Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Central

The location is quiet at night but still makes it easy to reach major roads, restaurants, and shops. Check-in went smoothly, and the staff were friendly and professional. Breakfast had a good range of options, and the shared spaces were well kept. Our room was clean, spacious, and stocked with what we needed. The kitchenette and extra room to unwind made it feel more like a small apartment than a typical hotel room, which was especially nice for a longer stay. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Central was comfortable and dependable, and I’d gladly stay again or recommend it to someone visiting San Diego.

Christmas Day became deeply upsetting instead of a chance to rest. My holiday plans were disrupted, and advocating for basic health and sanitation needs left me feeling dismissed and disrespected. A gentleman at the front desk the following morning was kind and empathetic and genuinely tried to help. His professionalism stood out against what had happened earlier. The room had several problems from the start: the toilet wouldn’t flush, the toaster was broken, and the dishwasher was very dirty. I called the desk and spoke with Manager Ray. I asked for a room change because of the sanitation concern, but he said the hotel was sold out, repeatedly interrupted me, and ended the call abruptly. An engineer later worked on the toilet, but it stopped working again the next morning. I went down the next day and asked to speak with another manager. Ray said he was the only one available. When I explained the toilet still wasn’t working, he claimed I had “refused” an engineer, which wasn’t true. I couldn’t fully explain my concerns, no meaningful solution was offered, and his response to my discomfort about staying in a room with ongoing plumbing issues was aggravated and dismissive. Before arriving, I had called and told Manager Ray I’d be traveling with a service animal. He asked what type of disability I have, which felt intrusive and inappropriate. I said I had a doctor’s note, and he told me there would be a pet fee for “emotional service animals.” My understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is that staff may not ask about the nature of a guest’s disability or charge a pet fee for a legitimate service animal. The exchange made me uncomfortable and left me feeling I had to defend my medical status. I also asked about the security deposit during that call and was told it would be $75.00. Hilton’s website listed $25 per day, but at arrival I was told it was actually $50 per day. That was confusing and stressful, especially since I’d tried to clarify it beforehand. Check-in felt unwelcoming. The Hispanic lady at the front desk seemed visibly annoyed, and Manager Ray kept interrupting when I tried to ask basic questions. His manner came across as rude, abrasive, and dismissive, far below the hospitality I expected from a Hilton property. No guest, especially one with a disability, should feel burdensome for speaking up about basic health and safety.

The room itself was clean, and having a full-size fridge and kitchenette was a plus. But noise carried throughout the hotel, especially from the central courtyard, and the door had little weatherstripping to keep out sound or light. It got in the way a bit when I was on a call or trying to sleep. The rest of the place felt kind of dirty. The hallways, entrances, and common areas could use a thorough deep clean. Overall, it was okay.

The staff were great, and the free breakfast was decent. We had eight family members in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite, though, and the bathroom layout was awkward. Both bathrooms opened right by the entrances to the bedrooms, which made privacy and getting around less convenient for everyone. My shower’s shampoo and conditioner bottles were empty, and there was something on the kitchen pots that looked like old oil. They were basically dirty.