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Summary of reviewsThe 'Old Town Inn' in San Diego receives extensive praise for its prime location, making it a favored choice for tourists. The hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance of historic Old Town San Diego and close to key public transport hubs like the Old Town Transit Center and trolley stations. Popular attractions such as SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and downtown are easily accessible, contributing to an efficient and enjoyable travel experience. Despite some minor noise issues from nearby freeways and train stations, the strategic location compensates by offering well-maintained facilities, courteous staff, a clean pool and free parking.
Breakfast at the Old Town Inn generally meets guests' expectations with many appreciating the inclusion and variety of food items, such as hot waffles, bagels, cereals and fresh fruits. The breakfast service, available from 6 AM to 10 AM, is convenient for early risers. Although guests have suggested enhancing the selection to include more hot protein options and avoid the carb-heavy choices, the breakfast is still considered filling and a great start to the day.
Dinners benefit greatly from the hotel's proximity to Old Town's plethora of dining options. The on-site restaurant, lauded for its delicious Mexican cuisine, alongside the helpful staff recommendations for nearby eateries, ensures that guests are treated to a diverse and enjoyable culinary experience.
Rooms are frequently described as clean, spacious and comfortable with modern amenities like a fridge, microwave and kitchenette enhancing the stay. Though some rooms faced minor issues like outdated furniture or occasional noise, the overall cleanliness and comfort, coupled with the property's charm and character, make for a favorable accommodation experience.
The exceptional cleanliness maintained throughout the property, from rooms to common areas and the pool, is often highlighted by guests. Daily housekeeping, clean and spacious living areas, well-kept gardens and a clean pool area contribute to a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
Staff at the Old Town Inn receive high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. The front desk personnel, housekeeping staff and receptionists contribute significantly to a positive guest experience, often going above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcomed and valued.
The free WiFi service receives mixed reviews with some guests praising its reliability and speed, while others point to inconsistent connectivity and signal strength issues. Nonetheless, the free access and generally positive experiences add to the convenience for many visitors.
Guests find the pool area clean and inviting with well-maintained landscaping creating a relaxing atmosphere. The heated pool is highlighted as a particularly enjoyable feature, although some mention that it could be slightly cooler. Overall, the pool is appreciated as a wonderful addition to the hotel.
Free parking is another valued aspect, though space can be tight for larger vehicles, especially during peak times. However, the availability of free parking adds considerable value for many guests.
For families, Old Town Inn is praised for its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly amenities. Spacious suites, a clean environment, a popular swimming pool and a stocked library for children ensure that families have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Proximity to attractions and beaches, along with the dog-friendly policies, further add to its appeal for family travel.
Overall, the Old Town Inn delivers a well-rounded, positive experience for many guests, balancing convenience, comfort, cleanliness and friendly service, making it a preferred lodging option for visitors to San Diego. Show more
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Categories
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Deluxe King RoomThis spacious guest room features 1 king-size bed, large bathroom area with 2 sinks, a microwave and small fridge, work desk and a comfortable sitting area. Accommodates 2 adults.
Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThis spacious guest room features 2 queen-size beds, large bathroom area with 2 sinks, a microwave and small fridge, work desk and a comfortable sitting chair. Accommodates 4 adults.
King StudioThis air-conditioned studio features a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a a flat-screen cable TV and a sofa with a seating area.
Petite King RoomLocated in our original buildings, circa 1940, these cozy rooms feature 1 king-size bed with pillow-top mattresses, a flat-screen TV + DVD player, a small bathroom with a shower only (no tub). Accommodates 2 guests.
Deluxe 1 Queen bed / Sofa sleeper / Disability AccessThe spacious deluxe room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The deluxe queen room features a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 queen bed and 1 sofa sleeper.
Petite King ADA Hearing & Visually Impaired (210 Sq. FT.)Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a wardrobe. The unit offers 1 bed.
King Single Hearing & Visually ImpairedOffering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a wardrobe. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Two Queens - StudioThe double room's kitchenette, which features a refrigerator and a microwave, is available for cooking and storing food. The spacious double room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Family SuiteThe spacious family room offers air conditioning, a coffee machine, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The kitchenette comes with a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. The family room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a wardrobe, as well as a sofa. The unit offers 3 beds.
Jr. Jacuzzi SuiteGuests will have a special experience as the double room offers a hot tub. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a coffee machine, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
The Old Town Inn is lauded for its prime location, offering exceptional convenience for visitors exploring San Diego. The hotel is within walking distance to historic Old Town San Diego, renowned for its charming sites and dining options. Guests also praised its proximity to public transportation hubs, including the Old Town Transit Center and various trolley stations, making it easy to navigate around the city.
