Balboa Park Hotel Downtown Little Italy, San Diego ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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Key details

About the Hotel

410 Elm Street, San Diego, California, United States of America, CA 92101

Balboa Park Hotel Downtown Little Italy is situated in the vibrant Downtown San Diego district. This area is known for its rich cultural history and proximity to numerous attractions, making it a key destination for visitors. The hotel offers convenient access to significant sites like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Its strategic location places it just 1.5 miles from the San Diego Convention Center, enhancing its appeal for both leisure and business travelers.

Location

The hotel is located approximately 1 miles from the Maritime Museum of San Diego, ideal for history enthusiasts. It is also 2.5 miles from the renowned San Diego Zoo, making it a strategic choice for families. The nearest airport is San Diego International Airport, providing ease of access for travelers. Public transportation options are available within 1 miles, facilitating easy travel around the city.

Rooms

All units in the hotel feature air conditioning and are equipped with modern amenities. Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a coffee machine for guest convenience. The double rooms come with additional features like a microwave and tile or marble flooring. In addition, the twin rooms are designed with kitchenettes, catering to extended stays and added comfort.

Eat & Drink

The hotel provides in-room facilities such as a tea/coffee maker and microwave, allowing guests to prepare light meals and snacks. Nearby dining options in Little Italy offer a range of culinary experiences from local to international cuisine. Guests can explore various restaurants and cafes just a short walk from the hotel. The hotel’s location promotes an easy access to authentic dining experiences typical of the San Diego area.

Leisure & Business

Balboa Park Hotel Downtown Little Italy accommodates both leisure and business needs. Guests can enjoy leisure activities nearby, such as visiting the nearby San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum. Business travelers benefit from the hotel’s proximity to the San Diego Convention Center and San Diego-Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station. Recreational opportunities and cultural sites in the Downtown area are easily accessible for enriching experiences.

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

San Diego1700 ft

Airports

San Diego International (SAN) 2.6 mi

El Cajon (CJN) 15.8 mi

Train

Coaster Santa Fe Station4000 ft

Santa Fe Depot4000 ft

Bus

Bus stop400 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Modern & Clean!

“The room was impeccably clean, boasting modern decor and plenty of storage space, making it very comfortable for my stay.” view full review

Super Comfy Beds!

“I absolutely loved the bed! It was large and exceptionally comfy, ensuring a great night's sleep after exploring the city.” view full review

Convenient Amenities

“The bathroom was well-appointed with ample towels and a refreshing shower, which made my morning routine hassle-free.” view full review

Perfect Kitchenette

“Having a small kitchenette with a fridge and sink was a game-changer. It allowed me to prepare light meals and snacks whenever I wanted!” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
VIP check-in/ -out

