San Diego Penthouse Loft

Kimberly checked us in and made our anniversary feel special, and the rest of the staff were just as accommodating. The renovations look beautiful, with a classy, cute feel, and the hotel was quiet and intimate despite the busy city outside. Rooms are small, but worked perfectly for a couple. Downtown is right outside, with most places an easy walk away and the trolley in Gaslamp there if you need it. Nearby garages are a good option for parking. We especially loved the rooftop for guests, though I wish it stayed open later than its 9 p.m. closing. They made the trip feel like a real experience, and we can't wait to return.

The staff were friendly, professional, and helpful, though I wish someone had explained the elevator better at check-in. It's an old lift that takes a bit of effort, especially with suitcases. We made a mess of it on our first try, then figured it out the next time. The building has an old-fashioned charm, with upscale-looking decor, but you can hear the creaky floors and other guests. Our room was small but cozy for one night. A minibar, coffee machine, and safe took up much of the closet. The bathroom is split, with a vanity in the bedroom and a tight shower and toilet space. There's a bathrobe, but the window looks straight into another apartment; closing the shutters helped. Street parking is free if you can find it, or valet is $85.

The rooms were pristine, which mattered a lot to me as someone who's very particular about hotel cleanliness, and the beds were comfortable. The rooftop alone made the stay worthwhile. The hotel felt more quaint in person than in the photos, and the old elevators added to its charm. I did my research, so the busy Gaslamp nightlife and small room didn't surprise me; this is a city hotel in a nightlife area. For Gaslamp, I think it's a wonderful place. I found valet included in the room price on their homepage, which made parking more affordable, and the newsletter offered a good discount. I'm very young, but reception treated me like any other guest. They also kindly upgraded my room for my birthday.

The front desk staff were kind, and I appreciated being allowed a late checkout since I had nothing planned until later. Still, my one-night stay at Palihotel San Diego was a letdown for the price, and I wouldn't recommend it based on this experience. The room was uncomfortable, with no outside light, so I couldn't tell day from night. The AC was extremely loud and didn't work properly, and the bathroom had a really unpleasant smell. For what the room costs, I expected a much better stay.