Name: Kings Inn
Address: 1333 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley, San Diego, California, United States of America, San Diego, San Diego County, US
Price range: $66–$228 per night
Rating: 8.4

What guests think

At Kings Inn, travelers consistently mention friendly staff, a fun retro vibe, and a convenient location near San Diego attractions, while noting trade-offs like thin walls, small bathrooms, and a recurring $15 parking fee.

The pool and hot tub are well kept, and the on-site Waffle Spot and Amigo Spot earn frequent praise. Cleanliness is generally good, though several guests report gritty floors, occasional odors or mold, and other minor upkeep issues. Overall, expect a simple, value-focused stay with character and a few trade-offs.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Well maintained pool and hot tub; on-site restaurants are convenient and popular. Parking costs $15/night, the gym is small or gets busy, and some buildings lack elevators.

Related guest reviews

6

Angelica

Oct 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Initially got this place because it said there’s a bar but it was closed during my stay. Also there’s no elevators soooo had to use stairs a lot. I did like I could buy some drinks/snacks in the middle of the night. It was a bad place to stay… overall ok:)

10

Patrick

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Clean. Quiet. Excellent location. Great check-in and staff. Beautiful pool and jacuzzi. Easy parking.

10

Heydi

Oct 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stay here every time we are in San Diego. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The pool is well maintained. The Waffle spot has the best waffles we’ve ever had!

10

Jeremy

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check-In Staff were very friendly, the room and property are kept in excellent condition and very clean. Our room was fantastic, we had an empty fridge which was very appreciated. The windows actually open so enjoying the nice breezy weather was a great plus. Bed and pillows were very comfortable as well. The gym only has a few machines and when we tried to visit it between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning it was already full. So we ended up doing a walk outside and around the property instead. We didn’t get a chance to eat at the property but there are restaurants available that seem very popular. The parking is also nice and convenient. Overall out of the 3 accommodations we stayed at in the San Diego area this week, we would come back to Kings Inn first on a return trip. Highly recommend!

10

Charles

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We frequently visit San Diego and the Kings Inn is an excellent choice in the Hotel circle area. The staff are personable and extremely helpful. The outdoor pool and hot tub are clean and convenient. The exercise room while small is well equipped. If you use public transportation there is a bus stop right at the entrance with easy connectivity to the Metro lines, Fashion Valley, and Old Town. The in-house restaurants have a different vibes. The Waffle House for breakfast has very generous servings of waffles, eggs, and country potatoes that should suffice for any appetite.

10

GIOVANNI

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We have passed this place up a few time while leaving San Diego on the way home. This is our first time staying and do plan on staying other times we stay in San Diego. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming. I was greeted with a happy smile at check in and it was a breeze. When we pulled up and parked in front of the Waffle King, my kids got excited and made that night even better. The rooms are clean with a modern thermostat (Digital). In the morning, while walking to The Waffle Spot that is connected to the Inn, we saw the staff cleaning the pool, filter and all. That was a great thing to see. The Waffle Spot is a MUST! Our second night, we did hear walking above us, due to us being in the second floor but that was no issue for us. We hear a lot more running and stepping at home. It is pretty close to food spots if you need something. The room does not have a microwave but there is one in the patio area by the pool. I really enjoyed the stay and you cannot beat that price. I read that some complained about the $15 fee for parkings but that is CHEAP compared to a lot of other places out there. I loved the fact that I got an email letting me know about the $100 deposit and $15 parking/security fee. That really doesn't happen with places nowadays. One more thing, if you do go to the Waffle Spot, let them know you are staying at the Knights Inn for a 10% discount.

8

Sophie

Aug 23, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Parking was a surcharge of $15/night. The stay was much more expensive for a 2-star hotel. No microwave included in the room. Other than that, the room was clean.

10

Jeremy

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pool, the hot tub, and the beds are all amazing.

8

Lawrence

Jul 29, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

The location worked out well for us given that it's centrally located for what we were there to do on our trip. The pool looked nice, but a bit noisy. The gym facility was not so great and when the water tank wasn't working, there was no place to fill our water bottles.

8

Mistlina

Jul 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Have stayed at Kings Inn many times. We love the pool and the location. It is quiet after 10 pm at night. The rooms are nice, renovated. Only issues are the parking fees, dirty floors, and no microwave in the rooms. There is a microwave in the laundry room so we used that. The front desk agent was super nice helping us solve a financial issue. Overall this is a good hotel for the price and area. Super convenient to all San Diego attractions. Bonus- they have pool toys!

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Cleanliness

Overall cleanliness gets many compliments. Recurring complaints cite dirty or gritty floors, occasional odors or mold, and inconsistent bathroom upkeep.

Related guest reviews

10

Krystal

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Front desk super friendly and helpful! Room was clean. Super family friendly. Will stay again.

8

Heidi

Nov 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Not spotless

10

Felicia

Nov 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Amazing. Clean. Presentable and spotless. Towels had such minimal linting and weren’t all crazy rough. I can’t get over how good this was. Plus the discount for mid week scheduling was so good

4

Alberto

Oct 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The floors in my room were filthy dirty. My feet were black within 10 mins after I took my shoes off. The amount of flying bugs in the room was disgusting. I had to sleep in my car. The front door has several gaps allowing bugs to fly into the room. Al the bed pillows were filled with bugs. Simply disgusting!!!!

4

sergio

Oct 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

They simply do not clean the bedroom floor. Don’t dare walking without your shoes on or you’ll find out right away.

8

OSCAR

Jul 31, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We have stayed here many times. We really enjoy the pool and personal is very nice. The only complaint I have which is why I didn’t give them a five is that the room floors were filthy we couldn’t walk barefoot we always had to have shoes on, especially before we went to bed. We had to clean our feet very well as to not dirty the linens. It seemed as though the floors were swept, but not mopped even the bathroom but overall we always enjoy a stay there.

8

Precious

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This room was clean but the shower curtians were gross. The lobby also had a funny smell. But all in all the room was decent.

10

Ana

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel was clean and well maintained. Rooms remodeled but mattress not best and rooms smelled a bit. Overall great experience, we had a short stay.

6

Ebenezer

Apr 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was a blood stain on one of the pillows and hair on the pillow and in the sheets.

4

Nydia

Apr 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

My shower had mold. It was loud and the people we were connected to felt like they were in the same room as us. Bed was very uncomfortable.

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Rooms

Retro-updated rooms suit short stays, but bathrooms and sinks run small, some beds are firm, and soundproofing is weak with freeway or neighbor noise.

Related guest reviews

8

Laura

Oct 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Of the 3 times we’ve stayed here this room was my least favorite. Mostly due to the layout of the bathroom. It eyes an executive room with a balcony ( this was nice 👍) but the bathroom was not as nice as the other two lesser priced room’s we’ve stayed in. We will be back but not staying again in the Executive room.

10

Karina

Aug 29, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel was great, only thing is that our room was quite smelly.

8

JANET

Aug 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

very busy has gone down in quality since last visit one bed squeaked very bad like a spring was broken. Clean and new frig worked well.

8

Andrew

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very clean but had very small bathroom sink and shower. The staff was very friendly and plenty of parking

8

Jai

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Wall too thin

6

patrick

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spacious clean room. The hardest most uncomfortable bed I've slept on in a long time. Very thin calls and floors, hard time sleeping with people above. $15 for parking!! That's absurd, it's a motel with a HUGE private parking lot. should be free like other motels/hotels in the area. Nice large pool and fairly good Mexican restaurant on site.

10

Rachelle

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I love their pool. The rooms are nice but not soundproof from outdoor noise or neighbors. Its a bit outdated. But the rates are good and our stays are always comfortable. Its so close to old town.

8

Clyde

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Weather was perfect out so we went to the pool. Had to take our towels from the bathroom because all the pool towels were used up....We think.. We did see a towel being used by people that had a brown strip on it and there were some in the return bins. This was around 3pm and a lot of people were checking in and waiting to use the pool. The room was cool... The bed was a little too hard for our liking though. We would defiantly stay here again if the pricing stays similar which was very reasonable.

6

lisha

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall is good! Good service and clean place. The only problem is this hotel is very close the road, you can hear the traffic noise from the main road.

8

Jacqueline

Jun 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was fine, bathrooms are a little small.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful. A few guests reported curt or unhelpful front-desk interactions and rigid check-in.

Related guest reviews

2

James

Oct 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Customer service from night manager was terrible. He doesn’t care about the hotel’s clients.

10

Jeremy

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check-In Staff were very friendly, the room and property are kept in excellent condition and very clean. Our room was fantastic, we had an empty fridge which was very appreciated. The windows actually open so enjoying the nice breezy weather was a great plus. Bed and pillows were very comfortable as well. The gym only has a few machines and when we tried to visit it between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning it was already full. So we ended up doing a walk outside and around the property instead. We didn’t get a chance to eat at the property but there are restaurants available that seem very popular. The parking is also nice and convenient. Overall out of the 3 accommodations we stayed at in the San Diego area this week, we would come back to Kings Inn first on a return trip. Highly recommend!

10

STACEY

Oct 6, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I have stayed here several times. Such a quaint hotel. The staff is always so nice. I definitely recommend this place and plan to stay again in the future.

10

Beatriz

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff were courteous and friendly. The rooms were clean. Overnight parking was a bit much, as it should be included with room rate.

10

Yolanda

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was very friendly and helpful! At the hotel and at the Waffle Spot. Rooms were clean. Easy check in and out process. I would stay there again.

10

James

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Have stayed here several times before. Quiet and easy access to all freeways. Downers are no free breakfast and you have to pay for parking. But they tell you that ahead of time, so it's your decision to make.

2

shokooh

Jul 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We arrived at 2 o’clock, and surprisingly, the front desk didn’t even greet us. When I asked about check-in, the receptionist bluntly said, “We don’t have any available rooms right now, come back later,” which basically meant after 4 PM. We returned at 5 and finally received our key. As soon as we entered the lobby, we were hit by a strong, unpleasant odor—it smelled overwhelmingly like a public restroom. It created an immediate sense of discomfort and made a terrible first impression. I didn’t know the rooms were arranged around a central yard. That setup was fine in theory, but the real issue was the noise. Our neighbors—five people—were talking loudly well into the night, and their TV was on the entire time. We could hear every single word as if they were right in our room. It was impossible to get any sleep. This was by far one of the most uncomfortable stays I’ve ever had. Between the terrible smell at reception, the lack of soundproofing, and the poor customer service, I would not recommend this hotel.

10

Vicki Lynn-Jackson

Jul 8, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The property was something out of the MAD MEN set! It is great honestly and the photos in the Expedia ads are why I chose this hotel - They HONESTLY depict what you will see when you arrive! The staff (even late) was super nice, attentive and helpful. I have a bad elbow and my room was on the second floor. There wasn't an elevator in the lobby so the check-in staff asked if he could help me.... I was taken to the elevator (which was a gate close model - classic!) and escorted to my room - You cannot beat service like this! I stayed in the hotel for 5 nights/6 days - there was a clean/vintage bathroom with tub and shower - Clean towels/hairdryer/shampoo/conditioner/bodywash on the wall in the shower (so you do not need to bring your own, it was a good brand) - The bed was perfectly made with 4 pillows and an extra blanket if needed. Rooms include a large mirror for getting ready and the closet doors are mirrored - TV is the only amenity that was a bit aged in the room - a flat screen but not smart BUT if you have a portable Roku stick you are still good to go! - Also included are a side chair and table, two night stands and a work desk - it was perfect for my work trip! The Pool is also very nice and there were a number of tables w/umbrellas or loungers for sunning. I did use both for 1 day of my trip. Last item - UBER picks up SUPER quick from this location - there is a VERY high end mall less than 1.5 miles from the hotel just ask the staff! (good food and shopping!)

10

Jeremy

Apr 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Front desk people were amazing

8

Samuel

Feb 21, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is great! Gym, pool, rooms, restaurants and clean. Beds comfortable! Parking is only $15 per night. The service desk people are niceish but strangely not very helpful. You will have to call the front desk way more then you need too. Finding your room the first time is not easy because they give you a map and just say go. They could easily walk you through it and you wouldn’t have to call down at all. Then if you ask what they think is a “dumb” question. There was two people there who acted like I was the worst person that ever lived lol I heard them checking in a couple and saying no fighting, screaming of any kind etc. They have security guards going around and felt safe and fine at the hotel!

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Location

Centrally located on Hotel Circle with quick freeway access to Old Town, the zoo, beaches, and downtown. Limited walkable options and some freeway noise are noted.

Related guest reviews

10

David

Oct 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We love the fun retro vibe of the hotel. It's close to everything. We will stay here again when in San Diego area.

8

Pierre

Oct 22, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice place. A bit old but rooms were clean. Beds were good. Good restaurant. People at the front desk were very nice and helpful. Situated near old town and not very far from the cruise port and the airport. Nice place for a short term stay.

10

Laura

Aug 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This was our second time staying here! A very nicely updated little motel with a retro feel! Comfortable bed and nice size room, conveniently located on Hotel Circle off the 8 freeway so it’s convenient to get to all the San Diego attractions!

10

Timothy

Aug 26, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

This is a good property to stay. Convenient to the Zoo and highway access for the Safari Park. Room was clean, service was excellent, and onsite food was good as well.

10

Jeffery

Aug 22, 2025

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Stayed 3 nights

Amazing location…we went to so many different spots in San Diego and nothing was more than ten miles away. Great character to the place, yep it’s a little dated but that’s the charm of the place.

8

Bert

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We went to SDCC and it was perfect. On the shuttle route and perfect for the trip.

6

lisha

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall is good! Good service and clean place. The only problem is this hotel is very close the road, you can hear the traffic noise from the main road.

10

wanda

Jul 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Right close to beaches and seaworld and old town. Right off interstate 8 very convenient.

8

Cheryl

Jul 6, 2025

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Stayed 1 night

Great location and close to downtown San Diego, and quiet. Delicious waffles, and great pool area.

8

Lot

Jun 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super close to the freeway and old town San Diego, Balboa park. Easy access to freeway

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Dining

The Waffle Spot and the Mexican restaurant are widely praised for tasty, reasonably priced meals. Hours can be limited at times and breakfast is not included.

Related guest reviews

10

Heydi

Oct 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We stay here every time we are in San Diego. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The pool is well maintained. The Waffle spot has the best waffles we’ve ever had!

10

Mark

Sep 3, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This is my local staycation spot. Reasonable rates and nice clean deep pool and hot jacuzzi with strong jets. Both restaurants have great food at great prices. I refer this place to visitors from out of town.

10

Gerardo

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The breakfast at Waffle Spot!!!

8

paulino

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Reno’s look good. Restaurant closed though

10

Kevin

Aug 16, 2025

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Stayed 2 nights

The accommodations were very nice for the cost. The restaurants were both excellent food and service. And a shout out to both maintenance workers who took time to assist us with trying to jump our car battery!

10

Dennis Wendell

Aug 12, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The two restaurants on site are absolutely fabulous! The food is excellent and the staff is very friendly and accommodating!

10

Elizabeth

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Super charming mid-century motel with a lovely central pool area and cute, clean rooms. The Waffle Spot and Amigos Cantina are both great, right on the property (although it was a bummer that the Cantina was closed on Sunday). Overall a perfectly lovely stay, and would definitely return.

6

Andrew

Jul 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Hotel was nice overall. Didn’t notice before booking that there was no continental breakfast included. There was also a $15 per day parking fee. There’s a restaurant on site with good food, but it’s not exactly cheap. 1 adult and 2 kids for breakfast ran me about $70 with tip after the 10% discount for staying at the hotel. The second morning we ate elsewhere. Wasn’t a bad stay, just probably would chose somewhere else with free breakfast and parking next time.

10

tiffany

Jun 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was perfect for what we needed it for . We were out of state going to Sea World and needed a place for a few nights . Check in was fast simple . Staff was nice and there was a Mexican restaurant that had really good food .

8

Alicia

May 8, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

On site restaurant, Amigo Spot, had great food and service

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$87
February	$96
March	$106
April	$102
May	$108
June	$135
July	$173
August	$127
September	$102
October	$106
November	$91
December	$87

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14 $97	15 $100	16 $72	17 $98	18 $144	19 $157
20 $93	21 $84	22 $95	23 $95	24 $113	25 $176	26 $182
27 $85	28 $81	29 $81	30 $84

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $97	2 $205	3 $228
4 $89	5 $85	6 $85	7 $90	8 $101	9 $199	10 $205
11 $111	12 $89	13 $90	14 $87	15 $66	16 $156	17 $148
18 $66	19 $66	20 $66	21 $66	22 $77	23 $142	24 $130
25 $66	26 $66	27 $66	28 $72	29 $72	30 $125	31 $109

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Executive Level

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Pool View, Poolside

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Pool View, Poolside

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Kings Inn

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Prices for upcoming dates