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Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109 (Mission Bay Park)
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Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
Ranked #102 of 271 hotels in San Diego
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1,011 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    342
    290
    198
    113
    68
See reviews for
Families
360
 
Couples
262
 
Solo
45
 
Business
175
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    4 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4 of 5 stars
  • Value
    3.5 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Scottsdale, AZ
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
15 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
“Somewhat disappointed”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 20, 2012

After staying in a 3-star hotel for a 3-day vacation, we checked in to Hilton for the work event. I was excited to get here, since this hotel is rated as 4-star, and is located right on the beach. Long story short, we were quite disappointed.

Sure, the rooms themselves were nice, the beds comfortable, the TV with digital cable has a good assortment of channels, in addition to the pay per view ones. The AC is quiet The towels are nice and thick, the bed linens are luxurious, and the furniture looks nice. The decorations in the rooms are tasteful. Our room had a balcony, from which we could see the beach. But... the bed uses flat, not fitted sheets, which get untucked with the blanket (remember that Seinfeld episode?). The armchair was uncomfortable, with the seat completely horizontal and the back reclined backwards, and no foot stool to rest your feet on, so when you sit on it, you slide forward.The hallways are plain and old, and look outdated. Our low-rise building had no elevator. I believe there is also a tower, which will likely have the elevators.

The part of Mission Bay that the hotel fronts is completely still, and carries little of the allure of the ocean front, While there are nice walking paths along the shore, this is not the place to enjoy the surf.

Now to the things that really get me - the room has no wireless internet, and while there is a wired connection in the room (not good for my tablet, cell phone, or computer without an RJ45 port), it costs $15 per day to use. Breakfast, should you choose to accept it, is nearly $20 per person. A non-optional expense, if you come with a car, as I did, is parking, which is a whopping $32 per night. Unlike hotels in busy urban areas, which have to share public parking, this hotel has abundant parking on property, so it is just a way to separate guests from their money. I feel they have to disclose this during the booking time.

The staff were mostly helpful. But this does not take away from the feeling of being taken advantage of by the hotel. If the price is right, I might stay here again, but for over $200 a night, I think I can find a better beachfront hotel.

I would not really recommend it.

Room Tip: 2-storey buildings have no elevators, so avoid 2nd floor if have a lot of luggage (or prepare to han...
See more room tips
  • Stayed November 2012, traveled on business
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask PickyBizTraveler about Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiltonmissionbay, Manager at Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, responded to this review
November 27, 2012
Thank you for taking the time to review. While it seems that you liked our guest rooms, we’re very sorry you experienced an undesirable stay with us. The problems you mentioned with our amenities are being addressed. We are currently in the process of installing wireless internet in all the guest rooms. In regards to our parking fee, while we feel we are in line with the parking fees of other resorts around the bay, we understand how the additional cost can be frustrating for some. It is our hope that the complimentary vouchers we provide every guest upon check-in will help alleviate some of the cost associated with parking. We appreciate you alerting us to these issues and we hope you will give us a second chance if you return to the area.

Sincerely,
Vera Johnson
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Auburn, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Three Days - Perfect”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 20, 2012

DO NOT HESITATE to stay here. This place and the folks working there were perfect. We arrived very late on Thursday evening and from the moment we arrived, we were treated like royalty.
the room view with a view was spacious, well appointed and very comfortable. The Acqua Cafe served us three great breakfasts that started each day we stayed there.

The Hilton San Diego Resort is celebrating their 50th anniversary, yet you wouldn't know that. It is well appointed and up-to-date.


All in all, we will stay there again, hopefully real soon.

