Inn at the Park by WorldMark

The staff may be my favorite part of this place. Everyone’s genuinely friendly, and Mufasa is my personal favorite. He’s always smiling and happy to chat. I stay here every month, and the rooftop is another highlight, with great views over the park and bay. The building’s historic character was kept in mind during the remodel, which I really like. It’s in what’s become my favorite part of San Diego, with an easy walk to Hillcrest and downtown. If you’re here for St Pattys Day, the parade doubles back, so you can watch it on 6th and 5th Ave.

The parking was lousy, and the area is tight. You have to pay wherever you go nearby, too. We came for a Worldmark Wydham timeshare presentation, and the whole thing felt like a rip off. The woman who signed us up put a credit card in my husband's name. We had only agreed to see if we qualified to exchange our current timeshare, not to get a credit card, and now I have to deal with cancelling one we never authorized or signed up for. They also showed us a two-bedroom suite even though the property only has studios and one-bedroom units. Why show us a two-bedroom that isn't there? It felt like it was just for show, and that’s wrong.

We enjoyed being right across the street from Balboa Park, and the one-bedroom suite was very nice. The hotel has kept its ambience, and the staff were helpful. The surrounding neighborhood has an eclectic feel, though there are only a couple of restaurants within walking distance. Street parking around the hotel is limited, so use the valet.

The seventh-floor outdoor wraparound deck has great views, and the rooms are big and roomy. There aren’t ovens in the units, though, even though the building used to be apartments before becoming a timeshare.