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Summary of reviewsHotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld receives varied reviews that prominently highlight its superb location and generally satisfactory staff interactions but face significant criticism regarding the state of the rooms and cleanliness.
Nestled in Mission Valley, the hotel is praised for its convenient location near key San Diego attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. Guests appreciate the easy freeway access, closeness to Fashion Valley Mall, an array of dining options and proximity to public transportation. The quiet environment, secure parking and pet-friendly policy add to its appeal for families, business travelers and pet owners alike.
The rooms at Hotel Iris present a mixed picture. Positive comments highlight spacious rooms with comfortable king-sized beds, big bathtubs and essential amenities like refrigerators and large screen TVs. Some rooms are noted for their stylish decor. However, many guests report significant cleanliness and maintenance issues, including dirty carpets, stained linens, broken furniture, non-functioning appliances, unpleasant odors and pest problems. This stark contrast between expectation based on online photos and reality is a recurrent theme.
Cleanliness across the hotel appears inconsistent. While some guests encounter clean environments and well-maintained areas, many report filthy conditions, including mold, roaches, dirty carpets and bad odors. The inconsistency of housekeeping services exacerbates these issues, leading to overall dissatisfaction for a significant number of visitors.
Interactions with the staff receive mixed feedback, though there are notable mentions of friendly and helpful behavior, particularly from the front desk and specific staff members. Efficient service, quick response to issues and a generally welcoming attitude are highlighted. However, instances of rudeness, unprofessional behavior and disengaged staff members detract from the overall experience for some guests.
Complimentary amenities such as Wi-Fi receive positive remarks for reliability with some exceptions concerning connectivity in rooms and interruptions in service. The pool is generally appreciated for its cleanliness and maintenance, though some find it dirty or in need of updates and its frequent closures are a common gripe. The spa does not fare as well with many guests encountering closed or poorly maintained jacuzzi tubs and facilities.
Parking at the hotel is positively reviewed for its convenience and well-lit spaces, though challenges regarding tight spots, limited accessibility and occasional safety concerns are noted. For families, the hotel offers spacious accommodation options and a generally family-friendly atmosphere, albeit with some reservations regarding the suitability of activities for children.
The bedding at the hotel also receives mixed reviews. Some guests find the beds comfortable, while others report issues such as discomfort, dirty sheets and even bed bugs, raising concerns about hygiene and safety.
The hotel’s pet-friendly policy is a significant draw, though additional charges and occasional cleanliness issues related to pets are areas of concern for some guests.
In summary, Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld stands out for its prime location and generally friendly staff. However, substantial improvements in room cleanliness, maintenance and consistent service are needed to elevate the overall guest experience. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Hotel with Parking
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Queen Room - Non-SmokingThis room offers free WiFi and a TV with cable channels.
King Room - Non-SmokingThis room offers free WiFi and a TV with cable channels, a refrigerator, a microwave and a coffee machine.
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Non-SmokingThis room offers free WiFi and a TV with cable channels, a refrigerator, a microwave and a coffee machine.
This room can also be requested as a pet-friendly room. Charges will apply.
King Room with Spa Bath - Non-SmokingOffering free WiFi, this room has a Jetted Tub. It features a 2-person spa bath and a make-up table with magnified mirror. Premium bedding, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee machine and a flat-screen cable TV with HBO film channels are all included.
Queen Studio with Kitchen- Non-SmokingThis single room features air-conditioning, a stove-top, and a small dining area.
Standard Triple RoomOffering free WiFi, this room features a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a flat-screen cable TV with HBO film channels.
Double Room - Disability AccessProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
5.7
Rated
Location
Nestled in the heart of Mission Valley, Hotel Iris boasts an enviable location that guests frequently praise. Positioned conveniently close to downtown San Diego, the zoo, SeaWorld and numerous other attractions, it offers easy freeway access for seamless travel. Its proximity to shopping hubs like Fashion Valley Mall, along with an abundance of nearby restaurants and public transport options, makes it a prime choice for visitors seeking convenience. Guests often appreciate the central location, which allows for quick trips to the beach and other key San Diego destinations. The hotel is also favored for its quiet environment, secure parking and pet-friendly policy, making it a versatile option for various types of travelers, including families and business visitors. Despite minor critiques, the standout feature remains the unbeatable location, ensuring that everything guests need or want to explore is just a short distance away.
