Name: The Bristol Hotel San Diego
Address: 1055 First Avenue, Civic Core, San Diego, California, United States of America, San Diego, California, US
Price range: US$141–US$425 per night
Rating: 8.18

What guests think

Across recent reviews, The Bristol Hotel San Diego stands out for friendly staff, a central walkable location near Gaslamp and the convention center, and generally comfortable rooms, while recurring drawbacks include pricey parking, limited on-site amenities, and noticeable noise.

Many guests found the property clean, appreciated the valet, and several were pleasantly surprised by upgrades or late checkout. Common frustrations include inconsistent housekeeping, occasional bathroom maintenance issues (mold, low water pressure, or hot water delays), and intermittent Wi‑Fi or climate control problems. The surrounding area is convenient but urban, with some reports of unhoused individuals and safety concerns at night. Expect a straightforward downtown stay with standout service and trade-offs around amenities, noise, and parking costs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic: a decent gym and a well-liked lobby coffee machine, but no pool and no on-site restaurant. Parking is mainly paid valet or an adjacent garage, and valet can sell out.

Related guest reviews

8

Jose

1 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I did not like the fact that the only option for parking is valet and they charge you $42 a night for it. If it is the only option, then it should be free.

8

chariti

16 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location and a cute, boutique style hotel. No bar or restaurant, no real amenities though.

10

Maria

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is very clean and well kept up. Had a wonderful stay, very comfortable beds close to restaurants and Starbucks! The only thing the parking is over priced $42 a nite otherwise they have self parking for $30 which even that is overpriced

10

Melinda

11 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel is basic, but everything you need. Clean, modern, and tidy. I really appreciated being the guest of the day, it allowed me to check in early. No breakfast or pool, but there is a gym and a first floor sitting area. Area around has some spots to eat for breakfast as well as a nearby MTS station which was very convenient, but a lot of homeless and can get sketchy at night. For the price, this hotel is worth staying at for a few days.

8

Heather

20 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms are definitely not sound proof and the floors are oddly lacking in area rugs (I am a little confused as to why there was a long area rug under the chair and table of the room i stayed in instead of the beds, which personally i think would make the rooms feel more inviting and the interior design choices more intentional), but the gym is excellent and all the staff were absolutely lovely! So thank you very much for that!

8

Marin

1 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel room was moden and clean, just the shower was totally outdated and needs renovation. The gym was very good and hotel staff is very friendly.

10

Leighton

11 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Parking is kind of a pain, especially if you dont drive a small to medium size car. You actuality have to park in a garage adjacent to the hotel. Other than they, nice little hotel in a pretty good spot, being downtown.

8

Marina

16 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is in a convenient location to the gaslamp district. The staff was friendly and welcoming. The walls are thin and we could hear our neighbors conversation. Self parking is $30.00 and Valet is $42.00, the parking garage is secure so that was reassuring. I would stay here again.

6

Travis

19 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel is within walking distance to most key areas in downtown San Diego. Took me about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the convention center, gas lamp district, etc. The room was clean, and the decor was inviting. There isn't a whole lot going on at the hotel if you are looking for that type of experience. Some reservation websites indicate there is a restaurant and a bar/lounge located at the hotel but that isn't the case. Breakfast is not provided and no pool. But If you're primarily looking for a comfortable, clean room a short distance from popular attractions, this hotel is a great option.

10

Dan

18 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel has a wonderful coffee machine that makes 10 different kinds of coffee. I highly recommend their coffee. You don’t have to go to Starbucks you save a fortune!!!

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Cleanliness

Many guests report clean rooms, but cleanliness is inconsistent. Recurring issues include bathroom grout or mold and stray hair, with occasional odors or pests; housekeeping during stays is by request and sometimes missed.

Related guest reviews

2

Kasey

22 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

THEEE worst. I stayed here for a work trip. Figured I just needed somewhere to sleep and a short walk from my building. This hotel is nothing short of a nightmare. The day that I was to check in, I was informed there would be no water to repair a leak. Not a huge deal, except that they got the date wrong. The following day would be without water. You know, for showers and the like. Lovely. When the water was turned back on, it took over 15 minutes of running cold water to get it warm. I called asking if that was normal and was informed that because I was on the 9th (top) floor and they had low occupancy - wonder why - that yes, that's normal. Not at all wasteful. Sounds good. If you choose to stay here, just know that the heavy doors to each room have ZERO to slow or stop them from slamming, so you will hear that all night and most of the day. Also, you will surely get your steps in. I had to walk down a long hallway EVERY DAY to get to my room and find out that my key card doesn't work. So every day, I had to walk back down that hallway and downstairs to get a new key card. THREE.DAYS.IN.A.ROW. But hey, if you like very rough towels and filthy showers - like, wear-your-sandals-in-them kinda showers - you'll love it here

4

Sheri

9 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

When I originally looked at the hotel pictures, it looked completely different. I didn't even recognize it as it looked old and run down. A number of things in the room were rusting and the shower was clean but old and dated. The chairs had stains on them. The valet was great and the fitness center was fine. The location was great!

4

Annamarie

9 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel doesn’t tell you parking is separate from building and you have to pay $30 not including in your stay, wasn’t impressed by the shower has black marks all over the tile, other than that bed was super comfy and the surrounding area was great close by restaurants and stores.

8

Lara

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked the hotel and the location but one thing that was a huge turn - off was that i found a pubic hair in the sink after we checked in and it definitely was not mine. It's gross when you have to clean out a pubic hair from the last guest and it makes you wonder what else hasn't been cleaned well.

10

Claudia

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location in downtown San Diego, close to restaurants, walkable area. Also close to the stadium. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel itself was modern and very clean. We would definitely recommend staying here and we would stay here again

10

Rebecca

2 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean room! Staff is super friendly and helpful

2

Jovonny

3 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Dirty. Loud. Cheap with towels. Flooded toilet so cheap on maintenance. Cheap with hand soap. Smell attempted to be covered up by room freshener. Never will return. Avoid at all cost.

6

Ronny

24 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room 615. The bathroom felt dirty. The metal container that holds the soap/lotion is extremely rusty and old. It should have not been there, it should be in the trash and replaced. The vent above the shower needs to be cleaned and possibly painted. We also chased a cockroach across the room and killed it. I have pictures of both. However, the person that valet our car was very pleasant and helpful. He offered excellent customer service. Also, the person at the reception desk was cordial and attentive. She offered excellent customer service. The overall feel of the hotel was good and the personnel were very attentive. But I was really surprised that a rusty real terrible looking item was in the bathroom. The bottles of soap should probably be replaced, they look worn. One cockroach is one too many. This was a business trip and we used three of your rooms.

2

olivia

18 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

super dirty stains on blankets, sink has visible stains that could’ve came off if cleaned

2

Declan

10 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

My room had multiple bugs in it. The next day housekeeping was cleaning on my floor. I asked the house keeper who was only one door down to leave multiple towels — Not only did she not leave multiple towels. She didn’t even clean the room! I called front desk that night and their response was house keeping got busy so they couldn’t get to my room. Offered to clean it the next day, knowing that I was checking out. I had to then ask for towels. I was there for two nights. By night two the soap in the bathroom was empty! Meaning they didn’t even fill up the shower soap dispenser before I checked in. Also, prior to arriving I requested something in the room and one agent said they’ve taken care of it and when I went to check in the other agent said it wasn’t even in the notes. Poor stay all around. I want a full refund.

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Rooms

Rooms have comfortable beds and some updated decor, but noise from streets and corridors is common, and some rooms feel small or dated. Wi‑Fi reliability, hot water or pressure, and AC or thermostat performance are inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

10

Jorge

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

All good but wifi to slow and fail they need a stronger signal please

8

Cesar

19 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The thermostat and heating do not work per the front desk after check in

8

Levi

2 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

A little dated. Quite a bit of road noise even on the top floor. Area was nice and worked well for walking around.

10

Joan

7 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Beautiful boutique hotel with lovely people working there. Great beds. Would highly recommend.

8

Heather

20 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms are definitely not sound proof and the floors are oddly lacking in area rugs (I am a little confused as to why there was a long area rug under the chair and table of the room i stayed in instead of the beds, which personally i think would make the rooms feel more inviting and the interior design choices more intentional), but the gym is excellent and all the staff were absolutely lovely! So thank you very much for that!

2

Eric

2 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

I double checked my calendar, and it really is 2024. This recently renovated hotel has rooms with no wifi! I complained 4 times andd the hotel staff was absolutely powerless to fix the problem. I asked to change rooms, but, no, they couldn't do that. I asked for a refund, but no, they couldn't do that. Also inexplicably bad design choices - no desk! Insipid coffee from a machine offered in the lobby in the morning - no water or tea or cocoa.

2

Andrea

11 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A/C was out and it was super hot in all the rooms. Major inconvenience.

6

Karla

26 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The property appears to be remodeled and is very nice. The rooms are small especially for more than 3 people. The front staff was very nice with the exception of one young lady, that when asked why our room was not cleaned and towels refreshed responsed by saying, “maybe you should stay at another hotel.” The only critique I have is cleanliness, and obviously the rude girl. The bathroom had black mold. The rest of the employees were courteous and very respectful; especially Erick, the gentleman working valet. The hotel sits very close to the light rail which was a plus and about a 15 minute walk to the Gaslamp District. I probably would never stay there again.

6

Blessing

15 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

NOT SOUNDPROOF. THE CLEANERS WERE ALWAYS LOUD, banging on their equipment doors that affect their guests early in the morning. The street noise wasn'tthat bad but because if the. At nightI was there waiting for my passport to fly out. I could have rebooked while waiting, but I had to check out for my sanity.

6

Chris

5 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I really liked the two double bed rooms with two chairs and a table. Nicely laid out. What I did NOT like was I could not control the temperature of the room and it was very cold. AND there was zero hot water. My shower never got above room temp water. I let the water run for a 1/2 hour but still no heat at all.

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Service

Service is frequently praised as friendly, professional, and accommodating, including helpful valet and occasional upgrades. However, some guests encountered rude or unresponsive front desk interactions and unfulfilled housekeeping or VIP‑perk requests.

Related guest reviews

10

yvette

7 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was top-notch!.. friendly, helpful excellent customer service!... the valet Russell was wonderful!... I felt like a real VIP the entire time I stayed. The rooms are updated super comfortable. The location of the hotel is fantastic. Close to everything. I highly recommend this hotel.

10

George

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff at this hotel were exceptional. From the front desk to the housekeeping, everyone was friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-appointed. We will definitely be recommending this hotel to our friends!

2

Diana

31 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The front desk staff was rude (Jose). Didn’t have a first aid kit, and nobody was available to talk to when needed. We asked the front for sheets and never received anything. Phone was never picked up, hotel was never busy to not answer

10

Gabriel

2 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The young man at reception had excellent customer service. I didn’t catch his name but he was very informative and had great customer service skills. Made our stay enjoyable. Also the valet attendant was very kind as well.

6

Kristen

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We stayed 5 days and housekeeping never came to our room once.

8

Matthew

1 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The overall room and stay was good but the service from the front desk was not good it took 5 minutes for her to vome out of the office with a attitude. We went down and asked for extra pillows she had a attitude and told us she would have them brought up to us and we called two hours later to find out why no one answered and the pillows never came. I would hope theirs no emergency as theirs no one to take care of it?

10

Marcus

19 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Staff was really friendly and helpful

10

Jorge

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Valets were excellent. Front desk was helpful but needed more information on night time activities around the hotel. Overall stay was excellent.

2

Bryan

15 Feb 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I travel over 100 days/year. I had a business event in SD and I could have stayed at 50 places but I wanted to try the Bristol. I filled out their pre-arrival digital form (which is nice) requesting a quiet room with paid early check-in. I also called ahead to verify the quiet room and they said no problem. The bell/doorman was super friendly and helpful but my stay was terrible. 1. My room was next to the cable car transportation station so I heard a buzzing noise (horn) and train track rattles every few minutes so I barely slept both nights. I ended up getting sick due to lack of sleep. To me, this is unacceptable because they had many room options/locations to put me in and I would have waited if needed (as I explained when i called and checked in). 2. Day 2 was a repeat. No manager. My event was long so I left at 8 AM and got home around 11 PM each night. The 2nd night I also didn't sleep even with ear plugs, white noise machine, etc. Day 3 I politely asked for the manager but he wasn't in so I asked for a call. NOTHING. At check-out, the female was cold and said she would have the manager call for sure...but nothing. I called for 2 weeks and left voicemails but NO ONE Called me. 3. Restaurant was closed but they are charging full rates. This is not good business. I stay in SD monthly for work. I host events at hotels annually and I will never use Bristol again. More than disappointing!

6

Rodrigo

27 May 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Room was not cleaned despite asking for it, and lady acknowledging it

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Location

Central downtown location walkable to Gaslamp, the convention center, Little Italy, and transit. Some guests note street noise and a visible unhoused population that can feel uncomfortable at night.

Related guest reviews

8

Daniel

16 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Its a centrally located property if you have something to do near downtown or Gaslamp district. Unfortunately it is located near a court and bail bonds places, so it is a bit sketchy at night

10

Melissa

5 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel. Friendly staff. Hotel was in a nice area. Very clean and comfortable

10

Paul

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel was clean and great staff. Very easy walk to the convention center. Public transportation was also right there also.

8

Bonnie

24 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is our third stay at the Bristol. We like it because it's just around the corner from a trolley stop and there are various attractive dining options nearby. We like the Mendocino Farms Deli and the Corner Bakery Cafe. We travel to the area by train, so we have no experience with the valet parking. The Bristol is a few blocks from the Santa Fe train station, which you can reach by trolley or by walking. Downtown San Diego, like all big cities, has its share of street people. You will have to deal with the sight of them if you want to use the trolley or walk to other amenities in the area. I don't feel unsafe when I'm there, but your mileage may vary. We book a room with 2 double beds. We have found the beds to be comfortable. Our room this time was on the 7th floor, and we found it to be very quiet. The TV was probably about 55 inches and it worked well. The young woman who checked us in did not seem very happy to be there. We were the only guests in the front desk area at the time, but she did the bare minimum to check us in and seemed annoyed that we asked how to get to the elevator. Other than that, our stay was pleasant and we would happily stay at the Bristol again.

6

Anthony

22 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The property was conveniently located however there are a lot of unhoused people right outside the building and unfortunately, it felt very, very unsafe. I shouldn’t feel that I need to shuffle my family into the car to prevent anyone from approaching us.

6

Kay

10 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

This property had no frills but it worked for me and my brother (both adult males) for 3 days. The parking is $40 per night and it’s difficult to find street parking. We found parking on the next block for $30 per day. Also, the outside is a bit noisy in the mornings and there was yelling on the streets for at least two nights. There are lots of food options within a 10-15 minute walk but not much in the nearest blocks. I could stay here again if I’m alone or with my brother, but I’m not sure I’d choose this location with family. I mean no offense to people who live on the street but for your awareness, we regularly encountered people talking to themselves, people sleeping on the sidewalk, and we witnessed several physical altercations. If you can handle a no frills place with a short walk to food/entertainment, an area with expensive parking, and you are confident walking in this type of environment, this hotel may suit your needs.

10

Claudia

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location in downtown San Diego, close to restaurants, walkable area. Also close to the stadium. The staff was friendly and helpful. The hotel itself was modern and very clean. We would definitely recommend staying here and we would stay here again

10

Mark

24 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, quiet, convenient location to downtown. Walkable from Amtrak station, Seaport village, restaurants. Would definitely stay here again.

10

Lisa

7 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Enjoyed my stay in San Diego at The Bristol. I liked the location for its proximity to the convention center. It was an easy walk with access to local restaurants and grocery for necessities. Great to be able to walk to entertainment districts without the congestion of staying directly in those areas. Easy access to public transportation options.

10

Bruce

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great location; right in the middle of everything. Lots of restaurants nearby, as well as the bay. All the staff were very nice and quite pleasant.

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Dining

On-site dining is limited: no full restaurant or breakfast, and room service is minimal or unavailable; the lobby coffee machine is appreciated. Numerous restaurants and cafes are a short walk away.

Related guest reviews

8

Maria

21 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast not included but they had a nice coffee machine available at the lobby. Snacks and some frozen meals available for purchase

8

chariti

16 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location and a cute, boutique style hotel. No bar or restaurant, no real amenities though.

8

william

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Bed was comfortable. No food options just a quick snack area.

8

LYNN

20 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

There is not much open late night.

8

Janet

27 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The Bristol is a great hotel located within walking distance of so many of San Diego's 'must see' spots! Staff was friendly and professional. Room was comfortable and clean. A bit too much street noise for my liking but after a busy, fun filled day I was too tired to care. Price was comparable to others hotels in the area. Valet parking was less than other hotels. Excellent bakery/cafe one block over for breakfast and lunch.

8

marc s

20 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

No place in the hotel to get any type of food. But the room was great.

10

George

28 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything about the hotel was great, from staff at check-in and valet, to quality of the rooms. The one thing i would BEG you to reconsider is the coffee: is real coffe service (at least in the lobby) an option? Please????

6

Travis

19 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel is within walking distance to most key areas in downtown San Diego. Took me about 15 to 20 minutes to get to the convention center, gas lamp district, etc. The room was clean, and the decor was inviting. There isn't a whole lot going on at the hotel if you are looking for that type of experience. Some reservation websites indicate there is a restaurant and a bar/lounge located at the hotel but that isn't the case. Breakfast is not provided and no pool. But If you're primarily looking for a comfortable, clean room a short distance from popular attractions, this hotel is a great option.

10

Dan

18 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel has a wonderful coffee machine that makes 10 different kinds of coffee. I highly recommend their coffee. You don’t have to go to Starbucks you save a fortune!!!

10

Josie

9 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel has a bar but no restaurant.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$147
February	US$201
March	US$200
April	US$232
May	US$180
June	US$253
July	US$275
August	US$169
September	US$175
October	US$169
November	US$150
December	US$170

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18 $239	19 $254
20 $171	21 $171	22 $171	23 $171	24 $193	25 $261	26
27 $156	28 $142	29 $141	30 $142

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $193	2 $306	3 $306
4 $231	5 $231	6 $193	7 $193	8 $193	9 $216	10 $268
11 $425	12 $425	13 $425	14 $193	15 $193	16 $291	17 $291
18 $193	19 $194	20 $193	21 $194	22 $193	23 $217	24 $216
25 $156	26 $157	27 $157	28 $157	29 $157	30 $232	31 $232

The Bristol Hotel San Diego

Prices for The Bristol Hotel San Diego

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed (Cool)

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Primo)

Room, 2 Double Beds (Fab)

Room, 1 King Bed (Primo)

Suite, Accessible

Room, 1 King Bed (Fab)

Room, 1 Double Bed, Accessible (Primo)

Guest reviews of The Bristol Hotel San Diego

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about The Bristol Hotel San Diego

Prices for upcoming dates