Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown

Being next to Little Italy was a plus, and the staff were nice enough. Breakfast was the usual Hilton classic. But the water views are only from the hallways and lobby. If your room faces the train, good luck. It passes every few minutes and you hear it on every floor. The hotel seems to be under construction, as other reviews mention, and right now there's major work in several areas, especially the elevators. The walls are thin, so you can easily hear the neighbors. The rooms could use a facelift too: the TVs aren't smart, so you can't stream your own stuff, and there's just one tiny microwave in the lobby, none in the rooms. Parking is $40 a day, which is insane, though I understand the area may explain it. Would I stay again? Maybe, if I could get far from the train, but that doesn't seem possible.

The pool area was really nice, with couches, loungers, and tables. Breakfast had lots to choose from: cereals, breads and pastries, scrambled and boiled eggs, sausage, potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, waffles, plus different fruits and toppings for the waffles and oatmeal. The fitness center was small with limited exercise space, though it had the basics for a good workout. We got a room nearer the front, where the trolley was only faintly audible. Most rooms are in the back by the tracks, and I can imagine that noise making it hard to sleep there. There was also construction and remodeling during our visit, so expect some daytime noise. Even so, the hotel was very clean and service was great. Its location is handy for Little Italy, the Embarcadero, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.

The room itself was clean and updated, with air conditioning, and I had no complaints about it. The price is good for a location where you can walk around the whole old downtown. Staff at the front desk, security, and maintenance were all amazing, professional, friendly, and helpful. The big problem is the train. Unless you're in one of the very front, street-facing rooms, you hear the tracks all day and night. The hotel needs better soundproofing and new windows. The public areas could use some updating too.

We'd originally booked the Residence Inn a street away, but they were overbooked and sent us here instead. We left right away and wouldn't stay here. The room faced the trolley and had a toilet that kept running. The elevator made a lot of noise, the carpet looked outdated, and the hotel was under construction. The surrounding streets didn't seem safe either.