Rooms
The guest reviews for Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld present a mixed image of the rooms. On the positive side, the rooms are noted for being spacious with multiple beds, big bathtubs and comfortable king-sized beds. Some guests appreciated the air-conditioning and others mentioned that basic amenities like refrigerators and large screen TVs were provided. The decoration of certain rooms was well-received with some describing the rooms as beautifully decorated and the decor as stylish.
However, the negatives seem to dominate the feedback. Cleanliness was a recurrent issue with many guests describing rooms as filthy or dirty with stained carpets and linens, bad odors and the presence of cockroaches, ants and spiders. There were multiple complaints about non-functioning appliances, such as TVs and remotes and no hot water. The outdated and worn condition of furniture and room decor, including broken chairs and peeling paint, was frequently mentioned. Additionally, the photographs on the website often didn't match the actual conditions, causing a sense of disappointment among guests.
There were concerns about safety and maintenance: steps were deemed unsafe, door locks were not secure and several structural problems were flagged including leaky tubs and non-functional air conditioning. The presence of tiny flies, mold and various unpleasant odors added to the dissatisfaction. Some guests also noted that essential amenities like towels and toiletries were lacking and housekeeping services seemed irregular or non-existent.
Overall, despite some positive aspects like room size and certain comforts, the prevailing sentiment among guests suggests that the rooms at Hotel Iris require significant improvements in cleanliness, maintenance and in remedying the mismatch between expectation and reality based on online photos.
Beds
Guests at Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld have had mixed experiences regarding the beds. Some visitors noted that the beds were comfortable with phrases like "comfortable beds,” “bed was comfy,” “large comfortable bed,” and “comfortable clean bed" appearing frequently in reviews. Positive feedback also mentioned comfortable bedding despite minor issues, as well as the availability of various sizes like queen and king beds.
However, many guests reported unfavorable experiences with the beds. Complaints included issues such as beds being uncomfortable, hard, bumpy or broken. Reviews also highlighted problems like visible springs, stained sheets and unclean bedding. There were specific mentions of bed bugs, fleas and even live cockroaches, which raised serious concerns about hygiene and cleanliness. Some beds were described as old, filthy or having holes, contributing to a less than satisfactory stay for these guests.
Additionally, there were some specific instances where bed-related issues led to physical discomfort or accidents, indicating that maintenance might be an area needing improvement. Despite the mixed reviews, the hotel's beds offer a range of experiences with some guests finding comfort and others encountering significant issues.
Cleanliness
Hotel Iris in Mission Valley has received mixed feedback regarding its cleanliness. Several guests noted rooms that were clean and a generally clean environment in some cases with the property being well-maintained. However, a significant number of reviews indicate major cleanliness issues. Many guests reported filthy conditions, including dirty carpets, stained sheets and bathrooms with mold and roaches. The carpets were frequently described as dirty and stained and there were multiple mentions of cockroaches and other insects inside the rooms. Uneven carpets, water damage on walls and broken fixtures were also common complaints.
Guests highlighted problems like bad odors, including smells of smoke and marijuana and daily housekeeping services were often lacking. Several reviewers also noted issues with wet floors, clogged drains and dirt accumulating under furniture. Some mentioned that pictures online did not match the reality of the rooms, which were often described as old and poorly maintained.
Overall, while there were mentions of cleanliness in some areas, the general consensus points to a need for significant improvements in hygiene and maintenance at Hotel Iris.
Staff
The staff at Hotel Iris in Mission Valley, San Diego has received mixed reviews from guests with notable mentions identifying both positives and areas for improvement. Many guests praised the friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency of the staff, highlighting quick responses to requests, accommodating behavior and excellent customer service. The front desk, in particular, received favorable comments for being polite, apologetic when necessary and expediting the check-in and check-out processes smoothly.
Significant positive remarks were directed towards specific staff members, notably the owner and maintenance personnel, who were described as super friendly, kind and respectful. Several guests appreciated the prompt attention to issues such as fixing TVs and air conditioners and the overall welcoming and pleasant demeanor of the staff.
However, some guests experienced less satisfactory interactions, citing instances of rudeness, unprofessional behavior and a lack of helpfulness from certain staff members. There were mentions of front desk staff being disengaged or having a bad attitude and infrequent or inadequate cleaning by housekeeping. A few guests encountered personal issues with specific employees, including rude managers and dishonest clerks.
