Pros

  • Convenient location near shopping and freeway
  • Adjacent to Riverwalk Golf Club
  • Large rooms with private patios or balconies
  • Quiet zones ensure no late-night or early-morning disturbances
  • Variety of on-site eateries with Pacific islands theme
  • Outdoor pool in waterfall-filled garden grounds
  • Meeting rooms and large ballroom for events
  • 24-hour business center
  • Small fitness center
  • Free area shuttle
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Cons

  • Dated decor throughout
  • In a busy, high-traffic area
  • Fee for Wi-Fi (but free for rewards club members)
  • Fee for self-parking
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Bottom Line

The upper-middle-range Crowne Plaza Hotel San Diego isn't an ideal spot for those hoping to walk to attractions, but its relatively central location right off the freeway makes it a convenient base for driving around the city. The tropical decor feels dated, and enforced quiet zones, the nearby golf course, and large rooms with ergonomic work chairs make the venue a fit for business travelers, but everyone has to sign up with IHG's rewards club (it's free) if they don't want to pay for Wi-Fi. The nearby Courtyard Marriott is a bit pricier, but it’s much more modern -- with free Wi-Fi for all. Just to the south in Old Town, BEST WESTERN PLUS Hacienda Hotel has interesting local flair and cheaper rates.

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Crowne Plaza Hotel San Diego – Mission Valley

Scene

Pleasant, Polynesian tropical motifs with patios and waterfalls can nonetheless feel dated.

Opened in 1954 as the Hanalei Hotel, the Crowne Plaza didn't abandon its original tropical decor when it became part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group. Like many properties in the Hotel Circle area, this one is a bit dated, but it differentiates itself with Polynesian themes -- including colorful wood carvings and outrigger canoes at every turn -- and a courtyard filled with tropical plants shading waterfalls and fish-filled streams. The pleasant sound of running water pervades the entire building, with a damp smell as the only trade-off.

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Location

Part of Hotel Circle in Mission Valley; accessible to many sights via car

Located on a busy street in Mission Valley’s Hotel Circle, a strip of hotels along 8 Freeway/Kumeyaay Highway, the hotel is not within walking distance of major sights, but offers easy access to the rest of San Diego by car. It's adjacent to the Riverwalk Golf Club, while Fashion Valley Mall is close by as well. San Diego’s Old Town is less than a 10-minute drive southwest, with its adobe buildings, Mexican restaurants, and touristy Plaza del Pasado. Downtown San Diego, as well as some of the area’s top attractions -- Balboa Park, La Jolla, SeaWorld, and Mission Bay, to name a few -- are all manageable drives away. San Diego International Airport is 20 minutes south by car.

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Rooms

Large rooms with work desks and free HBO

The Crowne Plaza’s rooms are more contemporary than the Polynesian decor found in the rest of the hotel, but they could still use a refresh. Floral print carpets and curtains with striped wallpaper and bulky, light wood furniture look dated. Some units have furnishings that are more sleek and modern. All rooms have desks with ergonomic chairs, coffeemakers, and free HBO on flat-screen TVs -- but mini-fridges are only available upon request. Large vanities with double sinks in many of the bathrooms are a welcome touch. Shower/tub combos look average. Private balconies or patios overlook the nearby golf course or courtyard pool. 

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Features

Sushi & Pupu Bar, an outdoor pool, and a free shuttle to nearby attractions

Amid water pouring down rock walls, tropical plants, and numerous little streams and ponds, the courtyard houses a heated outdoor pool and patio with covered seating. The hotel's 30,000 square feet of flexible event space include multiple meeting rooms and a large ballroom with on-site catering. There are a couple of dining options: The Islands Restaurant is the least interesting choice, with average casual Californian fare and a standard daily breakfast buffet that’s not included in room rates. More exciting is The Islands Sushi & Pupu Bar, a popular local joint specializing in sushi and Polynesian appetizers with tropical cocktails. Across from the bar, Kona Cafe & Market has to-go snacks and an espresso machine. A free shuttle service can take guests to Fashion Valley Mall, Riverwalk Golf Club, and Old Town.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Crowne Plaza Hotel San Diego – Mission Valley

Scene

Pleasant, Polynesian tropical motifs with patios and waterfalls can nonetheless feel dated.

Opened in 1954 as the Hanalei Hotel, the Crowne Plaza didn't abandon its original tropical decor when it became part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group. Like many properties in the Hotel Circle area, this one is a bit dated, but it differentiates itself with Polynesian themes -- including colorful wood carvings and outrigger canoes at every turn -- and a courtyard filled with tropical plants shading waterfalls and fish-filled streams. The pleasant sound of running water pervades the entire building, with a damp smell as the only trade-off.

See More Scene

Location

Part of Hotel Circle in Mission Valley; accessible to many sights via car

Located on a busy street in Mission Valley’s Hotel Circle, a strip of hotels along 8 Freeway/Kumeyaay Highway, the hotel is not within walking distance of major sights, but offers easy access to the rest of San Diego by car. It's adjacent to the Riverwalk Golf Club, while Fashion Valley Mall is close by as well. San Diego’s Old Town is less than a 10-minute drive southwest, with its adobe buildings, Mexican restaurants, and touristy Plaza del Pasado. Downtown San Diego, as well as some of the area’s top attractions -- Balboa Park, La Jolla, SeaWorld, and Mission Bay, to name a few -- are all manageable drives away. San Diego International Airport is 20 minutes south by car.

See More Location

Rooms

Large rooms with work desks and free HBO

The Crowne Plaza’s rooms are more contemporary than the Polynesian decor found in the rest of the hotel, but they could still use a refresh. Floral print carpets and curtains with striped wallpaper and bulky, light wood furniture look dated. Some units have furnishings that are more sleek and modern. All rooms have desks with ergonomic chairs, coffeemakers, and free HBO on flat-screen TVs -- but mini-fridges are only available upon request. Large vanities with double sinks in many of the bathrooms are a welcome touch. Shower/tub combos look average. Private balconies or patios overlook the nearby golf course or courtyard pool. 

See More Rooms

Features

Sushi & Pupu Bar, an outdoor pool, and a free shuttle to nearby attractions

Amid water pouring down rock walls, tropical plants, and numerous little streams and ponds, the courtyard houses a heated outdoor pool and patio with covered seating. The hotel's 30,000 square feet of flexible event space include multiple meeting rooms and a large ballroom with on-site catering. There are a couple of dining options: The Islands Restaurant is the least interesting choice, with average casual Californian fare and a standard daily breakfast buffet that’s not included in room rates. More exciting is The Islands Sushi & Pupu Bar, a popular local joint specializing in sushi and Polynesian appetizers with tropical cocktails. Across from the bar, Kona Cafe & Market has to-go snacks and an espresso machine. A free shuttle service can take guests to Fashion Valley Mall, Riverwalk Golf Club, and Old Town.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Airport Transportation

  • Beauty / Hair Salon

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.