The employees at the front desk were kind, bent over backwards to help me, and were knowledgable about the city and transportation around San Diego. They really helped make my trip most enjoyable.

The hotel was clean and my room was always made up whenever I returned at the end of the day.

I would highly recommend this hotel.

This hotel is very good value for the location compared to other hotels in the area.
It is a short walking distance to the Gas Lamp, and also the trolley system which will take you to Qualcomm Stadium or Tiajuana. It is also in close proximity to the freeway although it doesn't suffer from noise from this.
The only drawback in terms of location was when we went out to bars at night it was a $60 taxi fare to Ocean Beach, but hey you can't be close to everywhere. (Also, if you don't have a US drivers license make sure you have your passport for ID if you want to get into the bars in OB and PB).
As for the hotel itself, the staff on reception were excellent and there is a nice lobby area to sit in and a couple of PC's with free internet. The parking garage was a tight squeeze as other reviews have noted, but we managed to park our mini-van ok.
The corridors did seem a little dated, as did the breakfast room, but the bedrooms were fine although the bathrooms were very small.
Breakfast is standard HIE.
The pool area looked nice but we didn't use it.

The outside picture was done by a FN artist. This is an O L D property yet they make it look like a palace. But the rooms seem to have been updated recently, like late 90s. One unexpected plus was a small fridge in the room.

I just checked out of this hotel this morning. I had booked two days but just got sick of the smell in the halls and room. I would liken it to a faint Raid au floral Glade, not strong but irritating and eventually nausiating.

Besides the faint smell, there was also something buzzing like every 20-40 min. Not a show stopper, only noticed it a lil. I stayed in room 250.

Location wise... Beatable. But probably not at these prices. Its at least a 10min down hill stroll to the action of Gaslamp.

Yes the garage is a tight squeeze. Read the reviews, rent a small car if your driving skills are sub par. There were large cars and even trucks parked in the spaces. Ive traveled the nation and this is not at all uncommon in places like DWT LA, NYC or CHI. In fact, I went to the Ralph's a few blocks away and that garage is equally snug. Pkg $14. I also notice on my bill a $1 charge for the safe that had been reversed because Im priority club. WTF?!? I hate stupid charges like that especially for stuff you dont use. Only $1 but PC is free so sign up.

The parking entrance is on 6th st, a one way going south, opposite the main entrance on 7th a one way going north. There was no security into the parking lot so to save time , park, on 2 or 3 only, and take all your bags up via elevator to check in, bring the dash slip down later.

The staff was friendly. The standard HI Exp breakfast was, standard. Well the new standard of hot and cold items.

During a stay for my extended family due to a death in the family the staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home. It's great in all other respects (location, cleanliness, dining) as well.