Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

You can get around San Diego easily from this very convenient location, and reach nearby places without much trouble. The rooms could be cleaned better, and some look out onto AC units, which isn’t a pleasant view. The layout is a little unusual, but the location is excellent.

I had a lovely stay. The room was clean and the location central, with the Trolley Station, Gaslamp district restaurants, and Seaport Village all within walking distance. Ralph's is about a 10-minute walk, so I could make dinner in my room. Breakfast is complimentary and basic, but very good. It had the usual items, including scrambled eggs, sausages, yogurt, milk, coffee, and tea. As other reviewers mentioned, it starts right on time at 6 a.m. on weekdays. I’ll definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit.

The good parts were the friendly, helpful staff and a plentiful breakfast that was good quality. The rest of this stay was one of my worst experiences at a Marriott. On arrival, loud, oversized fans were running in the hallway right outside my room, aimed at walls with wallpaper coming loose. They ran around the clock, and nobody had warned me about the work. The room also felt old and neglected: rust on the shower, worn carpet lifting at the edges, and door latches that wouldn't catch properly. On the second night, a woman was sobbing and knocking on my door, then went along the floor knocking on every door several times. I tried to alert the front desk, but it took three calls to get an answer, and on the second call I was left on hold indefinitely. I wouldn't recommend this property and won't return.

The breakfast was clean and really nice, and the attendants were wonderful. I also liked having a little kitchenette in the room, which made it easy to eat takeout there.