Hard Rock Hotel San Diego — Hotel in San Diego

*Updating my review from 2019. While most of my first review still stands as far as GREAT LOCATION, after staying eight days again in July 2022, I felt the need to drop my rating due to what I feel are legitimate issues.

Our room was not cleaned well upon check in. There were plastic clothing tags in the carpet, the coffee table was sticky, streaks on all of the glass and the poorly designed shower, which had been sloppily repaired, flooded our floor with every shower, no matter how short. *Solution - when the time comes to update, consider another design that leads all of the water to a central drain

When I stopped at the desk to ask one of the hostesses to please send four more towels and a new bath mat, I got four complete sets of towels, which was wasteful. Also, she seemed completely confused and incapable of understanding a simple request. *Maybe she was having a bad day.

Again on poor design, there were approximately 147 light switches for their custom room lightning. The lighting was horrible and I did my makeup by the window, night or day. *Solution - consider less switches, more actual lights

The bedside reading lights were broken. *Solution - do regular inspections and repairs

The sink faucet leaked. *Solution - you have "SAVE WATER" stickers on the mirrors, so as above, inspect and repair regularly

The coffee table and bed platform were both made of knives. My husband and I both injured our shins walking without a care around our seemingly knife-free room. *Solution - don't allow clumsy people in your hotel OR sand the corners down.

The rooms on the 6th Avenue side were LOUD. Like - LOUD. On the weekend, the cycle rickshaws were make their rounds, blasting music, the parking garage across the street had car alarms going off night and day, the "Attorney King" has a mobile advertisement parked on 6th Ave. that I'm positive could be viewed from space given light coming off of it into our room. *Solution - sound proof that side of your hotel or lobby to have the rickshaws drive into the ocean after 11 PM.

FIVE STARS FOR THE SECURITY STAFF! Those guys (I only saw guys) were friendly, professional and seem to have to put up with A LOT. I can only hope they are well paid.

FIVE STARS FOR NOT SO MANY CHILDREN AT THIS HOTEL! I love kids, I really do, but not when I'm trying to relax. The make a lot of noises, make a lot of mess and make smaller pools way less fun for those who are just there to chill.

With all of this said, NONE of these things ruined our trip. We enjoyed our stay, loved the location, relished the cozy spots and bar close to the pool, but felt that in just a few years, there seemed to be a sense of decline in the standard in which the rooms are maintained.

I hope that some post-Covid money comes back to this place and allows it to update, repair and train its front end staff well. We would like to visit again, but for the cost, we could stay someplace just a nice, just as convenient, with better appointments.

Review from 2019 We loved our nine days here. Our rooms were clean, equipped and the staff was prompt and professional. The Hard Rock Hotel is perfectly situated near the convention center, bay and touristy stuff.

The pool party they host on the weekend can bite into your weekend pool time, so that's worth considering before you drop some hefty cash thinking you're going to relax by the pool side with a book. Do your research so you're not disappointed.

The poolside lounge was phenomenal - Sun, shade, cocktails and sports on the TVs, if you're into that.

If we were in this hotel anywhere besides San Diego, I never would have left...

It's not that this hotel is all bad, but one thing was clear from my four-night stay. The Hard Rock San Diego does not value its paying hotel guests.

First, a few positives: Location. The light rail (MTA Trolley) is steps from the hotel. In addition, the Gaslamp District where this hotel is located is walkable to many sights, restaurants, etc. If you are attending a conference at the convention center, this hotel is quite convenient.

Cleanliness. The hotel's common areas and our room were very clean and well-maintained.

In-hotel gym. Well-appointed with bikes, treadmills, kettle bells, free weights, etc. It was also nicely maintained.

(NOTE: I did not eat in the hotel's restaurant so I can't comment on it.)

Now for the downsides ...

Three of the four days of our stay, the hotel hosted outdoor parties that were primarily for non-hotel guests who paid a fee to attend. These parties limited access to the pool and the adjacent Float bar and Woodstock lounging area -- all are common areas for the hotel.

Party #1: An event for conference attendees on Fri., 3/24. Hotel staff attempted to close the pool area. Paying hotel guests protested and were allowed to stay (event/pool closure was not announced on the hotel's website or at check-in). Instead, the Float bar area was closed off to hotel guests.

