The Bristol Hotel San Diego

Hotels
8.4 (1522 reviews)
1055 First Avenue , San Diego , us

Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Business center
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Good location
Friendly staff
Comfy beds
Cons:
Cleanliness concerns
Limited amenities
Parking fees

Categories

Cleanliness
7.86
Several reviews mentioned issues like black mold in the shower and cleanliness not feeling deep enough.
Service
9.33
Staff received positive mentions for being friendly and helpful.
Location
9.37
Location is frequently praised for its convenience and proximity to attractions.
Room Quality
8.32
Rooms were generally considered roomy and comfortable, though some layouts were odd.
Amenities
7.85
Amenities like a coffee machine were appreciated, but some basic items were lacking.
Value for Money
8.31
Value is considered good for the location but some guests felt basic amenities were missing.
Food and Beverage
7.36
Limited food options were noted, with a lack of breakfast service mentioned.
Overall Experience
8.83
The overall experience was generally positive despite some drawbacks.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-10 19:42

Property Description

Prime Location in Downtown San Diego
The Bristol Hotel, adjacent to Gaslamp Quarter, Marina, and Little Italy, offers a boutique experience at the heart of the city.

Sustainability and Convenience
Renovated guest rooms with LCD TV, fridge, and coffee maker, along with eco-friendly bath amenities, provide a comfortable and environmentally conscious stay.

Exploration and Entertainment
With valet parking and proximity to San Diego Civic Theater and Convention Center, guests can easily explore the city's attractions and enjoy dining, shopping, and activities.

Experience the charm of Downtown San Diego at The Bristol Hotel - Book your stay now!

Important information:

When booking 10 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SAN

Location

Guest Reviews

8.4
Based on 1522 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.86
Service: 9.33
Location: 9.37
Room Quality: 8.32
Amenities: 7.85
Value for Money: 8.31
Food and Beverage: 7.36
Overall Experience: 8.83
W
W2744GSdane Family
2
DO NOT GO!!
Pros:

If it were possible to leave less than 1 star I would. The ceiling of the hotel collapsed, San Diego Fire Department came and evacuated the building. The hotels ONLY response was to give us a "free bottle of water" from 'store' in the lobby.
Further - they claimed to have high end shampoo and soap, that they specifically told me was "dye safe" - my daughter's hair dye ran (comic con cos play) after a shower, which stained a towel and a pillow case. They charged an additional 250$ in "damages". I will NEVER stay there again, and Id advise extreme caution to anyone thinking of staying...

2026-08-27 via Tripadvisor
P
Philip couple us
3
Terrible experience would never consisted staying there again should be half the price that it was
Pros:

The location was good

Cons:

No AC in the lobby, was extremely hot when we walked in. Staff nowhere to be found, spent more than 5 minutes waiting to be helped checking in. Bathroom door didn’t work, friend and I each got stuck in there because the track was broken so door wouldn’t slide open. Shower was grimy and wifi did not work.

2026-08-24 via Nuitee
R
Ruiz solo_traveller us
7
2026-08-22 via Nuitee
L
Leon couple mx
4
2026-08-20 via Nuitee
I
isabelmP5678SF Friends getaway
10
Fabulous stay!!
Pros:

I had such a great experience at The Bristol Hotel in San Diego! The environment was very clean, comfortable, and welcoming, and the staff was extremely helpful and friendly. I also loved the little store in the lobby. It was so convenient because I had forgotten to bring a couple of water bottles, and they had bottled water available for purchase. The location felt very safe and clean as well. Overall, I had a wonderful stay and would definitely recommend The Bristol! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2026-08-18 via Tripadvisor
A
Amanda couple us
9
Staff from valet to front desk was excellent and very personable. Bed was the most comfortable I’ve ever stayed in.
Pros:

The staff and the bed was so comfy. Location was great too.

Cons:

It was a bit stuffy until you got to your room.

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
L
Lauryn couple us
6
2026-08-18 via Nuitee
D
daylenea2026 Friends getaway
10
Relaxing stay! Would come back!
Pros:

The room was exceptionally clean, neat, and beautifully maintained, with a gorgeous view of the city. It felt incredibly comfortable and spacious, making our stay feel relaxing from the moment we arrived. The receptionist, housekeeping staff, and valet team were all warm, attentive, and extremely helpful. The location was also perfect—conveniently close to some great restaurants and food spots. Overall, we had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back!

2026-08-17 via Tripadvisor
A
Ashley solo_traveller us
3
Awful
Pros:

I only liked the location.

Cons:

When I arrived the valet was full and it was only 1 pm. I had do self parking in their parking garage that had reserved parking for the first four floors and then finally open parking. The elevator was broken so I had do carry my luggage all the way down all of those stairs. Then when I checked in their key card machine was down and they couldn’t make me keys. Once I got up to my floor and room it smelled so bad and the shower tile was disgusting. I was so hot from walking down all those flights of stairs with my luggage and the ac didn’t allow you to turn it down.

2026-08-17 via Nuitee
B
Bridgette couple us
10
2026-08-14 via Nuitee
A
Anne solo_traveller us
10
Pros:

I love your receptionists, the lady is i guess Sandra and I forgot to ask for the man's name that works at night

Cons:

Our tile in the bathroom needs attention and we have to ask for another towel . There were only 2 towels and there are 3 of us

2026-08-13 via Nuitee
E
Erion family_with_children it
8
Excelente opção para estadia em San Diego.
Pros:

Colchão parecia ter saído de uma nuvem, extremamente confortável.
Atendimento do staff de recepção. Valet extremamente gentis e simpáticos.

Cons:

Atendimento da manutenção em um pequeno problema de infiltração de água no box de banho. Extremamente desinteressado na solução. Justificar não ter uma vedação reserva para não fazer nada… é inadmissível.

2026-08-11 via Nuitee
A
awena couple iq
6
2026-08-11 via Nuitee
D
Dermot solo_traveller gb
7
2026-08-10 via Nuitee
R
Rubi couple us
10
Pros:

Great beds quiet hotel

2026-08-10 via Nuitee
S
Sara couple us
1
Bad hotel
Pros:

Only like it cause of the location other than that terrible hotel.

Cons:

Bad customer service, rude employees. Had a leak from upstairs coming down to the lobby the ceiling was coming apart the hotel smelled so bad because of all the standing water. Elevators were down and the workers didn’t inform anyone, had to walk up 6 flights of stairs with bags and got offered no help. Bad hotel

2026-08-02 via Nuitee
N
N4016GYadams Friends getaway
2
Not Good
Pros:

To begin, I stay at many hotels and this is the first time I’ve ever written a review
1. Called before I booked and asked about parking, was told there is valet and spots. There was no parking when we arrived and had to park a few blocks over.

2. Got charged $360 for “ruining sheets with blood” even though I never bled. Called every day for 4 days after to find out why, every day I was told I would get a call back the next day from the manager who I never heard from. Day 5 I called, I was offered $100 off the charge, this was never processed or returned to me. They did not give me evidence to this claim.

3. The younger gentleman working the reception was the only understanding person and tried escalating the situation, unfortunately the management of this hotel is terrible. Super shady activities

2026-07-31 via Tripadvisor
Y
Yue solo_traveller us
8
Yes
Pros:

Convenience

Cons:

No house keeper

2026-07-22 via Nuitee
A
Avi solo_traveller il
7
Cons:

לא מנקים את החדר כל יום.
אפילו שתיאמנו ניקוי וסידור חדר זה לא בוצע.

2026-07-16 via Nuitee
N
Noel couple us
10
2026-07-14 via Nuitee