Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

The room was small, the beds were just okay, and even the towels, tissues, toilet paper, and other supplies felt cheap. I’ve had better at a Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn. There were also empty water bottles left behind by the previous guests. The city view looked out on an abandoned building and a parking lot. Parking costs $70 a night with hotel valet, or $25 a night at the condos next door. The Best Western has free parking. The pool is heated, but felt cold for spring, and the surrounding condos block most of the sun. It also looked either dirty or stained, so I didn’t get in to find out which. Food and drinks at the downstairs Cafe were pretty meh. Maybe the rooftop lounge is better.

The hotel itself was very nice, and check-in was easy. The front desk, bar, and room attendants were all friendly and helpful, and the common areas were well maintained. Ice and water are available on every floor, though the machines weren’t working on the 8th or 9th floors during our stay. We used the garage next door, which connects to another hotel. It cost less than the $70 a day hotel valet, but using it was a bit of a process. The hotel gave little information since valet is its main parking service, and getting back in meant entering a code at a door beside the Carte. There wasn’t much guidance or clear instruction in the app or email confirmations. The pool sits between two large buildings and doesn’t get much sun. The rooftop only opens after 4 because there’s a bar, so I couldn’t sit outside there during the day to work. That was a bummer for me.

Jordan at the front desk really helped us out. Our reservation, made through the Chase Portal, had been cancelled without our knowing, but Jordan reinstated it and arranged late checkout too. The hotel was clean, and the rooms and bathrooms were nice. Its elevator system was new to me and made it easy to get a ride without much waiting. The location is also handy for the beach and places to eat.

The top floor bar worked out great for NFL, with good drinks and plenty of TVs. I only had a look around the gym instead of working out, but it’s huge, and access is included in the resort fee. The location is handy, just a few blocks from Little Italy restaurants, the waterfront, and trolley stops. Everyone on staff we met was lovely, offering suggestions for things to do and checking in with us. I’d stay here again next time I’m in San Diego.