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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG, is well-regarded by guests for a variety of reasons, making it a popular choice for travelers visiting San Diego, particularly those planning to explore SeaWorld and other nearby attractions. The hotel's prime location is frequently highlighted, offering easy access to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Mission Beach and Old Town. Its proximity to grocery stores, restaurants and shops within walking distance adds to the convenience. While a few concerns about the surrounding neighborhood were noted, the general sentiment is that the location enhances the travel experience with its central placement and ease of access to major attractions.
A standout feature of the hotel is its breakfast offerings. Guests consistently praise the diverse and delicious breakfast menu with highlights like freshly baked pancakes and cinnamon rolls. The range of options, including hot items like eggs and bacon as well as lighter fare like yogurt and fresh fruit, contributes to the high satisfaction among guests. The complimentary breakfast is especially valued for its contribution to the overall convenience and enjoyment of the stay.
The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express San Diego – Sea World Area receive commendations for their cleanliness, modern decor and comfort. Spacious and well-equipped, they include amenities such as microwaves, refrigerators and ample toiletries. Despite occasional issues with maintenance and noise, the rooms are generally perceived as comfortable and ideal for families.
Cleanliness is a strong suit for the hotel with guests frequently noting the spotless condition of their rooms and the overall tidiness of the property. Daily cleaning services and a high standard of hygiene contribute to a pleasant and comfortable environment throughout the hotel.
The staff's exceptional service also stands out in reviews. Guests often describe the staff as friendly, helpful and professional with specific employees frequently receiving special mentions for their extraordinary service. This positive interaction enhances the guest experience significantly.
Wi-Fi service at the hotel is generally reliable with strong and fast connections reported by most guests. Although there are occasional lapses in connectivity, the majority of feedback is positive, highlighting it as a dependable feature during their stay.
The hotel's gym is noted for being well-maintained and accessible 24/7, providing a convenient option for guests to maintain their fitness routines. Despite its smaller size, the gym is well-equipped and generally appreciated by guests.
The pool area receives mixed reviews. While appreciated for being secure and gated, making it safe for families, the pool itself is often described as small and sometimes crowded. Although maintained and equipped with a solar heating system, some guests found issues with its cleanliness and noted that the area could benefit from updates.
Parking is another highlighted feature, valued especially because it is complimentary. The availability of an underground parking garage adds a layer of security, though some guests find the spaces tight, particularly for larger vehicles and limited during busy periods. Despite this, the free and covered parking is viewed as a significant plus.
The beds at the hotel garner positive reviews, frequently praised for their comfort and the provision of clean linens. The thoughtful options for soft or firm pillows further enhance the sleeping experience. While the sofa bed did receive some criticism for needing an update, the overall feedback on bedding is overwhelmingly positive.
Finally, the hotel presents a functional environment for business travelers with a 24/7 business center, free printing services and good meeting room facilities. The clean and efficient rooms, suitable for business trips, make it a recommended option for those traveling on business.
In summary, Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area excels in location convenience, breakfast offerings, cleanliness, staff service and bedding comfort. While there are minor areas for improvement, the overall positive feedback underscores its popularity and suitability for both family vacations and business stays. Show more
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Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
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 Room - Non-SmokingBedding information will be communicated upon check-in.
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Hearing AccessibleIncludes hand-held shower head, tub and toilet with grab bars, raised toilet seat, removable shower seat and visual alarm.
Standard Queen Room with Two Queen BedsRoom offers a TV, a microwave and a fridge.
Suite with Two Beds - Non-SmokingThis spacious air-conditioned suite features a seating area with a sofa bed. It includes a flat-screen cable TV, a refrigerator and a coffee machine.
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds and Sofa BedThis air-conditioned room offers a flat-screen cable TV, a microwave and a fridge.
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds- Hearing Accessible Roll in Shower/Non-SmokingThis air-conditioned hearing accessible room includes a TV, a microwave, a refrigerator and a hairdryer.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Location
The Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area boasts a prime location that many guests find extremely convenient and ideal for their travels. The hotel is centrally located, making it easy to access some of San Diego's top attractions such as SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Mission Beach and Old Town. Its proximity to these popular destinations allows for short travel times, enhancing the overall ease of visiting multiple spots in a single trip. Additionally, there are numerous amenities nearby, including grocery stores, pharmacies and a variety of restaurants and shops, all within walking distance.