The central setting puts attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Mission Bay and downtown within easy reach, whether by foot, car or public transport. The hotel's advantageous location near main highways facilitates quick access to several tourist and recreational spots, ensuring guests can maximize their sightseeing time. Additionally, its closeness to the San Diego International Airport is highly appreciated by travelers with early flights.
Some minor drawbacks include the industrial nature of the immediate surroundings and occasional noise from nearby freeways and the train station. However, the Old Town Inn compensates with well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, a well-kept pool and free parking, contributing to an overall pleasant and convenient stay for visitors to San Diego.
Breakfast
Guest reviews of the breakfast at Old Town Inn give a mixed impression with a notable focus on positive feedback. Many guests appreciated the convenience of having a breakfast included with compliments on the variety and selection of food items available. The continental breakfast commonly featured staples like bagels, toast, waffles, cereal and fresh fruit, along with coffee, tea and juice. Particularly highlighted were the hot waffles and oatmeal, which seemed to be a guest favorite.
The breakfast service was generally available from 6 AM to 10 AM, making it convenient for early risers. The variety of food was often described as generous, sufficient and filling. Some guests pointed out the presence of boiled eggs, yogurt and fresh fruits, which were well-received.
However, there were also significant mentions of areas needing improvement. Several guests noted the limited variety, lack of hot protein options like eggs and bacon and an overall basic selection. Some guests found the breakfast to be too carb-heavy and suggested the addition of more varied items, including dairy and meat products.
The breakfast rooms were praised for being well-maintained and spacious, though a few guests experienced overcrowding and reported issues like understaffing and inconsistent availability of certain items. Coffee quality received mixed reviews with some appreciating it while others found it weak.
Overall, while the breakfast at Old Town Inn seems to meet basic expectations and helps kickstart the day for many guests, there are suggestions for enhancing the variety and quality to cater to broader preferences and dietary needs.
Dinner
Located in a prime spot, Old Town Inn provides guests with excellent dining experiences both on-site and nearby. The hotel’s own restaurant receives high praise for its delicious food, particularly the Mexican cuisine. For those looking to explore the area, the front desk staff are noted for their excellent restaurant recommendations, whether it’s a nearby café or the multitude of dining options in Old Town, which boasts a variety of great restaurants within walking distance. Guests can savor steaks, pasta and other delightful dishes at the conveniently located eateries. Food trucks also add to the diverse culinary experience. The ease of access to these dining establishments, coupled with the helpful staff’s suggestions, ensures that every meal at Old Town Inn is memorable and enjoyable.
Rooms
The guest reviews for the Old Town Inn predominantly highlight the exceptional cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms. Many guests appreciated the comfortable beds and found the rooms to be well-maintained with modern amenities like a fridge, microwave and kitchenette. The rooms were often described as cozy, functional and well-equipped, making them suitable for short stays and family visits alike.
Despite some mentions of outdated furniture and occasional musty smells, most guests found the rooms to be a good value for the price. The motel-style rooms had charm and character, often featuring large bathrooms, dressing areas and enough space for multiple guests. The property's cleanliness standards were frequently praised with rooms being described as immaculate and spotless.
The convenience of the location, the availability of a free shuttle service and the well-kept property and gardens also contributed to fulfilling stays. While some rooms faced noise issues from nearby highways and train sirens, most were quiet and offered a comfortable sleep experience.
Overall, the balance between price, cleanliness and comfort made Old Town Inn a favorable choice for many travelers with abundant amenities and friendly staff adding to the positive experience.
Beds
The beds at Old Town Inn have garnered a lot of positive feedback from guests. The common sentiment across many reviews is that the beds were very comfortable, often described as extremely comfortable, cozy and super comfy. Numerous guests highlighted the excellent quality of both the mattresses and pillows, emphasizing that the bedding was clean and comfortable. King-sized beds also received specific praise for their comfort and size.
While the majority of reviews praised the beds, noting that they were well made and featured comfortably firm mattresses, there were occasional remarks about beds being too soft. However, these were very much in the minority. Overall, the consistent theme was that guests found the beds at Old Town Inn to be a reliable aspect of a good night’s sleep.
