The outside picture was done by a FN artist. This is an O L D property yet they make it look like a palace. But the rooms seem to have been updated recently, like late 90s. One unexpected plus was a small fridge in the room.

I just checked out of this hotel this morning. I had booked two days but just got sick of the smell in the halls and room. I would liken it to a faint Raid au floral Glade, not strong but irritating and eventually nausiating.

Besides the faint smell, there was also something buzzing like every 20-40 min. Not a show stopper, only noticed it a lil. I stayed in room 250.

Location wise... Beatable. But probably not at these prices. Its at least a 10min down hill stroll to the action of Gaslamp.

Yes the garage is a tight squeeze. Read the reviews, rent a small car if your driving skills are sub par. There were large cars and even trucks parked in the spaces. Ive traveled the nation and this is not at all uncommon in places like DWT LA, NYC or CHI. In fact, I went to the Ralph's a few blocks away and that garage is equally snug. Pkg $14. I also notice on my bill a $1 charge for the safe that had been reversed because Im priority club. WTF?!? I hate stupid charges like that especially for stuff you dont use. Only $1 but PC is free so sign up.

The parking entrance is on 6th st, a one way going south, opposite the main entrance on 7th a one way going north. There was no security into the parking lot so to save time , park, on 2 or 3 only, and take all your bags up via elevator to check in, bring the dash slip down later.

The staff was friendly. The standard HI Exp breakfast was, standard. Well the new standard of hot and cold items.

During a stay for my extended family due to a death in the family the staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home. It's great in all other respects (location, cleanliness, dining) as well.

I got a very good price on Hotwire. About 1/2 the published rate and I think If I would have paid full price I would have been a little more upset, but at 66.00 a night I feel that I can't complain too much. First off, the parking garage is awful. You can tell by all the skid marks on the WALL that most cars dont fit in there. I had a intermediate car and I don't see how people with SUV's etc got their car's in that parking garage. AND at 14.00 a day you would think they would provide some sort of securtiy. I got back to the hotel after 10pm both nights and I was a little worried walking from my car to the elevator. The first night the garage gate was open, the 2nd night it was closed.
The hotel has now become "smoke free" which as a smoker, kinda dissappointed me since it didn't say that anywhere on the website... but I understand and smoked outside on the sidewalk everymorning.
I only stoped into the breakfast buffett quickly for a cup of coffee and a muffin. It seemed ok athough I over heard a man complaining about there not being any eggs. And the coffee creamer was missing so I had to wait for them to bring some back. No big deal.
The room was nice. The bed was comfy. The heater didn't work very well. I accidently put it on high heat before I went to bed and the room was barely warm when I work up.
The bathroom is tiny.
Overall just a ok hotel in downtown.

I was very happy with my recent stay at the Downtown Holiday in Express in San Diego. Most of the review I read ahead of time are very accurate. The hotel is clean, and in a safe area of town. I stayed there for five nights, and as a single, young female, never once felt unsafe. The staff was always very friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was wonderful with an option that should suit almost anyone. The elevator is very slow as previously discussed, but I never had any issues with waiting for extreme amounts of time and was never made late by that fact. I did not deal with the parking and relied on the hotel shuttle to get from the airport and public transportation/ walking to see the sights. The trolley and city busline are approximately 5-6 blocks (5-10 minute walk) away and very low priced with the multiple day passes available (4 days for $15). I would definitely stay here again if I was to return to San Diego.