The Dextro Hotel, BW Premier Collection

I’m staying at the Dextro right now, and it’s perfectly mediocre. Maybe I expected too much from this “3.5* mystery hotel” on priceline, but I’ve stayed in motels with a better mix of service and amenities. At check-in, the young man told me nothing about what the hotel offers and couldn’t answer my question about public transit. When I asked today whether there were amenities like a pool, he said there was one “out there.” I still don’t know where, since there are no visible signs. I’ve seen people eating in the small bar area, but there’s no information around the property about hours, menu, or prices. The room is dark, so it’s not good for working or eating. There’s a mini-fridge but no microwave, and no access to one anywhere on site. The large TV only has basic cable, with no HD channels. The bathroom has mediocre lighting and no vanity kit. The shower heats quickly, but it’s a very basic showerhead with weak pressure. You have to stand under the cold spray to turn it on, there’s nowhere to put extra toiletries, and there isn’t even a floor mat for the leaking shower door. Traffic is quite audible on the “14” floor, and I heard my neighbors’ alarm this morning. If all you need is a clean room in a good location, the dextro may suit you, but I won’t choose it again.

I had a great time, and the location is fantastic. The farmers market is close, and I had no problems on my many walks from the hotel to the waterfront, gaslamp, and little italy 🇮🇹, even with homeless people around the general area. The parking lot out front is tight, with lots of deliveries and Uber/Lyft traffic. The bartender was fantastic, and Matthew at the front desk at night was polite and helpful. Rooms are a good size, but maintenance could be better. There was a toilet problem, some rooms have odd mechanical noises, and there were issues with caulking, mold, and sink spouts in bad condition on the back, with sharp metal pieces. Breakfast is $20. It’s alright, though a couple of blocks away there are better choices for the same price.

The sunset was lovely, and I liked the key-card scan needed to reach your floor in the elevator. It gave the place an extra sense of security. Check-in was easy, and they let our group arrive about 5-6 hours early at no charge, which was a great start to the trip. The bedsheets were really comfortable, and there was plenty of closet space and hangers for three women. The rooms have an odd shape, but it works. A few things were missing or went wrong: no bathroom fan, no microwave, and the room phone wasn't connected because it had no cord. Housekeeping missed our room one day. The front desk was helpful, though the maids had already left for the day. It was irritating but didn't spoil the trip. We skipped breakfast and the bar because there were so many nearby places to eat. The weather was beautiful, and I'd stay again, even on my own. Also, those green lobby chairs are incredibly comfy and look very luxe.

The staff were welcoming and accommodating, and the hotel is an easy walk from lots of cafes and restaurants, which was a big plus. My bay-view room was on the eighth floor. The view wasn't impressive, but it wasn't a deal breaker. Traffic was the downside. My room faced the road to the Interstate 5 on-ramp, and I could hear it clearly even with the windows shut. I'd keep that in mind and ask for a room on the other side. I had a great stay and would consider coming back to San Diego.