Keating House

The place was great. Very nice, privAte accomodations in a safe neighborhood
A couple small markets and eateries nearby. I liked sitting in garden in the evening. Wifi connection good everywhere. Fair price. Close to everything downtown — less than 2 miles to airport. Definately better than staying in an expensive hotel. Loved it!

I contacted Keating house at the very last minute, and was able to get a reservation. Ben and Doug were very welcoming and accomodating. They provided me a map of the area, and offered some really good suggestions on places in the neighborhood to visit. Keating House was absolutely beautiful, very well kept, and comfortable. Although I only stayed one night, I was so grateful to have found a place that created such a cozy feeling, with such attractive rooms, and such lovely flower/​tree gardens around the house. The neighborhood was quiet, and I felt very safe there.

Their website states there is plenty of parking, but during my 10 day stay we were only able to find parking on the street twice since there is no reserved parking. The excuse was given that the restaurant 2 blocks away was taking up all the parking, but this was not the case as every time I walked past the restaurant it had about 4 cars worth of people. Likewise the good sleep quality is mislead as the only rooms you can sleep in are on the one side away from the final descent line of the airport. Otherwise you get to hear commercial jets fly from 6:30am to sometimes up to 12:30am. When asked to switch to another room, initially I did get an attitude, but then cooperation. As for the food, there is only variety in the fruit you get before getting the daily arugula frittata, which never changes. As for its «convenient location», it is only a mile away from Balboa Park, but a 2 mile walk to anything else that will take over 50 minutes due to city traffic and tons of homeless people along the way. Though the homeless weren’t always threatening, some did make verbal threats to kill us. When I asked the innkeepers about these items, they brushed them off like they were non issues. Free Wifi was sporadic at best. I definitely will stay at another B&B elsewhere as this wasn’t convenient, enjoyable or a value.

Lovely B&B in San Diego. Ben, Doug & staff make it their mission to create a cozy and at home feeling. They are incredibly organized and treat guests wonderfully. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay there this past week.
Breakfast was a treat with fresh fruit and homemade bread. Yum! No request was a problem for them.
Highly recommend and will go back. If possible, get a room with a sofa. My room was small and didn’t allow for that. Still enjoyed my stay very much.

We give this pleasant B&B high marks for it’s central location, the warmth and expediency of its inn keepers, Ben & Doug, and the cozy feeling of staying in someone’s home but with just a bit of privacy too. The Butler’s cottage that we rented was one of two rooms upstairs in the rear separate from the main house with its own bath nestled amid the lovely garden with the sounds of a bubbling fountain just below our window. Morning meals were beautifully prepared with attention to every detail that would enhance the experience. We would be delighted to stay here again and probably wouldn’t bother to rent a car as we walked everywhere and all forms of public transportation were readily available. Thanks for a lovely stay Ben & Doug :0)
Alicia & Bernie Perry

*swoon* I’ve found my new favorite place to stay in San Diego (and I’ve stayed at quite a few). If you’re looking for a peaceful and/​or romantic getaway — this is it. The house, garden area, and common rooms make me feel like a duchess who has arrived on the grounds of my summer château. I stayed in the music room which has a fireplace and a towel warmer (you also don’t have to walk upstairs to get to it, which is nice!) The people who own/​work at the BnB are so kind and helpful. They really make you feel at home. Now let’s talk about breakfast — the homemade bread, jam, quiche, and beautifully served fruit make for the classiest breakfast you can imagine — and no judgement if you’re still in your jammies. Parking is a breeze and you’re basically walking distance to everything. Love love love love love!

Just celebrating my 10 year wedding anniversary had the pleasure of staying in this wonderful establishment. My wife and I were made to feel like we were home. (That was 3000 miles away). The Service was excellent, with the food being outstanding. In the heart of San Diego’s Bankers Hill district right in the middle of everything, a bus ride from Gaslamp or Hillcrest, a walk from Balboa Park. The location is truly perfect. As they say in their overview no need to rent a car.
I had first inquired about the room’s availability I was contacted within 24 hours; all of my questions were answered without hesitation. I had set up a flower delivery when I called to ask if they would receive it without hesitation they stated it would be taken care of, upon arrival the flowers were already in the room.
Checking in was easy and informative, the staff went over local things to do, to see and the best travel modes. They knew all the hot spots for restaurants, deserts and night life.
I cannot say enough about the staff, they made you feel right at home as you came and went though out the day, safe and comfortable are two key elements when away from home, not once did my wife nor I feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
My wife and I always seem to be the younger of the crowds at B&B’s sometimes not really getting involved in the conversations however we felt like distinguished guests, the welcome feeling you get when siting in the dinner room it didn’t matter the age bracket, we felt at home.
Highly recommend this B&B it is on the top of our list once we get back to San Diego. The Keating House become our favorite B&B thus far.