Party #2: The hotel hosts "Liquid Sunshine Day Club" events on Saturdays. These are raucous pool parties open to non-hotel guests who pay a fee to attend. It goes on for several hours (12pm-6pm), and the first one for the season was scheduled for April 1st.

Guess what? There was a "sneak peek" party on Sat., 3/25. This "preview" event was not noted on the hotel's website. Yes, we were given free passes. However, I assure you that no one over the age of 35 would want to attend this extremely crowded, noisy event with relentless, thumping house music that went on for hours. I can only imagine the problems the hotel has had with this event in the past. How do I know? The area was swarming with security personnel. In addition, we were asked to provide an ID (e.g., driver's license) to enter, we were "wanded," and required to show our hands and the inside of the ball caps we were wearing. As paying guests of the hotel, I found this unacceptable on multiple levels.

Party #3: On Sunday, 3/26, there was another event (for non-hotel guests who paid an entrance fee) in the outdoor Woodstock area (adjacent to the pool). Again, not noted on the hotel's website or mentioned at check-in. Once again, there was extensive security staff who wanted to "wand" us, asked for ID, and wanted to see our tickets. We refused, they relented and let us into the area. Later, there were several DJs playing extraordinarily loud house music for hours.

We booked a King suite. Whoever designed this room has probably never stayed in a hotel room. The living area did not have enough lighting. A bathroom sink bisected the living area from the sleeping area. The shower and toilet are each in their own rooms (that concept is a good one). The bathroom and shower rooms both had swinging doors with frosted glass, and one of the walls in each room was also frosted glass. Not exactly private. The bathroom amenities were fine - just typical/average.

All-in-all, if you like to party, this is absolutely the hotel for you. If you are seeking relaxation, quiet, etc., find a...

Subject: Unauthorized Pre-Authorization and Misinformation - Booking Reference

Dear Hard Rock Hotel San Diego Management and Booking.com Customer Service,

I am writing to express my serious concern regarding unauthorized pre-authorization attempts and misleading information received from your staff concerning my upcoming reservation for March 20th, 2025.

My booking, made through Booking.com, clearly states "No prepayment needed, pay at property." However, since March 7th, 2025, the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego has made multiple attempts to authorize $100 per reservation on my credit card.

Upon contacting your property this evening, I spoke with a staff member named Brad/Brady, who initially stated this $100 authorization was to "ensure guests have funds" four days prior to arrival. When I questioned this, he clarified it was not for incidentals, which he stated would be a separate $150+ charge depending on the room type. When pressed for the purpose of the $100 authorization, he stated it would be refunded, but failed to provide a clear explanation for its necessity.

I find this practice unacceptable and inconsistent with the terms of my booking. Furthermore, the explanation provided by your staff was contradictory and ultimately unsatisfactory. As a merchant myself, I understand standard card verification procedures, which typically involve a small, negligible charge, not a $100 pre-authorization intended for later refund.

The staff member eventually admitted he lacked a clear understanding of the policy and offered to connect me with another representative, which I perceived as sarcastic and dismissive.

My primary concerns are:

Breach of Booking Terms: The "No prepayment needed" policy advertised on Booking.com is being violated by the unauthorized $100 pre-authorization attempts. Lack of Transparency: This pre-authorization policy is not disclosed on Booking.com or during the initial booking process. Misinformation and Inconsistent Explanations: The conflicting and inadequate explanations provided by your staff member, Brad/Brady, have created significant confusion and distrust. Poor Customer Service: The dismissive and sarcastic tone of the staff member is unacceptable and has negatively impacted my experience. This situation has caused me considerable inconvenience and has severely diminished my confidence in the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. I request immediate clarification and resolution regarding the following:

Explanation and Justification: A clear and detailed explanation of the $100 pre-authorization policy, including its purpose and how it aligns with the "No prepayment needed" terms of my booking. Confirmation of Refund: Assurance that all unauthorized pre-authorization attempts will be promptly and fully refunded. Staff Training: Immediate action to ensure your staff are properly trained on your policies and procedures, and that they provide accurate and courteous service. Policy Disclosure: That your policies are accurately reflected on booking.com to prevent future misunderstandings. Resolution: A resolution to this issue that restores my confidence in my upcoming stay. I expect a prompt response and resolution to this matter. I am also contacting Booking.com to inform them of this...