Element by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley

Getting around was easy from here. The transit station is close, and a ride costs $2.50. It’s a cheap, simple trip to the marina or Gas Lamp district, or two stops the other direction to Snapdragon Stadium. The staff were lovely across the board, from check-in and housekeeping to the bar and restaurant. Having a full-service restaurant and bar onsite was handy, as was the little shop for drinks and snacks.

Silvia and Erica at the M Club make mornings memorable, especially with their hospitality and the omelette bar. Yesenia at the front desk has a way of making things work, and housekeeping keeps the rooms and shared spaces in great shape. Everyone handles things with care and attention, and it really shows. The location also makes it easy to get around San Diego for work, a holiday, or both. Dennis runs a terrific hotel with a team that keeps bringing me back. If you haven’t stayed at Marriott Mission Valley, give it a try. Highly recommended.

By about 5:00 a.m., after being moved three times, I was exhausted and felt I had no choice but to stay in the room on the 10th floor. The rotten egg odor from my first room on the 16th floor had been strong enough to overpower a heavy cologne-like smell. On the 17th floor it was still there, though less noticeable. The last room no longer smelled of eggs, but had chemical or renovation fumes instead. It also had stained towels, a poorly cleaned bathroom, and exposed wiring near a light fixture. Earlier, I’d found hair in the bathroom and a broken light fixture in the second room. The A/C was another problem. It wouldn’t run on high and kept shutting off. Maintenance first said the hotel controls the temperature, but eventually repaired the unit because it was broken. All the room changes, odors, cleaning issues, and faulty A/C made what should have been a relaxing stay frustrating and disruptive, more like a budget motel than a Marriott. The experience didn’t meet Marriott standards. I hope management reviews what happened and improves the guest experience.

The grounds were a 10, and the staff somehow made the stay even better. Silvia and jc made us feel like family. I’m a homebody, but for once I really didn’t want to leave. Can’t wait to come back.