Guests repeatedly highlight the hotel's ideal positioning for family visits to SeaWorld, as it is a mere five to ten minutes away by car and Uber rides to nearby attractions are relatively inexpensive. Access to the freeway and main roads is seamless, facilitating quick trips to additional points of interest around the city. This central location proves beneficial for exploring San Diego while saving time on commutes.
However, some reviews point out that the neighborhood surrounding the hotel leaves something to be desired with mentions of homeless camps and a generally "sketchy" or "rough" feel in certain blocks nearby. Despite this, the hotel area itself is typically described as safe and the overall sentiment remains that the convenience and accessibility of the hotel significantly contribute to an enjoyable stay in San Diego.
Breakfast
The breakfast offerings at Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area garnered a lot of positive feedback from guests, establishing it as a major highlight of their stay. Many guests described the breakfast as very good, great and excellent, praising its varied and delicious options. Highlights included the freshly baked pancakes and the cinnamon rolls, which were frequently mentioned as standout items.
The breakfast menu was noted for its diversity and comprehensiveness with food choices ranging from hot items like eggs, pancakes and bacon to lighter fare like yogurt, fresh fruit and cereal. The inclusion of a full American breakfast, complete with hot and cold drinks, added to the overall appeal. Several guests appreciated the well-stocked breakfast buffet and the attentive service provided by the staff.
Breakfast was consistently described as satisfactory and sufficient for families, contributing positively to the overall value of the stay. The complimentary breakfast was seen as a great convenience, allowing guests to start their day with a hearty meal.
Despite the largely positive reviews, there were a few critical notes. Some guests found the breakfast area to be crowded with limited seating and others mentioned a desire for more variety. However, these drawbacks were often overshadowed by the abundance of favorable comments about the quality and variety of the breakfast.
In summary, the breakfast at Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area is frequently praised for its variety, quality and convenience, making it a valued part of the guest experience.
Rooms
The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express San Diego – Sea World Area, an IHG Hotel, are frequently praised for their cleanliness, modernity and comfort. Many reviews highlight that rooms are spacious, well-equipped and maintain a high standard of cleanliness, which contributes to a comfortable stay. The beds are noted to be particularly pleasant and the rooms provide essential amenities such as microwaves, refrigerators and ample towels and toiletries. The decor is perceived as new and stylish and the bathrooms are often described as clean, modern and spacious.
However, some guests encountered issues such as broken blinds, noise from other rooms and minor maintenance problems like malfunctioning heaters and AC units. There were also occasional reports of room humidity and negative experiences related to cleanliness in specific instances. On the positive side, the facilities are well-located with convenient access to SeaWorld and nearby stores, making it ideal for families. The hotel also offers thoughtful amenities like quality coffee and complementary bottled water, enhancing the overall guest experience.
In summary, the rooms at this hotel provide a comfortable, clean and spacious environment, well-suited for families visiting SeaWorld, despite a few isolated issues with maintenance and noise.
Beds
Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG, has garnered impressive feedback regarding its bedding. Guests have frequently highlighted the exceptional comfort of the beds with many describing them as very comfortable, super comfortable and even perfect. The clean linens and the detailed attention to soft or firm pillow options have also added to the overall luxurious bedding experience.
Reviewers appreciated the clean and comfortable rooms and praised the daily cleaning service for maintaining high standards. The bedding received consistent compliments for being cozy and soft, further enhancing the restful experience for guests. Additionally, while most comments were positive, a few noted that the sofa bed could use updating and improvement in comfort.
Overall, the comfortable and clean beds, accompanied by the thoughtful provision of extra bedding and bath linens, contribute significantly to the restful and pleasant stays at this hotel.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area shines with its impeccable cleanliness, receiving high marks from guests for maintaining a spotless environment. The rooms are consistently described as clean, comfortable and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. Bathrooms are highlighted for their modern design and cleanliness. The entire property, from facilities to individual rooms, is well-kept and tidy, ensuring a hygienic and inviting atmosphere. Guests appreciate the daily cleaning service and the overall superior standard of cleanliness throughout the hotel. Despite a few isolated incidents, such as occasional lapses in vacuuming and specific cleanliness issues in some areas, the general consensus praises the hotel for its cleanliness and comfort.
