Humphreys Half Moon Inn

The staff around the grounds were welcoming every day, and I appreciated being asked at the front desk which floor I preferred. The Inn is laid out as a ring of rooms, with ground-floor rooms below and second-floor rooms above. The upper level is reached by a small set of stairs, which could be tricky with heavy bags or if stairs are difficult. If you’re traveling alone, take the usual precautions, secure the door, and use the deadbolt, especially with this layout. The setting by the docks is lovely, with boats and water nearby. The tropical center has palms, a pool, and a koi pond with resident macaws. In the lobby there’s a small pantry where you can buy food, plus plastic utensils. Parking for a rental car is $25/day, and you need your room card to get in and out of the gated lot. La Jolla, Cabrillo National Monument, Coronado Island, downtown, and the airport are all within a half-hour drive. My room smelled a little musty on arrival. I think the area's humidity may contribute, since the rooms open to the outside rather than being in one central building. The refrigerator also wasn't very cold, and I couldn't figure out how to adjust it enough to feel comfortable storing leftovers. Still, as a young woman traveling solo, I felt comfortable and would return.

We had a Jr. Suite that worked nicely for our two kids under five. I loved the hotel's Hawaiian feel, and the hot tub was great. The pool was nice too, though I wish the water had been a few degrees warmer. My one change would be the bay view: our room faced the parking lot, and the morning sun made it hot.

The shower was a real plus, with good pressure and a nice shower head. The room was clean and well maintained, with a tropical feel from the wooden ceiling and plantation shutters. We had two queen beds, though the garden-facing room felt a little small. The beds were soft and comfortable, the pillows fluffy, and we got plenty of clean towels each day.

There was plenty to walk to nearby, from coffee and desserts to food and drinks, and we had lovely views of downtown San Diego and North Island from our junior suite. The pool and hot tub were excellent, and the patio with its multiple fire pits was a great place to hang out. The atmosphere was phenomenal and the staff were so friendly. We came for a week to see the city and also relax, and Humphrey’s delivered on both. We had the best time and will absolutely come back.