DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles

We paid a lot to stay here before our cruise because the Double Tree name gave us high expectations, and the port shuttle was advertised as free. The room was in rough shape: old, dirty carpet and lamps that didn’t work. Breakfast cost $29 per person, and we were allowed through the buffet just once, so we had to pile our plates high. We’d called three weeks ahead and left a message asking for an 11:30 shuttle. Someone noted the request on our reservation, but at check-in around 7 p.m. we learned they never reserve shuttles in advance in case guests cancel. The next available time was 1 p.m., too late for boarding. Rideshares came quickly, so we managed, but that didn’t make up for the room or the poor value. Hilton should take a look at the complaints about this hotel.

The marina is the best part of staying here. It’s calm, there are places to eat and things to do within walking distance, and it’s a nice place to unwind after traveling. I’d pay extra for a marina view, especially if you can get one of the rare rooms with a patio. The restaurant team has been consistently welcoming, and even with a limited menu, the food has been good. Most staff are great, though a few come across as more comfortable in their routine than focused on guests. Forced cheerfulness with a scowl doesn’t work. I’ve traveled for work for 12 years and probably slept in more Hilton beds than my own, so I have expectations of a DoubleTree. The rooms need a lot of attention: peeling wallpaper, dated furnishings, and tired carpet. I did see a carpet sample and a few newer fixtures, so maybe renovations are starting, but only about 20 feet of hallway seemed to have new carpet. A flashing light outside my room at 2 a.m. was also unsettling. The elevators test your patience. The buttons don’t always light up even when they’ve registered a floor, and once you arrive there can be a long pause before the doors open. The location and marina atmosphere are lovely, but the worn interior and uneven staff attitude take away from the stay.

David at the restaurant was excellent, and the room itself was comfortable. Those were the two good parts of our stay. We’d requested early check-in in the Hilton app and told the staff we’d arrive at 3:05. They made it sound possible, but when we got there the room needed another 20 to 25 minutes. We waited, then at 4 p.m. had to ask the desk again. The attendant offered a different room that was ready. We were three people, but our room had only two bath towels. I asked for another and had to follow up two hours later. In the morning, the lobby had the usual pump coffee urn setup, except they charged $4 a cup. After paying about $200 for the room and over $100 for three sandwiches at the restaurant, paying for coffee that I expected to be complimentary was the last straw. I’m a Hilton Rewards member and an owner, and I won’t stay here again. These problems felt like a pattern of poor management and service, not just bad luck.

The staff were so kind. I was awake around 2:30 or 3 a.m. as usual when starting a cross-country vacation, and the front desk man offered to make another pot of coffee if I needed it, since the room came with only two cups’ worth. The room was average, with a hard bed and somewhat flat pillows. The building looks dated, but it isn’t new, so that was about what I expected. Being by the marina made morning and evening walks pleasant. There’s a free shuttle downtown if you want to eat outside the hotel. We skipped the hotel restaurant for dinner, but the breakfast buffet was one of the better ones we’ve had. Pier 22 was nice for a late lunch or early dinner around 3 or 4 p.m., and the evening was quiet. I’d stay here again if we came back to LA for another cruise.