Cleanliness
The 'Old Town Inn' has consistently garnered praise for its exceptional cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Guest reviews highlight that rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable with beds often noted as extremely comfortable. Many guests found the hotel's amenities and overall environment to be spotless with daily housekeeping ensuring that rooms remain fresh and tidy throughout their stay. The common areas and bathrooms also received high marks for their cleanliness with several mentions of immaculate conditions. Additional comments emphasize that the property is not just clean but also well-maintained and inviting. The outdoor areas, including the garden and pool, are particularly well-kept, providing a pleasant and serene setting. Staff efforts in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere have not gone unnoticed, contributing to a positive overall experience for visitors at the 'Old Town Inn.'
Staff
At Old Town Inn, the staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests often describe the team as accommodating, polite and professional with many highlighting the exceptional customer service. Front desk staff, including individuals like Josh and Stevie, stand out for their warm welcomes and thorough assistance during check-in. Housekeeping also garners positive remarks for their reliability and daily upkeep. The reception staff, in particular, are noted for their efficiency and courtesy, often going above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable and valued. While there are occasional mentions of less supportive staff, the overwhelming sentiment is of a genuinely caring and supportive environment. The staff's attentiveness and willingness to resolve issues promptly contribute significantly to a positive overall experience at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
Guests at Old Town Inn have shared a mixed experience when it comes to the hotel's WiFi service. On the bright side, many visitors appreciated the free WiFi, describing it as fast, reliable and easy to access with clear instructions provided for usage. Several reviews highlighted the WiFi's strong connection both in rooms and in outdoor areas and noted that it mostly worked great. The staff received commendations for being attentive and ensuring an easy check-in and check-out process.
However, not all guests had a seamless experience with the internet service. Some reviews mentioned issues such as the WiFi being down during their stay, weak signals and spotty connections. Others found the internet slow or unreliable and in some instances, it did not work at all. A few guests described the WiFi as non-existent or worthless with some needing to log into a website for access, which was seen as cumbersome.
Overall, while the WiFi service at Old Town Inn has its strengths, there remains room for improvement to ensure consistent and reliable internet access for all guests.
Pool
The reviews for the 'Old Town Inn' pool suggest a very positive guest experience overall. Descriptions frequently highlight the pool area as nice, clean, tidy and well-maintained. Guests appreciate the pool's landscaping, describing it as lovely with beautiful flowers and trees that create a tropical atmosphere.
The pool's cleanliness is a consistent theme, making it a relaxing and comfortable spot to unwind. Reviewers also mention the heated feature of the pool, which provides a comfortable swimming experience with the water being maintained at an enjoyable temperature.
The outdoor pool and seating areas are notably well-kept and charming, providing a pleasant environment to relax, enjoy a coffee in the morning or spend family time. Despite a few mentions of the pool being small, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with guests describing it as wonderful, perfect and even heavenly.
Additional amenities such as pool towels, long operating hours and great access further enhance the pool experience. A few reviews note that the pool could be a bit cooler or mention occasional noise, but these do not significantly detract from the overall favorable impression.
In summary, the 'Old Town Inn' pool area offers a clean, inviting and well-maintained environment, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment amid beautiful landscaping.
Parking
When staying at the Old Town Inn, guests can expect a mix of positive and challenging experiences regarding parking. Many reviewers appreciate the convenience of free parking, noting that ample parking spaces are often available around the hotel, making it easy to find a spot close to their rooms. The security of the hotel parking area also receives positive mentions, adding peace of mind for guests.
However, it's important to note that several guests have found the parking spaces to be quite tight, particularly for larger vehicles. While some describe the parking lot as spacious and easy to navigate, others found it to be small with limited spots, especially during peak times or weekends. The parking areas might be a bit of a squeeze for SUVs and could be challenging at night or when the hotel is fully booked.
Overall, while free and convenient parking is a significant highlight at the Old Town Inn, guests with larger vehicles or those arriving during busy periods might find the parking situation less than ideal. But for the most part, the availability of free parking remains a considerable bonus for many visitors.
Family
Old Town Inn offers a welcoming retreat for families, frequently highlighted for its family-friendly amenities and atmosphere. This hotel stands out as a perfect choice for family vacations with spacious family suites and clean environments that accommodate both small and large families effectively. The family-run nature of the hotel adds a personal touch, making guests feel at home and further enhancing the family atmosphere.
Kids and families find plenty to enjoy with a swimming pool that's popular among younger guests and the free library stocked with books, DVDs and board games. Such amenities ensure that children are entertained while parents can relax. Additionally, the staff provide helpful tips about the city and assist with booking family trips, making it easy to explore the nearby attractions like Old Town State Park, Balboa Park and the zoo. The hotel's proximity to beaches, tourist attractions and shops also adds to its appeal, offering families convenient options for day trips and outings.
