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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, garners positive reviews across multiple aspects. The hotel is highly favored for its excellent central location, placing guests within walking distance to major attractions like Balboa Park, Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter and the San Diego Zoo. Its proximity to transportation hubs makes it convenient for both leisure and business travelers.
The hotel’s breakfast receives commendations for variety and quality, featuring items such as eggs, pancakes, cereals and fresh fruit. Families particularly appreciate the diverse choices that cater to different tastes. Despite occasional crowding and minor shortages, most guests find the breakfast delightful and exceeding expectations.
Room comfort and cleanliness are consistently praised with many guests noting spacious and well-equipped accommodations. While a few have experienced noise issues or found the rooms smaller than anticipated, the general consensus highlights the hotel's efforts to maintain clean and cozy rooms with comfortable beds, often providing pleasant views.
Cleanliness across the hotel is of a high standard, extending from the rooms to common areas. Despite some isolated concerns with maintenance lapses, particularly with carpets and bathrooms, the overall environment is tidy and well-kept. This is complemented by exceptional customer service with staff frequently mentioned as friendly, professional and accommodating.
The complimentary Wi-Fi service is generally reliable and fast, adding to the positive experience, though some guests noted intermittent connectivity issues. The gym, while not large, is appreciated for its clean and functional equipment, though it could benefit from better ventilation.
The outdoor heated pool is a nice amenity, despite its smaller size and occasional closure for repairs. Parking presents some challenges, particularly for larger vehicles maneuvering in narrow spaces and incurs an additional fee.
Families find the hotel accommodating with amenities like baby cribs, family rooms and kids’ meals, enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere. Additionally, the location is ideal for nightlife enthusiasts, providing easy access to a variety of bars and clubs in the Gaslamp district.
The hotel maintains a solid three-star rating, meeting expectations for facilities, services and overall experience. Business travelers also find it suitable with convenient access to the conference center and necessary business amenities.
Accessible features for guests with disabilities are available and appreciated, though tighter parking spaces could be improved.
Overall, Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, is recognized for its great location, good breakfast, clean and comfortable rooms, excellent staff and added amenities, making it a favored choice for a diverse range of travelers visiting San Diego. Show more
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Categories
3-Star Hotel
Located downtown, this hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and is near many attractions. It provides a good value for travelers wanting to explore the city.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Standard RoomBed type preference cannot be guaranteed as it will be allocated upon arrival based on availability.
King Suite - Non-SmokingOffering free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen cable TV, this studio suite includes a large sofa bed, a dining area, a microwave and a refrigerator.
Standard King RoomRoom offers a flat-screen TV, a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities.
One-Bedroom King Suite with Balcony 1Room offers a sofa-bed, a separate living room, a dining area and a balcony. Includes a flat-screen TV, a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Standard Queen Room with Two Queen BedsRoom offers a flat-screen TV, a fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Double Room Hearing Accessible with Shower - Non-SmokingThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a seating area, as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, a safe deposit box, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Queen Room - Hearing Accessible - Non-SmokingOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a seating area, a wardrobe and a safe deposit box. The unit offers 1 bed.
Twin Room with Mobility Accessible Roll In Shower - Non-SmokingOffering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. This wheelchair accessible twin room has air conditioning, a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a roll-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Suite with Two Queen Beds and Accessible Roll-In ShowerThis air-conditioned suite includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard King Room with BalconyThis double room features a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and Balcony - Non-SmokingThe unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.9
Good
Location
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego offers an excellent location for travelers seeking to explore the heart of the city. Positioned centrally, guests find themselves within walking distance to numerous attractions, including Balboa Park, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter and the San Diego Zoo. The hotel is also conveniently close to transportation hubs, making it easy to navigate the city.
Guests frequently praised the hotel's ideal location, noting its centrality and proximity to restaurants, tourist sights and nightlife. Many reviewers appreciated being able to walk to nearby destinations such as the city center, waterfront and various cultural landmarks. Additionally, the convenience for travelers attending events at the convention center or embarking on cruises was highlighted.