While the efforts of the friendly and accommodating staff were often noted, it's clear that consistency in customer service remains an area for enhancement. Overall, many guests acknowledged the efforts of the staff to provide a satisfactory experience, but there were notable exceptions that impacted some visitors' stays.
Wi-Fi
Hotel Iris in Mission Valley offers complimentary Wi-Fi to its guests with several noting a good and reliable connection. However, there are mixed experiences regarding Wi-Fi accessibility; some guests reported that the Wi-Fi only worked in the lobby and not in their rooms. Issues regarding the hotel’s TV setup were frequently mentioned with guests encountering non-functional remotes, sluggish TV responses and in some cases, no remote control or a working TV at all. A few guests also experienced interruptions in Wi-Fi service. Despite these hiccups, the internet generally received positive comments.
Spa
The spa at Hotel Iris in Mission Valley receives mixed reviews from guests. While some have enjoyed the jacuzzi tub, appreciating the jets, many others have found significant issues. Some guests encountered a jacuzzi that had discolored, green water and malfunctioning jets, which did not match the advertised pictures. Additionally, the external jacuzzi pools were accessible, but the main spa was often closed, draped with caution tape and out of service. Despite the potentially pleasant experience with the jacuzzi tub, the frequent closures and maintenance problems suggest that the spa amenities might not always meet guests' expectations.
Pool
Hotel Iris in Mission Valley has generally positive feedback about its pool from guests. Descriptions of the pool include terms such as nice, clean and well-maintained. Guests appreciate the easy access to the pool and some find the pool area to be a quaint and pleasant place to relax. Many guests highlighted the cleanliness and maintenance of the pool area.
However, there were also a few negative points mentioned. Some reviews noted that the pool was dirty or needed updating. Others were disappointed by the early closure time of the pool and there were several instances where guests found the pool not operational or unavailable for use. Additionally, the pool being closed earlier than the office hours was another concern.
For those who had a positive experience, the pool and the surrounding amenities such as the warm water and comfortable beds nearby added to their overall satisfaction.
Parking
Hotel Iris in Mission Valley presents a mixed experience when it comes to parking. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the included free parking, noting its convenience and well-lit spaces. The practical proximity between the rooms and the parking areas was highlighted, making it easy to access vehicles. Guests often found parking spots available and the ease of parking next to rooms was particularly appreciated.
However, there were some recurring issues. Parking spaces were described as tight and narrow with limited availability, particularly disadvantaging those requiring accessible spots. Some guests had to park far from their rooms and issues like broken-down cars in the lot and shared parking lanes were noted. Additionally, a few guests mentioned poor lighting and concerns about safety due to loitering around the parking area.
Overall, while the complimentary and convenient aspects of the parking facilities were welcomed, the limitations in space and occasional difficulties in finding a spot underscored a need for improvements.
Family
Hotel Iris in Mission Valley seems to offer a mixed experience when it comes to activities for kids. On the plus side, the hotel fits families well with accommodation options like double rooms and three times larger family rooms, ensuring there is ample space. The atmosphere is described as family-friendly with a quiet room being suitable for families. One unique amenity mentioned is a child-size ironing board, which could be a delightful novelty for young guests. The pool appears to be a highlight, as kids loved spending time there, enhancing the family vacation experience.
However, some reviews indicate that the overall suitability for children is debatable. Despite these mixed feelings, the family-size amenities, respectful and friendly staff and competitive pricing contribute positively to the family experience at Hotel Iris. Those planning to visit with family or friends may find the hotel accommodating, as mentioned by reviewers who note their satisfaction with towels for a family of three and the overall happiness of their family during their stay. Nonetheless, potential guests should weigh these factors when considering the hotel for family stays.
Dog Friendly
Hotel Iris in Mission Valley, near the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, is generally appreciated for its pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their dogs. Many guests highlight the convenience and positive aspect of staying in a hotel that accommodates pets. However, there are mentions of additional charges for pets, including service animals, which some guests found unexpected. Additionally, there were a few issues regarding cleanliness with reports of pet hair and stains on the sheets and an occasional disturbance from barking dogs. While the pet-friendly units are a significant draw for many, the hotel may benefit from more thorough cleaning protocols and clearer information regarding pet-related charges.
Yes, Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld.
Yes, Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld.
No, Hotel Iris - Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld doesn't have a gym.