The hotel is particularly noted for its excellent value, which is appreciated by visiting families. A family atmosphere permeates the property with comfortable beds ensuring a good night's sleep for everyone. Friendly service is a recurring theme with many guests mentioning how much their children enjoyed their stays.
Pet owners will appreciate the dog-friendly accommodations, including small pet-friendly rooms and designated grass areas for pets. However, some reviews pointed out the presence of homeless individuals in the vicinity, which may not be ideal for all families.
Overall, Old Town Inn comes highly recommended for families looking for a cozy, comfortable and accommodating stay.
Business
Old Town Inn stands out as a business-friendly hotel offering key amenities and services that cater to the needs of business travelers. The hotel features convenient meeting spaces and a well-functioning business center, ensuring that professional tasks are efficiently managed. Guests praise the free Wi-Fi, provided at check-in, which facilitates seamless remote work experiences. The rooms are notably spacious, clean and comfortable with accommodations including small desks and chairs for in-room working.
Positioned in a business area that is both industrial and conveniently close to the old town, the location is particularly beneficial for those needing easy access to work areas and public transportation. The fitness room and additional meeting rooms add further appeal for those maintaining their fitness regime or needing extra working spaces during their stay.
Staff at Old Town Inn are frequently described as helpful and accommodating, contributing to the overall positive experience for business travelers. The value for money is frequently highlighted, making it a worthwhile choice for business trips. Although there are areas identified for improvement, such as the need for more comfortable workspaces in some rooms, the overall consensus positions Old Town Inn as a great stay for business-focused visitors.
Accessible
Old Town Inn has garnered positive feedback for its accessibility features, making it a favorable choice for guests with disabilities. The hotel's location, close to subway stations and public transportation, ensures convenient transit options, including accessible shuttles and trolleys. Guests appreciated the disability-friendly rooms and the presence of elevators that ease mobility concerns. The staff's friendly attitude towards disabled guests further enhances the overall experience.
While some reviews highlighted that the area is not completely quiet at night due to proximity to a main road, this did not overshadow the benefits of the hotel's accessibility features. The establishment offers ADA-compliant rooms and handicapped accessible facilities, adding to its appeal. The hotel is close to key attractions, including Balboa Park and the airport, while offering accessible parking and a good value compared to other options.
Amenities such as the pool and BBQ facilities are accessible, making it a practical choice for family travelers. Additionally, a separate breakfast room helps in facilitating easy access. Despite some mixed feedback on accessibility elements like stairs-only access to certain areas, the numerous positive aspects like proximity to Old Town, public transit and airport, along with the friendly staff and essential facilities, position Old Town Inn as a commendable option for guests with disabilities.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Old Town Inn receives high praise from guests for its cleanliness and well-maintained condition. Visitors appreciate the nice pool area, which is spacious and surrounded by beautiful gardens featuring mature hibiscus trees and vibrant geraniums. The pool is heated, ensuring a comfortable swimming experience with a good temperature that isn’t chilly. Guests have enjoyed relaxing both in the water and by the poolside, where apple beds provide a cozy spot to unwind.
The atmosphere around the pool is described as peaceful with polite staff adding to the overall pleasant experience. The pool’s surroundings, adorned with flowering plants, create a relaxing and picturesque environment. This saltwater pool is not only refreshing but also a relaxing retreat, making it a highlight of the hotel's amenities. Overall, the pool area at Old Town Inn is a well-kept, beautiful and inviting space for guests to enjoy a leisurely swim or simply relax by the water.
Dog Friendly
The Old Town Inn stands out as a notably pet-friendly option for travelers who prefer to bring their fur babies along on their adventures. The hotel warmly welcomes dogs, providing a variety of dog-friendly amenities and accommodations. Guests have expressed appreciation for the grassy areas designated for dogs, allowing pets to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh air.
The hotel's pet policies are accommodating with pets even allowed in the breakfast area, making it simpler for those who dislike leaving their pets unattended. A modest $15 pet fee also presents good value for pet owners, enhanced by the overall pet-friendly environment. While there were mentions of minor inconveniences like dog hair and a lack of designated dog areas, the provision of dog-friendly services and amenities generally outweighed these points.
Areas for improvement include the suggestion to install a pet poop bag stand, which would contribute to maintaining the cleanliness and appeal of the outdoor spaces. Despite minor critiques, the consensus remains that Old Town Inn is a super dog-friendly destination, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with their four-legged companions.
Yes, Old Town Inn has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Old Town Inn.
Yes, Old Town Inn welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Old Town Inn.