The hotel’s strategic placement ensures that visitors can efficiently access everything San Diego has to offer, from entertainment districts to scenic parks. This central positioning, combined with good service, comfortable accommodations and value for money, makes Holiday Inn Express a favorable choice for both leisure and business travelers discovering the vibrant city of San Diego.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, earns mostly positive praise from guests. Many comment on the variety and abundance of the food options, highlighting items like eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, cereals, fresh fruit and tea and coffee. Several guests note that the breakfast is more than just a simple continental offering with a buffet that includes substantial and fulfilling options. The hot breakfast and homemade pancakes receive special mention for their deliciousness.
The breakfast area is generally kept clean and the staff is recognized for being pleasant and attentive. Guests appreciate the breakfast as part of the room rate, describing it as very good, delicious and exceeding expectations. Families, in particular, seem to enjoy the breakfast, finding it convenient and varied enough to cater to different tastes.
On the downside, some guests mention that the breakfast space can get crowded with occasional shortages of seating and food items. A few reviewers find the breakfast basic or note that it lacks variety with some items being described as not great or unhealthy. Despite these occasional criticisms, the majority of guests find the breakfast to be a positive aspect of their stay, praising its quality, variety and the helpfulness of the breakfast staff.
Rooms
The rooms at Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, are generally praised for their comfort and cleanliness. Many guests have noted the spaciousness of the rooms, finding them large and well-equipped with necessary amenities. The rooms are described as cozy and often come with clean towels, well-lit bathrooms and comfortable beds. Some rooms provide pleasant views and even balconies, enhancing the overall experience.
However, there are some mixed reviews regarding room size and maintenance. While many guests appreciated the room's ample space and modern updates, others found them cramped or not matching the online pictures. Noise issues were reported, especially for rooms near the elevators or facing the street and some guests experienced minor problems such as musty smells and outdated decor. Despite these occasional setbacks, the hotel's effort to maintain clean and comfortable rooms is evident, making it a reliable choice for travelers.
Beds
Guests at Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, frequently praise the comfort of the beds. The beds are generally described as comfortable with many reviews highlighting the spacious rooms and large beds. Guests often note that the beds are clean and well-maintained with neat bedding and quality linens. Some rooms feature plush and soft beds, which have garnered positive feedback, especially in terms of comfort. However, there are occasional mentions of beds being too firm or too soft and a few guests expressed dissatisfaction with the overall comfort.
Additionally, the hotel's rooms and bed linens are typically regarded as clean, adding to the overall positive experience. A few reviews did identify issues with bed cleanliness, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the hotel appears to provide a satisfying sleep experience for the majority of its guests, thanks to its comfortable and well-kept beds.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, generally receives high praise for its cleanliness. Guests frequently describe the hotel as very clean, noting that the cleanliness is of a high standard throughout the property. Rooms are often highlighted as clean, comfortable and spacious enough to move around in. The bathrooms are typically clean, although a few guests mentioned occasional lapses in maintenance.
The hotel's overall structure, including the lobby and outside areas, is also well-maintained and clean. Despite some reports of unclean carpets and occasional lapses in room cleaning service, the general consensus points towards a tidy and pleasant environment.
In addition to cleanliness, guests appreciate the hotel's excellent customer service and friendly staff, which contribute to an overall positive experience. The property's great location adds to its appeal, making it a convenient choice for visitors to San Diego.
However, there are some areas for improvement noted by guests, such as hallways carpets looking rundown and a limited breakfast space. There have been a few isolated incidents involving insufficient cleaning, particularly related to carpets and bathroom maintenance. Despite these, the majority of reviews commend the hotel's cleanliness, comfort and service.
Staff
The guest reviews for Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego highlight the hotel's staff as being exceptionally friendly, professional and helpful. The reception and front desk teams, in particular, stand out for their courteous and efficient service with many guests noting the accommodating nature of the personnel. The level of attentiveness and enthusiasm displayed by the staff makes visitors feel welcomed and cared for during their stay. Though there were a few less favorable comments about service, the overwhelming sentiment underscores the staff's positive and supportive attitude, contributing significantly to the overall guest experience at the hotel. Clean rooms and a good breakfast further complement the efficient service, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking comfort in a convenient downtown location.
Wi-Fi
The Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego provides a generally positive Wi-Fi experience for its guests. Many visitors have noted that the Wi-Fi is good and more than adequate for typical hotel purposes with some reviews specifically mentioning fast and reliable connectivity. The inclusion and complimentary nature of the Wi-Fi service add a considerable benefit to the overall stay. However, there were a few remarks about intermittent issues with some guests experiencing slow speeds or non-functional connections. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the consensus leans towards a positive experience with the hotel's Wi-Fi services.
