Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant

The location is lovely, and I can appreciate the hotel’s history, but the place badly needs updating. There was an extreme musty smell, enough to call for air freshener. The curtain didn’t block the sunlight, and while antique furniture fits the atmosphere, it could use dusting and repair. More than anything, the room felt dark and sad, with an oppressive atmosphere I could actually sense. It was downright spooky, like there was a ghostly presence. I checked out five minutes after checking in. They offered another room, but I didn’t think that would change the feeling, so I left. I don’t recommend it.

A perfect spot for my staycation. It’s in the middle of Old Town, close to shops and restaurants, and the hotel felt clean, safe, and quiet at night. My room was spotless and the bed very comfortable. I loved sitting on the balcony, and the nearby trains during the day and early evening added to the charm. The manager and staff went out of their way to help. They even walked me to my room and showed me how everything worked, including the locked gates. I’ll definitely come back.

The rooms have a rustic, old-time feel, and there are no TVs, phones, or clocks. The internet worked well enough for most things, though its speed could be inconsistent. I led a webinar from the room and used my phone’s hotspot for that. We stayed in Old Town while I joined my wife on a San Diego work trip, and the location made it easy to reach shops, restaurants, and attractions on foot. Other parts of the city were a short Uber or Lyft ride away, or we could take the Old Town Trolley. Dee Carey was wonderful, friendly, and accommodating. We arrived early and needed a late checkout, and he let us store our luggage. One night, before the restaurant bar had officially opened, he brought some great margaritas to our room. The hotel restaurant is still working toward reopening, with limited Happy Hour offerings, mostly on weekends, and hopes to build on that. The manager also oversees Barra Barra and Casa de Reyes, both great places to eat within walking distance. We had a great time and would recommend staying here, especially if you’re interested in the area’s history.

It feels almost like a museum, with the hotel itself and the Old Town area both rich in history and culture. The grounds and surroundings kept us interested even though the rooms aren’t modern and don’t have TVs. Each room has a balcony overlooking Old Town park, and the courtyard was quiet and peaceful compared with the busier grounds outside. Dee and the staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was simple, with scones, croissants, coffee, and juice. It’s a great base for exploring the history of Old Town.