Uptown Inn by Vantaggio - Limited Service Apart-Hotel

Our room was on the sixth floor, so we couldn’t hear the busy street or the many people out that night on what seemed like a nightlife hub. We had an assigned spot in the gated parking garage and felt very safe. My mom and I shared a double queen during a road trip, and it was perfect for us. The room is small, so four people would probably feel cramped, but two was fine. The beds were super comfortable and smelled fresh and clean, and the no-fog mirror was a fun touch. We faced the road and heard little traffic, though we did use earplugs when sleeping. The buildings are packed close together, but I suppose that’s just San Diego. The hotel’s close to San Diego Zoo / Museum, only a six-minute drive, and we’ve already decided to come back for our next girls’ trip. The early booking deals are amazing, too. We had a very positive stay and I’d recommend it for a San Diego trip.

After a long travel day, we arrived around 10:30pm hoping to shower and go to bed. The room was small but nicely renovated and seemed right for two adults, and parking and check-in had both gone smoothly. But the shower hadn’t been cleaned, and once I turned on the water I saw quite a bit of hair that seemed to be from the previous guest. We spoke with the staff, who were very nice and apologetic and did what they could. Since there were no other rooms and no staff available to clean that late, we left that night. It was unfortunate to have to go because of the poor cleanliness, but we got a full refund and appreciated how quickly they handled it.

The pleasant front desk staff were kind and helpful, and they refunded the parking fee when I checked out. But I left after a few minutes and booked elsewhere. I picked this place on our business booking site because it looked nice in photos and seemed convenient in the middle of Hillcrest. When I saw the cheap price, I didn’t realize it came with such disappointment. The room was dark and damp, and the bathroom was tiny with no ceiling vent, which might explain the moisture. The bathroom door blocked the entrance, so I had to reach in to close it. There was no carpet, the floors were cold, and the AC was a portable unit vented out with dryer tubing. It felt more suited to hourly stays than overnight. I was told the room was nonrefundable and would have to contact the booking agent. On my way out, a little household cockroach joined me in the parking garage elevator, the kind that infest people’s homes, not the large ones you see outside. That was the last sign I needed. I contacted our booking agent and strongly recommended removing it from their list. If your standards are low and you want a cheap spot in Hillcrest, book it; otherwise, I’d go elsewhere. I’m baffled it has a 4.5 here.

I love staying here. The rooms are just the right size for a short visit, and the front desk is always nice and easy to talk to. The location is good, close enough to downtown and whatever you’re looking to do. The parking is the only reason I didn’t give five stars. Spaces are very small, and it costs an extra $25 a night. Getting into the garage is awkward too, since you have to get out of your car to enter the gate code. For an added fee, I’d want a smoother setup.