Gym
The gym at Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego offers a range of equipment that guests found decent and functional, including weights. While it may not be large, the available exercise room is clean and generally well-equipped. However, some guests noted that it could benefit from better fan ventilation and more consistent maintenance. Despite its size and occasional issues with equipment upkeep, many appreciated the inclusion of a gym facility during their stay.
Pool
The pool at Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, is an outdoor heated pool that is generally clean and well-maintained. Although it is on the smaller side, it is considered sufficient for a city hotel. Some guests noted that the pool area was adequate for their needs. However, there were instances of the pool being closed for repairs and reports of it being dirty on occasion. Overall, the pool, when operational, is a pleasant amenity for guests seeking to relax or take a dip.
Parking
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego offers a secure parking facility, which guests found generally safe and accessible. However, many reviewers noted that the parking garage is quite narrow, making it challenging to maneuver, especially for larger vehicles. The spaces are tight and can feel cramped, posing additional difficulty for big cars. Several guests mentioned that parking costs an extra $23 per day, a fee some found to be expensive given the tight space. While there's an additional charge for hotel parking, there are also plenty of nearby public parking spaces available, some of which are cheaper. Overall, although the parking is secure and convenient, improvements could be made to accommodate larger vehicles and ease the maneuvering process.
Family
The Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego is a great choice for families looking to explore the city. Many reviews highlight its family-friendly atmosphere with guests noting it as an ideal location for those traveling with children. The hotel provides amenities that cater to families, including baby cribs and family rooms located conveniently close to each other. Kids can enjoy the clean play area, get involved in the kids club and stay entertained with various activities available on-site. The pool adds another layer of enjoyment for children and the inclusion of kids meals makes dining hassle-free for parents. Overall, the hotel is well located and offers a great breakfast, which families particularly appreciate. While there are minor concerns about the neighborhood, the positive aspects make it a favored choice for many families.
Nightlife
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego offers guests an ideal location for enjoying the vibrant nightlife in the area. The hotel is located close to numerous nightlife options, particularly in the Gaslamp district, making it convenient for those looking to explore bars and clubs. Guests appreciate that the nightlife is both lively and enjoyable, while also being easily accessible on foot. The nearby nightlife scene strikes a balance, providing a mix of lively spots and quieter venues, catering to a variety of preferences. Additionally, the area experiences minimal traffic, enhancing the overall convenience and appeal for visitors looking to enjoy an evening out.
3 Star
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, consistently delivers three-star service and amenities. Guests find that its classification as a three-star hotel meets their expectations. The facilities and services correspond well with what one would anticipate from a hotel in this category. With its confirmed three-star amenities and location, it provides a balanced experience that aligns with the value and standards expected. While the hotel fulfills its three-star rating comprehensively, the occasional feedback suggests room for improvement in some aspects. Overall, visitors regard it as a nice and dependable option for a three-star accommodation in downtown San Diego, appreciating its alignment with three-star service, amenities and staff performance.
Business
The Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG, has been positively recognized for its suitability for business travelers. Many guests found it to be ideal and excellent for business stays, appreciating its proximity to the conference center and overall convenience for business activities. The hotel provides a business-friendly environment with well-maintained conference rooms and a readily available business center. Guests mentioned the presence of necessary business amenities and equipment, clean business facilities and attentive business staff, emphasizing that the hotel's services cater effectively to the needs of business travelers. Despite some operational issues, such as booking messes and room service charges, the hotel remains a preferred choice for those visiting San Diego for business purposes.
Accessible
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego, an IHG Hotel, offers a range of accessible amenities, making it a viable option for guests with disabilities. The hotel provides accessible rooms and parking spaces, both of which are appreciated for their convenience. The accessible service stands out for its quality, supported by helpful and attentive staff. Facilities designed for accessibility are maintained clean, ensuring a comfortable stay. However, some challenges remain, such as narrow parking spaces and difficult maneuverability, particularly for larger vehicles. While the facility does cater to accessibility needs, navigating certain areas might require extra care.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG has a gym.