Room Tip: Mission Bay View room, breakfast at Acqua, enjoy the spa/pool
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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask Bob C about Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiltonmissionbay, Manager at Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, responded to this review
November 27, 2012
Thank you for taking the time to write a review about your recent stay at our hotel. We appreciate your feedback and we are thrilled to hear that you...
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Great Gift Shop”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 17, 2012 via mobile

I stayed at this hotel last week for a quick "in and out" meeting. I always try to find a nice item to take back for the kids....I must say I was soooo incredibly impressed with the staff of the hotel gift shop. The staff was working very hard to complete an inventory once the shop had closed......but Lorena welcomed me in to the shop, helped me find items to take back, all with the greatest smile! Awesome. As a frequent traveler, service means everything to me. Thank you Lorena and the store staff!!!
Al........Philadelphia

Stayed November 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes 2
Ask Al V about Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiltonmissionbay, Manager at Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, responded to this review
November 19, 2012
Thank you for posting your review of your recent experience at our hotel. I am happy that our Market Place team was able to provide you with quality service. I hope we were able to find you something special to take back to your little ones! Please come back and visit us again soon.

Thank you,
Vera Johnson
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
california
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Not what I expect of a Hilton”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed November 16, 2012

Ok I was there for business. A single night but wanted to stay for two with my wife hopefully at the same rate which was somewhat discounted. They blew me off totally. So the day we checked in they suddenly had availability. Now the front desk gentleman was very helpful so kudos to him. But...

We were given a 4th floor room looking at the roof of the main building. Ok not really a big deal since we weren't there for the view. The room was odd. A single piece of artwork and a large tiled area with nothing in it. Maybe a small table chair arrangement? It was just empty. The hallways were barren of any decorations as well. It was as though they started a remodel and stopped...

Then there was the internet...well...for $14.95 that is. There was free internet in the lobby but nowhere to sit comfortably. Oh they have two computers you can use in the lobby but you have to stand to use them. Silly to say the least. In todays world when you can find wi-fi everywhere I have to pay for it or lug my laptop down to the lobby? Good grief Hilton you can do so much better.

Oh and you pay to park there. $30.00 a night. Again...really? I can understand this if were the height of season but its not. They did kindly cut it to 15.00. I thought about eating there but passed. The breakfast "buffet" was $20.00 plus for not a whole lot in my opinion. We went to the bar and had a single drink and checked out the dinner menu. Pass again. Designer food and expensive in my opinion and the ambienance wasn't anything special. Go to Old Town to eat.

Overall it was a blah hotel. Hilton is known for its quality and I have stayed in others before that were superb. Not this one. Glad I wasn't there for anything more than a short getaway...

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled on business
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask 696K about Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiltonmissionbay, Manager at Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, responded to this review
November 19, 2012
Thank you for sharing your review of your stay with us. We are very sorry we were not able to provide a satisfactory experience while you were here. Guest feedback is incredibly important to us, and I am happy to say that because of the feedback we have received regarding wireless internet, we will be starting a project to provide wifi in all of our guest rooms. Please know that we are taking your comments into consideration as we improve our on-property experience. Thank you again.

Vera Johnson
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Leeds, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Beautiful location and hotel”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 16, 2012 via mobile

We had 4 extremely restful nights at this resort which has stunning views over the bay. If you want nightlife etc, then this is probably not for you as the city is a $50 taxi round trip. Sea world is 4 miles away and there is a shuttle. Our room had a firepit on it and the resort shop sells all you need for s cosy night on the patio. Helpful and friendly staff, great restaurant and perfect bar setting with fires. We were off season so some bars in the hotel were shut but I can not fault it

  • Stayed November 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask Jacksonfamily186411 about Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiltonmissionbay, Manager at Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa, responded to this review
November 19, 2012
Thank you for sharing your review of your stay with us. I am happy to read that we were able to provide you with a relaxing vacation in one of our highly coveted fire pit rooms, which are perfect for private s'mores parties and people watching. Please come back and visit us again soon.

Thank you,
Vera Johnson
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

Also Known As:
Hilton San Diego Resort And Spa
Hilton San Diego Hotel San Diego
Hilton San Diego Resort
Hilton San Diego
Hilton San Diego Hotel
San Diego Hilton
Hilton Hotel San Diego
Address: 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > San Diego > Mission Bay Park
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Business Center Fitness Center Kids Activities Restaurant Room Service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#14 On the Beach Hotels in San Diego
#22 Romantic Hotels in San Diego
#28 Luxury Hotels in San Diego
#62 Business Hotels in San Diego
#64 Family Hotels in San Diego
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Reservation Options:
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