Staff
Visitors to the Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area frequently highlight the exceptional quality of service provided by the hotel staff. Reviews repeatedly describe the staff as friendly, helpful and professional. Guests often find the employees very attentive, accommodating and informative. Several staff members, such as Sarah and Yazmin, receive special mentions for their exceptional service. The reception team, housekeeping and other hotel employees are praised for their efficiency and pleasant demeanor, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.
The overall customer service is noted to be excellent with the staff consistently maintaining a courteous and kind attitude. Guests appreciate the detailed information provided about the local area and attractions, enhancing their overall stay. The management’s commitment to training and professionalism is evident, as staff members are described as supportive, hardworking and responsive to guest needs.
Despite some isolated negative remarks about certain interactions, the majority of the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. The staff's dedication to ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay contributes significantly to the hotel's reputation for great service and guest satisfaction.
Wi-Fi
The Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG, offers a varied experience when it comes to their Wi-Fi service. Many guests were pleased with the internet connectivity, highlighting qualities such as strong Wi-Fi signals and fast, reliable connections available throughout the hotel premises. Positive comments were frequent with guests appreciating the availability of free Wi-Fi and praising its high-speed performance.
The Wi-Fi service in rooms was notably mentioned for working well, delivering good internet speeds and maintaining strong connections. The widespread coverage of the Wi-Fi was also a point of satisfaction for many with some reviews noting that all areas of the hotel were well-connected.
However, not all experiences were seamless; there were occasional mentions of poor or weak Wi-Fi signals, slow connection speeds and some instances of no internet access at all. Despite these criticisms, the general consensus leaned towards a positive assessment of the Wi-Fi services, making it a dependable feature for most guests at the hotel.
Gym
The gym at Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area is well-maintained and available 24/7, making it a convenient option for guests looking to maintain their fitness routines while traveling. Though some visitors noted that the gym is on the smaller side, it is generally described as clean, nice and well-equipped with the necessary amenities for a vacation workout. Despite occasional repairs, guests generally found the gym facilities to be adequate and appreciated the accessibility and included access as part of their stay. Overall, the fitness room provides a functional space to exercise, even if some feel it could benefit from additional equipment.
Pool
The pool area at Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area has garnered mixed feedback from guests. While many appreciated that the pool is secure and gated, adding a sense of safety for families, the majority of reviewers found the pool notably small and at times too crowded, only able to accommodate a couple of families comfortably. Some guests noted the pool was well-maintained and clean with a solar heating system that keeps the water warm, making it enjoyable despite its size. Others, however, mentioned issues with the pool's cleanliness with some describing the water as old, green or even dirty.
The jacuzzi received similar mixed reviews with some guests finding it clean but others commenting on its outdated condition and occasional malfunctioning, such as being too cold. The pool area, although inviting and relaxing for some, was seen as old and in need of repairs overall. The pool's opening hours, starting at 10 AM, were inconvenient for some guests and occasional noise and overcrowding affected the enjoyment for others. Despite these variances, the pool remained a popular amenity with the secure and heated features being the most appreciated aspects.
Parking
Visitors of the Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area frequently mention the complimentary parking at the hotel as a significant advantage with numerous guests appreciating the convenience and the fact that it is included in their stay. Many reviews highlight the availability of an underground parking garage, which is both free and provides a layer of security.
However, the parking situation is not without its challenges. The parking garage tends to be tight and cramped, making it difficult for larger vehicles to maneuver. Several guests noted that parking spots are very small and limited in number, especially during weekends and busy periods, which can be problematic. Despite these issues, the free and covered parking remains a positive aspect for many guests.
While there are occasional issues with the space being tight and somewhat constrained for those with bigger vehicles, the availability of street parking and an overflow lot helps mitigate these concerns to some extent. Overall, while the parking experience might not be perfect, the fact that it is free and on-site provides a definite plus for guests staying at the hotel.
Business
Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG, offers a reliable and functional environment for business travelers. The hotel features a business center that is open 24/7, providing free printing services and a clean, adequately sized space suitable for various business needs. The meeting room facilities are noted as being good and appropriate for business conferences. While some reviewers mentioned noise in the business center, the overall feedback highlights it as a good resource for business purposes. The rooms are functional and clean, resembling the efficient style of Japanese business hotels, making them suitable for travelers on business trips. Overall, the hotel is highly recommended for business travelers and conferences.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area 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 San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express San Diego - Sea World Area by IHG has a gym.