This review is a little overdue. My partner and I stayed here the weekend of Gay Pride (coincidence as we were there for bday celebrations and a Giants game) and very much enjoyed this BnB. The fact that the proprietors were also gay was an added perk.
When I called to inquire about room availability, my call was promptly returned within 24 hours. We finally made dialogue-​contact and our reservation was secured. Very affordable room that came with its own restroom +++
They asked what time we’d be arriving in order to make sure that someone was home to greet us. We ended up running an hour behind and called them to keep them in the loop. They were cool about it. Much appreciated.
The location is perfect as the beau and I would be on our bicycles the entire weekend and needed a convenient launching pad. Gaslamp was 10 mins; Hillcrest was 10 mins; Balboa Park was maybe 5 minutes.
I wish we weren’t such late sleepers (ahem… read birthday weekend AND Gay Pride… we went IN!) because the quiche/​omelette smelled and looked amazing! They were good sports and still had coffee waiting for us when we eventually left the room. We could have left a note for them informing that we would be skipping breakfast, but didn’t think to do so… our apologies.
That they let us park our bikes in their laundry room and along the outdoor back rail gets them the «cherry on top» status. If they’ll have us, we’ll definitely be returning.
PS: Very knowledgable couple when it comes to civic engagement and cultural affairs.

When I called their reservations line, one of the partners was very rude and wouldn’t answer any of my questions… He actually hung the phone up on me… He thought I was a sales call rather than a actual customer… His assumptions were way off the mark… Questions like, «Do you have wheelchair access? shouldn’t throw you into a sassy/​hissy fit. Way to much drama for my taste! They don’t deserve my hard earned dollars!

We will NEVER stay in a regular hotel again !!! This place is beautiful and peaceful and everything a couple needs to be alone. Yes, there is no TV… THAT’S THE POINT !!! You’re there to be together and stay in a homey, wonderful atmosphere and enjoy yourselves !! We are in love with the Keating House and will be back for the peace, for the unmatched hospitality and the chance to fall in love all over again…

Ended up there because I was late getting a hotel for a convention. Ended up not being an issue. Stayed in the cottage out back — one room, kitchenette and den. There wasn’t a TV in our room, however, wasn’t an issue for us, however, they did have good wifi coverage. Room was tidy and neat with a very comfortable queen bed –worked out well for my wife and I. Great location, conscientious owners and an unexpectedly good breakfast with homemade bread, frittata, and fruit. Would stay here again no doubt.

On a recent trip to SD we stayed here, there are a few pros and a few cons:
Pros:
Reasonable rates
Very nice and attentive owners, they really knew their city and were able to make excellent recommendations on what to see and where to eat.
Location– Keating House is located within walking distance to Balboa Park as well as The Gaslight District
Cons:
Breakfast– it was homemade and a lovely fruit plate was provided each morning however during our entire stay (Thurs-​Mon) the entrée was always a frittata… as good as they were it got real old real fast.
Security– there were no locks on the room doors– as Midwesterners we were okay with leaving the door open to the other guests but not everyone would be comfortable with that
Décor– there was an effort made to decorate to the time period of the house but some random Target tables and lamps were sprinkled about
Bed– pretty uncomfortable …
Overall this place was okay and I would be ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ on recommending it or staying there again…

very cute bed and breakfast perfect for a romantic get away or just to relax. I will definitely go back there if I stay in SD again. Nice breakfast, friendly staff and beautiful house, what else could you want?