Services

Housekeeping

Location

410 Elm Street, San Diego, California, United States of America, CA 92101

Map view

street view

410 Elm Street, San Diego, California, United States of America, CA 92101

City landmarks

Zoo

San Diego Zoo

1.6 mi

Museums

USS Midway Museum

1.5 mi

Mall

Seaport Village

1.5 mi

Museums

San Diego Museum of Man

1.0 mi

Museums

Maritime Museum of San Diego

1.1 mi

Museums

San Diego Air & Space Museum

1.6 mi

100 Park Blvd

Petco Park

1.5 mi

Monuments and Landmarks

Little Italy

3200 ft

Museums

San Diego Natural History Museum

1.3 mi

1350 El Prado At the San Diego Museum of Man

California Tower

1.0 mi

Museums

The New Children's Museum

1.1 mi

Museums

Mingei International Museum

4000 ft

Museums

San Diego Firehouse Museum

2300 ft

Mall

Westfield Horton Plaza

4200 ft

Convention Center

San Diego Convention Center

1.3 mi

Museums

Fleet Science Center

1.3 mi

Mall

Horton Plaza Park

3600 ft

Train stations

Santa Fe Depot

3900 ft

2115 Park Blvd

Veterans Museum and Memorial Center

3800 ft

Square

Piazza Basilone

2500 ft

2131 Pan American Plaza Balboa Park

San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum

2900 ft

Church

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church

3000 ft

Harbor Drive & G Street

U.S.S. San Diego Memorial

4400 ft

Museums

Museum of Photographic Arts

1.2 mi

Museums

The San Diego Museum of Art

1.1 mi

Museums

San Diego Automotive Museum

1.4 mi

Botanical Garden

Botanical Building

1.2 mi

Museums

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

1.2 mi

Museums

Timken Museum of Art

1.2 mi

Nearby

Church

St. Joseph Cathedral

1500 ft

Restaurants

Balboa Bar and Grill

700 ft

1863 5th Ave

Cocina 35

2100 ft

1435 6th Ave

Pappalecco

2600 ft

1602 State Street

Papas and Tacos

2600 ft

2239 1st Ave

Kebab Shop Little Italy

2700 ft

303 W Beech St

Napizza

3500 ft

1702 India St Ca

Lofty Coffee Little Italy

2900 ft

444 W Cedar St

Not Not Tacos

3300 ft

550 W Date St Suite B

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

86%

liked the hotel and would stay again

Impressive cleanliness

Helpful staff

Limited dining options

Tight parking

8.6/10

Great

Rooms

8.2

Location

10.0

Service

9.2

Dining

6.0

Ben

United States of America, January 2025

8.8/10

I had a really enjoyable experience at this hotel. The staff, especially Stephanie and Edgar, were incredibly helpful and made me feel welcome throughout my stay. The hotel's cleanliness was impressive, especially the shared bathrooms, and the beds were super comfortable for a good night’s sleep. The location is fantastic, with easy access to attractions like Balboa Park and Little Italy. My only gripes were that the dining options could be more robust, and the parking situation, while adequate, was sometimes a bit tricky during peak hours.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were comfortable and clean, and I appreciated the different sizes available for families and individuals alike.

Service

10.0

The staff provided exceptional service, always willing to assist with local recommendations for dining and attractions.

Location

10.0

The hotel is conveniently situated near key attractions, making it easy to explore the area on foot or via public transport.

Dining

6.0

While there were local dining options nearby, I found the hotel’s dining amenities to be somewhat lacking in variety.

Facilities

8.0

The shared bathrooms were well-maintained, ensuring a hygienic experience, which I appreciated during my stay.

Charles

United States of America, January 2025

8.2/10

I had a great experience at this hotel, with attentive staff and exceptional cleanliness throughout the facility, especially the shared bathrooms. The location made it incredibly easy to explore nearby attractions like Balboa Park and Little Italy. The comfortable bedding ensured a good night's rest, while the efficient check-in process was a fantastic start to my stay. However, I wish the dining options were more diverse, as there weren’t many food choices on-site.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were well-maintained and had a nice modern touch, which I really appreciated. The comfortable beds contributed significantly to my restful nights.

Service

9.0

The staff, especially Stephanie and Edgar, were genuinely helpful and provided valuable local tips, enhancing my overall stay.

Location

10.0

The hotel is perfectly situated near several attractions and dining options, which made it super convenient for getting around.

Dining

6.0

While the on-site dining was limited, I enjoyed being so close to local dining options. I just wished there were more variety available within the hotel itself.

Facilities

8.0

The shared facilities, particularly the bathrooms, were clean and well-maintained, which I found very comforting.

Fred

United States of America, December 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful experience at the hotel, especially thanks to the remarkable staff who were attentive and knowledgeable about local attractions. The hotel's cleanliness exceeded my expectations, particularly the shared bathrooms, which were well-maintained. I really appreciated the modern decor that created a welcoming vibe. The only downside was that the dining options felt limited, and some noise issues came from nearby streets at times.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were well-appointed and modern, making my stay quite pleasant. The bedding was particularly comfortable, and I appreciated having various room sizes to choose from.

Service

9.0

The staff, especially Stephanie and Edgar, were incredibly helpful and provided great local recommendations, which enriched my stay. Check-in was effective and straightforward.

Location

10.0

The hotel is conveniently located near major attractions like Balboa Park and great dining options in Little Italy, which made it easy to explore the area on foot.

Dining

6.0

While the dining options were convenient, I found the selection a bit lacking, especially for breakfast.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel offered excellent shared facilities, like the laundry services and well-maintained bathrooms, which added to the convenience of my stay.

Ernest

United States of America, December 2024

9.0/10

I had a great experience at this unique hotel. The cleanliness was impressive, especially in the shared bathrooms, and the staff were incredibly helpful with local recommendations. The location was prime for visiting attractions like Balboa Park. However, the dining options could be expanded and the parking situation was a bit tight at times.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were comfortable and well-maintained, providing a cozy atmosphere for my stay.

Service

9.0

The staff were very attentive and knowledgeable, making my stay much easier.

Location

10.0

The hotel is ideally located near major attractions, making it super convenient for sightseeing.

Dining

7.0

While the dining options were satisfactory, I think a few more choices would enhance the experience.

Facilities

8.0

The shared facilities were clean and well-kept, contributing to a pleasant experience.

Impressive cleanliness

Limited dining options

Mark

United States of America, November 2024

8.4/10

I had a lovely time at this hotel! The staff truly made my stay memorable, especially with their helpful suggestions about local attractions. The cleanliness of the shared bathrooms was impressive and definitely added to my comfort. The location was fantastic, allowing easy access to nearby sightseeing spots. However, I was hoping for a bit more variety in the dining options, particularly for breakfast.

Rooms

8.0

The room was well-kept and provided great comfort for a restful night.

Service

9.0

I found the staff to be incredibly attentive and knowledgeable about the area.

Location

10.0

The hotel is excellently positioned near popular attractions like Balboa Park and Little Italy, making it easy to explore the city.

Dining

5.0

While the overall dining experience was pleasant, I felt that breakfast choices were somewhat limited.