International Travelers House Hostel Downtown San Diego

We had a quick weekend getaway at the Courtyard by Marriott in San Diego’s Little Italy. The nearby Little Italy Farmers Market on Saturday morning was a nice surprise, with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and plenty of people-watching. It gave the trip a fun local feel. The room was impeccably clean, a 10/10, and had been updated recently, so it felt modern and comfortable. The lobby was spotless too, a 9/10. Staff friendliness gets a 9 from me: everyone from the front desk to housekeeping was helpful and attentive, and check-in went smoothly despite the $150 deposit for our one-night stay. That deposit was refunded promptly at checkout. A couple of small drawbacks: there were no complimentary waters in the room, which I missed after a long day out. Being near the highway and airport brought some light noise at night. It wasn’t overwhelming, but light sleepers might want to ask for a quieter side or bring earplugs. The location is convenient, and between cleanliness and friendly service, I’d recommend it for business or leisure. I’d happily return, perhaps with noise-canceling headphones next time. Four out of five stars.

The highway-facing rooms can be noisy. The windows aren’t double-glazed, so they don’t block much sound even with the balcony door shut. Reception varied a little: everyone was friendly, and some went further by giving restaurant vouchers or a thorough list of good places in the Little Italy neighborhood. The location is great, about a 15-minute walk to the convention center and less to the shoreline. Don’t forget the Midway Aircraft Carrier museum. As a Marriott member, I was glad my company booked me here. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the lobby is lovely, with enough to look at while waiting. Breakfast was so-so, but there are many more choices just a few minutes’ walk away. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The parking garage took a little figuring out, but it was manageable. What really made the stay was the location, with lots of restaurants in Little Italy an easy walk away. My husband and I were there for our anniversary, and Lilliana at the front desk was so warm and helpful. She asked what brought us in, upgraded our room, and answered all our questions. The room was lovely, and housekeeping did a great job when we requested service. We had a wonderful time and would recommend staying here in the area.

Little Italy was just a block away, and I ended up enjoying its restaurants more than the Gas Lamp District on this trip. I was in town for a show, though, and the Convention Center was a 30-minute walk, so the location didn’t work as well for me. The airport and interstate are close. My room on the airport/freeway side was so noisy I could barely sleep, but the staff went out of their way to move me, and the new room was much better. The rooms are nice. Parking was a struggle with my large SUV, so I switched vehicles. I watched several minivans and big SUVs take a long time to get through the garage, and the scuffed walls suggest I wasn’t alone. A compact car would be easier. It’s a good hotel overall, with a mixed location depending on what you need.