Needing a kid free get away, and tired of the standard four walls of a hotel, this was our first stay at a B&B — it did not disappoint.
The location cannot be beat. We walked everywhere — Gaslamp, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and the harbor from which we ferried to Coronado. We parked our car when we got there and did not move it until we left.
The neighborhood itself it wonderful. Safe and nice to walk around in. Lots of local delicious restaurants.
The owners welcomed us at the door when we arrived and spent well in to an hour answering our questions and offering suggestions for things to do and see.
And the breakfast… better than any hotel I have ever stayed at. Fresh fruit and coffee, home made bread and jams (we could not get enough), and delicious fritatta. All this served up by the owners with a side of conversation.
The room we stayed in was cozy and comfortable, and despite the proximity to the airport, we really weren’t distracted by any planes.
This is something you simply cannot get at a hotel.
HIGHLY recommend.

The Keating House meets you at the pinnacle of expectations in regards to B&Bs.
The location is prime, just a few blocks from Balboa Park and a brisk 20 minute walk from the Gaslamp Quarter. Not once did I feel unsafe walking in the area.
The house itself is over a 100 years old and full of the charm and personality you’d expect. In fact, the room we stayed in had this tiny little window near the ceiling, and it was always at the center of the game «Guess that Function!»
However, the most important feature of this B&B are the owners. The two gentlemen who run it are genial, helpful and make you feel like you’re at home over breakfast and coffee.
Speaking of breakfast, it is divine there! After a long night at the Gaslamp, my first morning my girlfriend and I walked out just 10 minutes before breakfast was to be over and there was a table for two impeccably set by the window. Its those little things that make traveling such a pleasure.
Not to mention the house is permeated by the smell of baking bread.
You simply cannot go wrong staying at this B&B.

Great

My wife and I just stayed here this weekend and loved it. This is on old house with a lot of charm and the owners were wonderful. Rather than repeat what others have said, here’s my observations on a few items:
1) «Close to Balboa Park and Little Italy»…true, but it’s downhill to Little Italy so be prepared for an uphill walk coming back! We found ourselves wishing we had driven! Balboa Park, however, is literally around the block.
2) Easy parking… not in our case! When we first arrived, we had to park down the street, about 3 – 4 blocks. Next evening, ended up the same distance or further away. Not convenient, but NOT AT ALL the fault of the owners. Could be a seasonal issue, too?
3) Great breakfast… yes, indeed! enough said.
We would stay here again without a second thought.

Beautiful house in a safe, residential neighborhood within walking distance of Little Italy and Balboa Park. I was traveling alone, which can sometimes cause a weird vibe, but I was completely comfortable here. My room was snug and nicely appointed. Breakfast was delicious. The Inn keepers were very helpful, providing any needed recommendations and accommodating my early schedule.
The B&B is pretty much on the airport approach, but there were no flights during the night, and with a room on the back I did not hear any outside noise at night.
Great value.

This was my virgin bed and breakfast experience and it was a good one!
Parking wasn’t really a problem; we were always able to find a spot within a block of the house. The neighborhood is pretty quiet, clean and peaceful… once the flights stop landing at Lindbergh Field :)
Breakfasts were very good: fresh fruit; toast from thick slices of homemade bread; each day, a different frittata; coffee and orange juice. There’s always a bowl of fresh fruit on the sideboard for snacking, too!
Ben and Doug were gracious and welcoming, explaining the area and visiting with us while efficiently serving our breakfasts. We stayed in two different rooms: the Chauffeur’s Room in the cottage behind the house, and the Rose Room upstairs in the main house. Both were clean, nicely furnished and welcoming.
About the only downside is that the rooms in the main house don’t have individual door locks as they do in the cottage. While the front door has a security code on it, you have to be trusting of your fellow guests… which sort of takes you to a different era entirely.
Perhaps that’s the idea, to pull you out of your modern lifestyle to a time where you could walk out of your room and just know that no one would ever enter without your permission.
If you’re not quite that enlightened, don’t bring along any valuables you would leave in your room :)

I love to recommend this place, in fact I can’t recommend it enough. I stayed here three times and each time it is wonderful and relaxing! The couple who own this place are very kind and helpful. They did a wonderful job with decorating the interior, a lot of books and old school decorations from the era of the house. We stayed in the Garden Room which is small but the doors open into the nice background garden. Their morning breakfasts are light, lovely and healthy. It is also fun sitting and talking with the other out of town guests. The Keating House is my little «home away from home» even though I live here in San Diego. Romantic, delightful, peaceful and relaxing! I stay here once a year in November where there is a nice fire place to sit in front of in the sitting area. I bet it is beautiful in the summer! Enjoy!!! (Great for newlyweds!)