The Boardwalk Hotel

Hotels
8.9 (242 reviews)
839 Santa Clara Pl , San Diego , US

Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Non-smoking throughout
Private parking
Private check-in/check-out
Accessible parking
Outdoor furniture
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Clean and comfortable rooms
Easy beach access
Good amenities
Cons:
Issues with cleanliness of bedding
Parking fee

Categories

Cleanliness
8.29
Some issues noted with cleanliness of bedding.
Service
9.26
Very friendly staff and accommodating service noted in multiple reviews.
Location
9.3
Excellent location close to beach, dining, and attractions.
Room Quality
8.75
Rooms are well-equipped and comfortable, with nice décor.
Amenities
8.78
Good amenities provided, such as beach gear rentals.
Value for Money
8.74
Considering the overall experience, good value is provided.
Food and Beverage
8.79
Dining options nearby rated positively.
Overall Experience
9.26
Overall positive experiences across several reviews.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 14:36

Property Description

Beach Proximity
Indulge in a beach lover's paradise with Sail Bay, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach just steps away from the hotel.

Comfort and Convenience
Relax in air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and some featuring a charming patio for your enjoyment.

Nearby Attractions
Explore nearby attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and Sunset Cliffs for a memorable stay.

Experience the best of Mission Beach at The Boardwalk Hotel. Book now for an unforgettable beach getaway.

Important information:

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.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 242 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.29
Service: 9.26
Location: 9.3
Room Quality: 8.75
Amenities: 8.78
Value for Money: 8.74
Food and Beverage: 8.79
Overall Experience: 9.26
D
DeGrande • family_with_children • us
10
We will definitely be back.
Pros:

We liked how close it was to the beach.

Cons:

The parking is very crammed for a SUV

2026-09-16 • via Nuitee
D
Damon • couple • us
7
Just average.
Pros:

Fun decor, and of course the private hot tub.

Cons:

Location is in a weird high traffic alley. Walls are thin.

2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
I
Isabel • couple • nz
10
2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jonas • extended_group • se
9
2026-09-05 • via Nuitee
M
Mario • couple • us
10
Pros:

The location was excellent and the rooms were clean. The front desk staff, Juliet, was also great and very accommodating. Would definitely stay here again in the future.

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
P
Penprapa • family_with_children • th
1
The property was nice but not well maintenance
Pros:

Close to the beach and safe for family with children

Cons:

-Not cleaned properly; thick dust over some of the furniture top.
-The automated flush didnt work properly.
-The worst of all was the shower drain caused shower room flooded.

2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
S
sabrina • solo_traveller • it
10
Pros:

Privacy

Cons:

Niente

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
E
Erin • family_with_children • jp
10
Great location, staff had great communication, sauna was amazing!
Pros:

Sauna, location, vibe

Cons:

Na

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • couple • us
9
Great property
Pros:

Location location location

Cons:

Parking was there but everyone took the handicap even without proper blue plates.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
W
Wendy • solo_traveller • us
5
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
M
Marco • couple • de
3
Pros:

Leider fast gar nichts, bis auf die Nähe zum Strand. Kostenloses Strandequipment.

Cons:

Sauberkeit, nicht wirklich… die laute Strassenlage (obwohl Seitenstrasse), Lage des Zimmers (Erdgeschoss mit Fensterblick auf Mülltonnen). Es ist ein komplett überteuertes Motel, kein wirkliches Hotel.

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
M
MATTHEW • couple • us
6
Great location. No frills. Comfy
Pros:

Location is great. Right between the berach and the bay. Close to restaurants and bars. Loved the use of rental equiptment right at the corner. Super easy and fun to hop on a beach cruiser.

Cons:

Our room was designed weirdly. Bathroom ws a very open concept. SHower water basically got everywhere

2026-07-16 • via Nuitee
E
Eileen • couple • ca
10
Perfect hidden gem - almost don't want anyone else to know!
Pros:

This was a last-minute splurge for a night away during a visit to see family in San Diego and we were blown away! The room far exceeded our expectations; the attention to detail was top-notch, and while there was no on-site staff, the staff were incredibly responsive through the messaging platform. We were so impressed and will definitely be booking again the next time we are in SD.

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
C
Christopher • couple • us
10
I would definitely make this a reoccurring vacation spot.
Pros:

Location was amazing. Room looks just like in the pictures.

Cons:

Water pressure was a little weak. Floor was a little dirty.

2026-06-24 • via Nuitee
R
Renatto • family_with_children • us
6
Location is great, but this isn’t a full hotel experience. It is very DIY.
Pros:

Rooms were well appointed with a fancy toilet and retro looking kitchen products.

Cons:

Smell in the room that lingered. Outdoor fireplace didn’t work. Some of the updated construction seemed shoddy. Closet door that wouldn’t stay in its rail. Sliding barn door that didn’t completely cover the adjacent room.

2026-06-23 • via Nuitee
R
Ruby • solo_traveller • us
10
Amazing
Pros:

Everything! LOVED The vintage look of room.

Cons:

Not enough parking 😔

2026-06-23 • via Nuitee
B
Brittany • couple • us
9
2026-06-17 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • extended_group • us
1
Unsafe
Pros:

Apartment style

Cons:

Horrible unsafe location. People doing drugs and partying outside our door. Felt very unsafe and connected to an alley. No help at front desk. No one there

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
A
Alise • family_with_children • us
8
We were happy with our stay and would likely stay there again.
Pros:

A 2 minute walk to the beach/boardwalk. It is a cute little boutique hotel and was overall modern and clean. Nice private outdoor patio. Dishes and modern appliances in mini kitchen to cook with. Fancy toilet with heated seat. All modern finishes, was overall comfortable and a nice stay. We were able to rent bikes for free with our hotel stay. Little outdoor shower to clean off sand.

Cons:

The pillows and pillowcases were musty smelling, which made sleeping a bit uncomfortable. The plants pictured are all plastic, which was fine, but not what I expected from pictures. Parking is very difficult and I didn't realize it would cost me an extra $30/per night until we were checking in.

2026-06-03 • via Nuitee
A
Angel • couple • us
2
Make sure you do your research before booking in places like these.
Pros:

It looks great in the pictures. It’s small

Cons:

The location is horrible, you have to reserve parking ahead of time to actually park at the hotel, for the price it wasn’t worth it.

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee