Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown — Hotel in San Diego

I dont know where to begin with this hotel. I believe I should start with the good. The breakfast was decent. One of the days they started breakfast half an hour late with no explanation, but that is a good transition to the bad. We will be here for a while. I checked in to the Hampton Inn Hotel Downtown and as I walked from the car to the hotel, I was greeted by three homeless people and the unbearable smell of urine surrounding the hotel. As a checked into the front desk I informed the man that I booked the hotel with one card but would like to pay with another. The man nodded in understanding and handed me my key and told me the hotel cleaning is every five days unless I ask for it and it must be the day before. I asked him as a diamond member do I receive any perks and he handed me a bottle of water and a cookie. I then waited for 30 minutes for the elevator and when I went back to ask the staff if there an issue and he informed that the elevator is broken and if I didn’t want to wait, take the stairs... I then decided to park my car in the hotel garage and as I walked through the garage leading to the stairway, I was introduced to yet another smell, Marijuana. I continued to my room and as I opened the door, I noticed that the A/C was on full blast which made the room extremely cold. I turned off the A/C and was introduced to a new smell...Mildew... After a few minutes of smelling this, I turned the A/C back on. Freezing is better than possible mold. As you would expect I tried over 20 different establishments in an attempt to get another room, but no one could offer a Govt rate, so I was decided to go to bed which gave me my next hurdle, Non-stop itching. I was taking numerous showers in the hotel to deal with the issue while sleeping fully clothed and noticed after some time that I developed athlete’s foot. After a couple of days in the hotel, I noticed a charge on the card that they had nodded in agreement that they wouldn’t charge. When I called to speak to the front desk, they answered the phone by saying “We know the elevator doesn’t work, how may I help you”. Irritated by the unprofessionalism I decided to end the call and talk to the staff face to face. When I informed them of the mistake, I was told on two separate occasions that the charge would come off. Not only was that not true but they managed to charge the other card upon checkout. When I informed them of yet another mistake, I was told they were looking into it… I don’t have high expectations. This hotel was a disappointment from beginning to end and it sad to know that this is what Hilton members can expect for a...

The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. The location is phenomenal. The rooms are standard. The location is amazing!

I stay at various Hampton Inn locations multiple times a year. The chain is a great chain for the basic travelers. I usually have very little to say about the stays. This one was a little different.

The negative: The exterior of this location is run down. It definitely needs a new exterior coat, at the least. The elevators are old. Of the three elevators, one, I wouldn't ride in.The first time was so slow, I thought it was going to get stuck a couple of times. My room did not include a clock, there was dirty wash rags left on the bathroom vanity, light bulbs had to be replaced and the bed frame squeaked with any tiny movement. Most of the rooms wouldn't have a great view because a government building is directly in front of the hotel, but, some ocean views.

The solutions: With all that being said. I reported the necessary issues to the front desk (light bulbs and dirty laundry), and they took care of it right away. The clock wasn't much of an issue (who doesn't have cell phones these days with the time on it?!?!) and there was nothing that could have been done about the bed frame while the room was occupied.

The positive: The staff responded quickly and made me feel welcome at all times. They were super friendly and great the entire stay.

Across the street is a good sized playground for toddlers and children (2-8?). Walking distance to EVERYTHING! Many restaurants to choose from, the water, park, entertainment, museums, nighlife, and Disney Cruiseline. The location was EASY to get to as well.

Previous reviews: I saw some previous reviews with someone complaining about homeless people all around, the noise of the train behind the building, etc ... Being someone who has lived in and frequent downtown areas, it didn't seem out of the norm. Yes, there was 1 or 2 people who may have been homeless around the corner and a metro line train behind the building. The train didn't bother me at all. I actually don't remember hearing the train itself. You could hear the warning "dings" at the control arms but it wasn't loud by any means. It is normal city noises.

If you're ok with a basic room, friendly staff, and a great location, this is definitely a place to stay in...

Drove to San Diego from Arizona a for a weekend trip. We always stay at Hampton Inns. Walked in and was greeted. I asked if any discounts for anything and told me to book it online. I stood there to do it online and it was the same price so wasted 20 minutes searching. I am a member. Gave them my license and the spelling of my last name. Still spelled it wrong. Couldn’t use the WiFi because I didn’t know how they spelled it. Didn’t ask for my Hilton number or email. Got to our room on the 3rd floor. Bathroom door has to be slammed to close it. Lights flicker when you turn them on in the hallway and bathroom. The train was horrible all night, noise all night from people above us kept making us jump. Bed is usually so comfortable but not this one. The elevator needs attention as you feel like you are going to be stuck and us and another couple waited for the doors to close for a few minutes before we all got off. Next thing we see was an out of order sign. Our view was nothing but the roof below us and there was a smell in the hotel. Not to mention the heater was the loudest we have ever heard. Seems like it was a take over hotel and did some updating but can’t get through the hallway because of the small space. Hallways always smell good and clean, but this one didn’t have a smell. Bathroom floor was sticky. Bathtub didn’t drain at all. Not to mention paying $40 a night to park there when you’re already spending $225 for a room? I told the front desk about my concerns and she didn’t seem to care. My husband lived for 6 months in a Hampton Inn for work and we drove across country and only stayed at Hamptons. I have to say I was not impressed with the hotel other than the location. They lock the front door at night, which I agree and like the security but to have it locked still at 9am when the traffic in and out in the morning was just too much. I read the reviews and asked not to be near the train even if we had to pay more but that was overlooked as well. Overall I was not impressed. Breakfast was good. Very good selection and didn’t options...