinking it was bathroom, because that’s the most impressive part of the room besides the view. Beds are very comfortable as well! Flat panel TVs too!

I just spent 5 nights at this Holiday Inn while attending the SHRM Convention downtown.
Overall review — good service, good location, good room. Now the details:
Shuttle service: free, to and from the airport. Quick and responsive. On Monday night, another guest and I were leaving for the same restaurant at the same time. The hotel offered to drop us at the restaurant, since the shuttle wasn’t busy. They said we could call for a pickup, which the hotel shuttle driver would do for free, provided he wasn’t on an airport run. Turned out he was free, and he did come pick us up. I really appreciate this service.
Front desk staff: always pleasant, always helpful. Sometimes overwhelmed by the volume of people coming and going, but still doing good.
The room: king size bed, facing west (the bayside). Only one room away from the elevator. Totally quiet. Nice bed, pillows, towels. Everything worked, everything clean.
The location: I did walk to the convention center a few times, the Gaslamp District, and Little Italy (closest). If you walk east/​southeast, towards the Gaslamp District, you will encounter a pretty serious Skid Row area. Lots and lots of homeless folks, camping by buildings, on sidewalks, along parking lots. Nobody bothered me as I walked through there twice, but I did that in the daytime, and decided to take transportation later. Easy, easy walking to Little Italy, which has wonderful restaurants and some interesting stores, along with a fantastic Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning.
The restaurant: for me, this was Bleh. You stand at a counter and order, and they bring it to you. Selection is very standard, fattening, and everything is pre-​cooked or frozen. On Saturday morning, when there were only 3 tables occupied/​7 people, the lady working there was completely incapable of delivering one meal correctly. And by the way, everybody gets an order number card (one per table), so it’s not exactly brain surgery getting food delivered correctly. Sunday afternoon, I walked up to the counter, and the gentleman working there decided he needed to go do something, and left me standing. (Not a bathroom trip — I saw where he went.) Poor service! Restaurant, even as a stand and order at the counter, could be a whole heck of a lot better.
Can’t speak to parking, as I didn’t rent a car.
I would stay here again.

The San Diego Harbor View Holiday Inn Vacation Resort Tower is a small tower-​shaped hotel that has rooms configured in a small circle. Pretty much everything is small about this hotel, including the super small lobby, a café that looks more like a luncheonette, an incredibly small pool w/​an even smaller (3-​person capacity?) fitness center, & limited parking since the footprint is so small for the entire building. The rates are pretty reasonable & the staff was friendly & eager to give directions & recommendations.
The location was most convenient to where we needed to go (San Diego Comic-​con). There are pay to use computers in the lobby & complimentary internet in the recently remodeled rooms for those who have portables.
Unlike most nearby hotels, there was no free breakfast.
Santa’s Unilocaler sez: «Hotel looks like a small Tower of Piza, just not crooked!»